HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0715.005 2018-2020 COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAIII
RECEIVED
Mon 2/3/2020 10:42 AM Time '1;14 am
Frank demes<doc.lernes r-nail.corn> Date FEB 0 3 2020
Hakalau and Kolekole Beach Parks
To: counciltestimony@liawaiicounty,gov
Council Chair,
I am writing to strongly urge the county council to do everything possible in their power with the
goal of opening Hakalau and Kolekole beach parks as soon as possible. I lived in Halcalau from
2010 until 2018 and was blessed to get to raise my young children with Hakalau beach park just
a quick drive from our neighborhood. Most of my family's best memories during that time were
down at Hakalau beach where we would go on a daily basis to check the surf, fish, play with
other neighborhood kids, swim in the lagoon or just to explore. My sons developed a sense of
self confidence and independence during these daily visits that I am so grateful for.
Towards the end of our time in Hakalau the road down was closed due to the issues with
undermining of the bridge and then supposedly an issue with lead levels. Because of this we
were not able to visit as frequently, unless we took the old stairway down, which was overgrown
and covered with fire ants. This was a huge loss for my children and my family and changed the
dynamic of our neighborhood and the surrounding areas.
We decided to move back to Oahu in early 2018 for job and educational opportunities for my
family, however I wonder if we would have done so if we still had Hakalau beach park as an
important part of our daily family life.
Please help bring back Hakalau and Kolekole for the children and families of the Hilo area and
Hamakua coast. They are truly cherished places that need to be preserved and enjoyed.
Respectfully,
Dr. Frank Lemes, MD
Comm. No. 'J'
Ref. T : P
Ref. Date F:CR _4 22o