HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0153.003 2018-2020 P/Cowes t
COMM. I53
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
March 9, 2019
1919 HAR I 1 A11 10: 16
Nancy L. Seifers
14-4318 Kapoho Pahoa Highway
TMK 1-4-012-008-0000
To: Hawaii County Council
Re: Resolutions 90-19 and 91-19
Aloha, I am writing in support of Resolutions 90-19 and 91-19 I have been a taxpaying resident and
farmer in Kapoho, as well as serving as an educator in our local schools, for over 30 years. I lost I
house on my 13 acre farm to the brush fire yet my main residence stands pristine waiting for my return.
We need this disaster recovery money to be prioritized and focused on Lower Puna where the disaster
took place! We need this budget to include road recovery, access to Highway 132, 137 and upper
Pohoiki Road- temporary roads, up and over the lava. We displaced residents, families and farmers
are still in a state of emergency/disaster. A temporary road has,been done for Pohoiki Beach access,
open to the public, and PGV has successfully completed the road in to their plant. This must be done
for the many residents isolated off of 132 (more than 100+TMKs provided and petitions with over 3000
signatures in support), as well as upper Pohoiki Road and Hwy. 137, where taxpayers also want to
return home. Resolution 732-18 was passed unanimously by the County Council in Nov. and states
"Be it further resolved that building Highway 132 and identifying funding sources, obtaining road
easements,planning and engineering road construction should be the highest priority for the County
Administration." Aaron Chung was passionate about the road recovery for residents in his inaugural
address as incoming Chair of the County Council! Our newly elected Council members for Puna are
also strong advocates. Let us turn that Resolution in to action! Waiting until April 5 for our Mayor to
even begin access discussions or July 2019 for State funding is an incredible challenge for the residents
of Kapoho.
I had to fly in by helicopter in October and again in December at my own expense, to secure and
maintain my homestead, which I can no longer afford while having to relocate and start my life over. I
also hiked over the fissure in November for the first time, at 70 years old, to ensure that my home is
still safe, and continue to do so. The field is no hotter than the vents have always been in my orchards.
A major portion of Highway 132 still exists. My memories, fruit trees, family member's ashes,
treasures and life's work remain isolated and I want to go home. I had to come out of retirement and
return to work as an educator in order to handle the financial hardships of relocation.
We residents believe it is our government's civic responsibility and duty to protect and serve its
constituents. We ask that the Disaster Recovery money be granted and focused and prioritized on the
AFFECTED disaster area of Lower Puna! The funds are there to help us in the ROAD to recovery by
giving us a ROAD. We want to go home and begin to contribute to our local economy once again.
Please approve Resolutions 90-19 and 91-19!
With respect and gratitude,
Sincerely,
Nancy L. Seifers. MEd.
(808) 217-6628
nancyseifers@gmail.com
Comm. N I 0b'3
Ref. To: NIcounu1
Ref. Date MAR 12 21119