HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0021.005 2018-2020 P/GIE0C
OMR.
COUNTY CER1c
HAWAII
COUNTY Or
From: Jenny Bernard
To: Council Testimony ZU!9 JAN —7 U
Subject: Testimony regarding Highway 132 f8
Date: Saturday,January 05,2019 9:06:17 AM
Aloha-
As property owners in the area currently isolated by lava off of Highway 132,we are writing to urge the leadership of the
County of Hawaii to establish a temporary road as soon as possible over the lava-covered stretch of 132.The people in this
area are very self-sufficient farmers and ranchers,and many,if not most,are used to living off-grid.All they need(for now)is
A ROAD.That is the first step to regaining their lives and livelihoods.Without one,crops will rot,pigs will take over,
and lands will go untended.A road is essential so that we can begin the process of cleaning up and fixing the damage wrought
by brushfires and vandals.We will be unable to begin a true recovery until we have access.
We believe that the currently isolated area has enormous potential for Puna's future.Not only is it prime growing land,but it's
now situated as close as can be to the remnants of an eruption that fascinated the world.The new coastline holds treasures •
we've only begun to explore.With proper management and support,Puna could benefit greatly from this incredible new gift
from Pele.Please don't simply abandon this area;provide support to those who live there and are willing to do the hard work
of reviving their lands and community.
Along with other residents in the area,we are incredibly fortunate that our home is still standing and that our land has
not been inundated.And yet--we're unable to reach it without a costly helicopter flight.We've been patient with the post-
eruption recovery process,understanding that volcanoes are unpredictable and that funds need to be carefully allocated.But it
has now been months since the lava stopped flowing,and we strongly believe it's time to take the next step forward.
Clearly,a permanent,paved highway would be the ultimate goal,but given the urgency of the situation,we join others in the
community in requesting a temporary road that can be installed relatively quickly.We are writing this testimony in support of
Bill 10 and Communication 21 as we are unable to attend the January 8 County Council meeting in person.
Mahalo Nui Loa
Jennifer Bernard
Scott Wright
TMK 1-4-014-006
Highway 132 Mile Marker 6
Comm. No 21+6
Ref. To: tI GE1C.
Ref. Date JAN 0 7 2019