HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0021.008 2018-2020 P1oREPc
COUNTY CLERK
comm. 21
COU i Y OF HAWAII
January 4,
2019 7019 JAN -7 AN 8: 414
Dear Council & other interested parties that are considering testimony to the rebuilding
of access to the lava stricken areas of Pahoa:
My name is David Burke & my spouse is John Davidson. We own a 32 and 4.5 acre
parcel in the Kipuka, (area of land closed off by fresh lava). Our property is on one of
the highest points on the rift zone and has a multi million dollar cell tower located on the
32 acre parcel. Our home burned down during the brush fire a few weeks before the
lava eruption ended. Although we had insurance that covered our loss of our home, we
have lost a huge investment above that in the area of$250,000. We are looking
forward to returning to rebuild a better home that is fire resistant and to rebuild our farm
we had started and to replace the over 175 fruit trees we lost during the event,`a
considerable investment but we are willing and look forward to replacing.
Of course, I think and hope there will be a permanent solution to opening HWY 132,
however in the short term I believe most neighbors would greatly benefit by opening a
temporary road through PGV. It is my understanding that PGV is considering this
option and the legality covering the liabilities issues are being worked out. It is also my
understanding that there is a faction of neighbors in the neighborhood who do not want
to open the area temporary for all to benefit right away to get supplies to their
farms. This is something I can not stand for and support and hope that you will not
listen to their request without considering all the benefits that will result for the rest of
the lava locked area. It is my understand that all of the roads in the area belong to Mr.
Lyman, they are not private in the respect that a few neighbors can dictate what access
and when access will be made available to those that are in dire need of access. PGV
is a very important part of the whole Island, the Cell Tower on my property is also a very
important investment that should be considered to have full and complete access
through PGV so they can keep cell phones and connectivity available as a public
necessity for safety and communications. The road would also help them in their
maintenance and reduce the chance of an accident while flying in for regular
maintenance and supplies.
I could not send this letter with the sole request for the upper access of HWY 132
without mentioning that there are many other areas that also do not have access to their
ro erties. There are Ka oho Farm Lots, the upper p p Pohoiki residents, and other
various "kipukas" in the area. All of these people seek the same as I do and have of
course paid their own fair share of taxes and should be considered in any plans to open
any roads in the affected areas. They all love their land, neighbors, and want the same
and it would be selfish of any to not include them in the discussions that are being
made.
In conclusion of my letter I would like to tell you a little bit about me and my spouses life
in Hawai'i. We moved here 2 years ago to begin a new life, a life dream of being
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farmers and finalized decisions that Hawai'i would be the best location, not anticipating
the danger our decision was placing us in. We purchased our 37 acres and began with
earnest in planting many fruit trees, over 175 to add to the existing 60 trees already on
our land. We started a cattle herd, 2 heifers and a bull calf, with hopes of growing the
herd for milking and making cheese and for beef. We turned 6 goats into 11 in a short
time after a successful birthing season, these for milking and cheese making as well as
consumption, 4 sheep became 8 in a short time, also growing for consumption. We had
over 75 chickens, producing a plethora of eggs that we were selling at markets every
week. We had a huge organic vegetable garden growing, tomatoes, cucumbers,
eggplants, chayote squash, green onions, leeks, green beans, squash, zucchini and
yellow, mustard greens, collard greens, beets, and so many more I can not even to
begin to remember at this time. Suffice to say, we were growing much more produce
than we could consume. We were also making orange marmalade, jaboticaba jelly, a
local favorite. We were baking fresh baked breads all to sell in the local farmers
markets under our company name, Kapoho Farms. Boy were we busy, but we were so
happy to get up and work at our own pace, we enjoyed meeting people, and were the
happiest I had ever been. I could go on forever. At last, the lava eruption began and
everything changed. All of our trees have died, except for a few, all of our animals have
been adopted through the SPCA. Our garden is done for. Our investment in our
Hawai'i dream was well over$800,000, we can not just walk away.
I hope you will consider my request with compassion for all that have been affected. As
I stated before, your consideration should consider all affected in a non-preferential
manner that will benefit all in a considerate manner. I place my trust that you will do
what is right as an elected official that has taken an oath that is equal and will make
decisions with everyone's needs considered at once. Please feel free to reach out to
me if you would like to talk personally, my phone number is 808-339-8466. You can
view my spouses Facebook page at John Davidson or Kapoho Farms. We have
documented all of our years work and progress.. Our porch was ground zero for CNN,
Civil Beats, and other various news outlets during the eruption. There are thousands
around the world that are watching us as we get access back to rebuild. They are still
sending 100's of post a day with wishes that we will get back to our dream. We are all
hoping for you and all that will make the decisions to make the very best you can.
Aloha to you and Mahalo in advance,
David Burke
John Davidson
14-3977 Pahoa Kapoho Road
Pahoa HI 96778