2020-02-07 Letter to Ryan I Yamane and Chris Todd Relating to HCR 37 Reconciliation (2)

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��sv,or„� Roy Takemoto �o. ../••••• Managing Director •1ti��j Harry Kim •: � .• t tat or "' - <: +: Barbara J. Kossow *E oF'M►�' Depnty Managing Director County of Hawai i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 February 7, 2020 Representative Ryan I. Yamane, Chair Representative Chris Todd, Vice Chair Committee on Water, Land and Hawaiian Affairs Dear Chair Yamane, Vice Chair Todd, and Committee Members: RE: HCR 37 Requesting the Governor to convene a blue-ribbon reconciliation commission to examine and formulate a reconciliation process relating to issues of past, present, and future importance to the Native Hawaiian people, the State of Hawaii, and the United State of America HCR 37 is a recognition of a deeply painful history of intrusions on the First Nation of Hawaii, which today are reflected in issues that include, but are not limited to, Maunakea. It is about the wrongs done to indigenous people of the world whose scars remain fresh. It is also about Hawaii being globally recognized as a cultural and natural treasure, a place on this earth where people live together peacefully and respectfully in harmony with each other and with nature, a beacon of hope, the gift of aloha that makes us who we are. I usually try to avoid being overly dramatic, but I think HCR 37 may be one of the most important measures that this Legislature will consider this year. I thank the author for introducing it and hope it will be viewed as a great opportunity to understand and address wrongs of the past, to make us a better people and place. Please give HCR 37 your enthusiastic support. Respectfully Submitted, i4-----1(/‘/ ` P' r Harry Kim MAYOR County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.