HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed amendment PC Rule 8 & 9 D. Kenison, Kauhako Ohana Association Testimony 05.30.23 From: Damien Kenison
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 8:48 AM
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: OPPOSE Item 1, Rules 8 and 9
Attachments: oppose proposed amendment.docx
Aloha no kakou, I have attached my testimony in opposition to the Agenda item 1 proposed amendment to rules 8,9
Mahalo,
Damien Kenison
Kauhako Ohana Association
1
KAUHAKO OHANA ASSOCIATION PO Box 38, Honaunau, HI. 96726
KOA (808) 987-9149
IFnamamo@vahoo.com
Aloha Leeward and Windward Planning Commission,
I am submitting this testimony in opposition to the agenda, item 1.The Planning Department's Shoreline
Setback of 40 ft. rule 8 and 9 for the following reasons.
Our South Kona reef system is a narrow shelf and Coastal Development severely impacts its growth
which the i'a,that we harvest for subsistence to feed our families and pass on traditions, rely on for
habitat and spawning. Any structure that is built too close to the shoreline will leech pollutants into the
ocean causing irreparable harm to our way of life.
Rule 8, in regards to Oahu and Maui, provides them with better protection as their setbacks are from
60-130 feet.The State's Initiative to protect our coral reefs and address the need for Climate Resiliency
is undermined by this proposal.
The families from Ho'okena, Miloli'I, Honaunau, and Napo'opo'o are striving to protect a way of life that
has been passed to us from our kupuna. We were taught that our existence depends on a relationship
with nature that is balanced and appropriate and have organized our communities to address the
pressures of uncontrolled, unsustainable actions by people who have no lineal ties to our home. We are
working with the DLNR to establish protections that will enable our keiki to survive in this world while
practicing their culture and embracing a way of life that honors those who came before us.
In addition to the inadequacies of this proposed amendment, rule 9 weakens protections for our sacred
archeological sites thereby degrading cultural ties to our one hanau.These proposed actions are
disrespectful, inappropriate and seems to benefit people and entities who exploit our 'aina without
thought for the possible negative impacts to our natural and cultural resources or our families.
These proposed amendments should not be passed and on behalf of our South Kona families we ask
that you reject this proposal.
Ke Aloha Nunui,
Damien Kenison—President
Kauhak6 Ohana Association
PO Box 38
Honaunau, HI. 96726
http://namamo9.wixsite.com/kauhakoohana