HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0639.001 2018-2020 Pt PwPt PVIMTC.
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From: Arigl Douvris
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimonial for the reopening of Pohoiki Road
Date: Monday, December 02,2019 11:32:22 AM
Aloha County of Hawaii,
This testimony today is to request the re-opening of Pohoiki Road. Our farmers, fisherman and
families of small businesses are still struggling beyond belief. My family farm has been out of
business since May 2018 due to the Kilauea eruption. Farming has never been an easy
occupation, let alone not having access to your work zone and home has made it impossible
for us and so many others. Our farm produced organic bananas, avocados and papayas that
helped support our local agricultural economy, at a time where most of our food on island is
being imported. Local sustainability and food security is a large aspect of the Pohoiki
community and Lower Puna in general.
My family farm land is still there, untouched by lava, however it is inaccessible to get there
because the roads are covered with lava. We need Pohoiki Road to be re-opened in the lava
inundated areas where many people used to live and work from and will hopefully be able to
return to. And we also need help to restore our farms infrastructure and equipment that have
been unmaintained and getting swallowed up by the weeds. There was mention about Puna
Strong grants to help rebuild our working community, will that be available soon? We need all
help available. Please understand our appeal for the urgency to get Pohoiki Road opened. We
thank you for your consideration and all of your efforts.
Mahalo,.
'John Douvris
Malama Homesteads
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Ref. Date DEC 3 2019