HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdditional Testimonies (6) 2025-03-10 Doug Carey through 2025-03-10 Susan Forbes TestimonyFrom:outages_office.0r@icloud.com
To:WPCtestimony
Subject:Written Testimony regarding Hawaii County General Plan
Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 10:55:12 AM
To the Windward Planning Commission:
I am writing to express my support for your positive recommendation of the Hawaii CountyGeneral Plan 2045 to the Hawaii County Council.
The General Plan represents years of thoughtful work, grounded in careful research, data
analysis, science, and community input. It thoughtfully integrates Hawaiian indigenousknowledge and values with best practices in modern planning to address the diverse needs of
our island community — from protecting natural and cultural resources to fostering economicopportunity and housing solutions.
The community feedback we’ve heard the last few months has been essential — and many
specific and thoughtful concerns have been raised that merit attention as implementationmoves forward. I want to acknowledge the openness and integrity of the process and
underscore the importance of adopting a forward-looking, comprehensive plan. Our countyneeds a shared framework to guide future growth, protect the environment, improve
infrastructure, and ensure a high quality of life for current and future generations. Manyresidents like myself support a plan that is balanced, inclusive, and rooted in sound planning
principles. It is critical that we plan proactively, using the best available knowledge and tools,to address the challenges our community faces — from housing to economic resilience to
environmental stewardship.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this process. I encourage you to move thisessential plan forward.
Respectfully,
Doug CareyHonomu
From:Akuakea
To:WPCtestimony
Subject:General plan testimony 03/10/25. Kevin Hill
Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 11:32:20 AM
03/10/25
Appreciating Learned that many feel that they are limited by current statutes, codes and ordinances: 1. The
timing of process dictated to 150 days.
1. Reference to 2015 state adopted UN sustainable development goals. Regarding climate
change and many others.
Question: If not restricted by a statute code or ordinance about any portion of this plan what
would you do? Have to learn to walk without our hobbles. Many of our s/c/o…. Are verygood and helpful. Occasionally they prevent people from doing what is self evident and right.
This is to a significant degree our social compact as people. It’s why people are passionate.
Walking away from a meeting last week I was convinced that largely we want the samethings.
A place we want to live that honors property rights, freedoms, constitutional enumeratedprincipals (1840 or 1791).
And our freedom to solve our own problems. A place we can afford to live.
Additionally, adding to the voluminous amount of testimony to process my comments about
process.
1. I learned that prior to 2019 there was enormous public testimony and involvement in
this plan. However. I believe these meetings would have been more productive andhonoring if there had been opportunity for interaction.
2. Time limits were frustrating many times…. Interaction of course takes more time but ithelps with clarity.
3. There has been a TON of redundancy. I believe much of it has beenunnecessary. People repeat themselves when they feel strongly and/or believe they
stand on truth but don’t feel not just heard but listened to and appropriate truthful andhonorable action taken.
4. Similarly, involvement in conversations after public testimony time closed would havehelped. I know hours of commitment have gone into this by volunteers. My being here
till noon each day of public testimony is costly… let alone the afternoon which leads tomy next point
5. With respect to volunteers and their time, being during work hours is automaticallylimiting. Obviously.
6. Finally - I believe meetings would have been even better attended had they been atappropriate times and if they had been better informed. Simply putting this in with the
property tax notices would have virtually guaranteed that the only relevantSTAKEHOLDERS would have been informed and given a voice in their future.
Counselor for Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC) at the U.S. Mission to the UN Edward
Heartney at the General Assembly,
“Put simply, globalist endeavors like Agenda 2030 and the SDGs lost at the ballot box.Therefore, the United States rejects and denounces the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and it will no longer reaffirm them as amatter of course.”
Appreciation of you all. Prayers and aloha.
Kevin Hill
From:Martha Stephens
To:WPCtestimony; LPCtestimony; Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis;Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Villegas, Rebecca; Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace,James; cohmayor@hawaiicounty.gov
Subject:THE FIRST GLOBAL REVOLUTION
Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 12:43:31 PM
Please do not approve the General Plan 2045.
It is not for the people of Hawaii. It is about the infrastructure
for global governance by the corporate stakeholder elite who do
not belong here.
It will be the loss of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of
the generations to come.
It was hatched by the Club of Rome in 1991. Club of Rome who openly
claimed authorship of global warming in its 1991 book, The First Global Revolution:
“In searching for a common enemy against whom we can unite, we came up with the idea
that pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like, would fit
the bill.”
The First Global Revolution A Report By The Council Of The
Club Of Rome Alexander King, Bertrand Schneider Random
House, Inc. Pantheon Books ( 1991) : Club of Rome : Free
Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Mahalo, Martha Stephens
The First Global Revolution A Report By The
Council Of The Club Of Rome ...
Complete first edition of The First Global Revolution - A Report
by the Council of the Club of Rome. 292 pages r...
From:Rebecca Melendez
To:LPCtestimony; WPCtestimony; cdp@hawaii.gov; Planning General Plan; Villegas, Rebecca; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis; Kierkiewicz,Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace, James
Subject:California Now Has Smart Grid & Broadband, Their Electric Bills Are Higher, Power Company Has FULL Control Over Everyone"s Power
Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 9:55:09 AM
Aloha,
Have you researched the serious consequences of allowing Broadband and Smart Grid to be developed? If not, youneed to.
My family lives in California, which now has Broadband and a Smart Grid, and their electric bills are much higher. I'mguessing this is because they have to pay for the constant Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) and all the sensors that have to be
placed on top of the electric wires to communicate with all the smart meters that are now on all their houses andcommercial buildings.
Who pays for the millions of sensors that must be placed on all the electrical wires all over the island? I'm sure thatgoes on the electric bills. Not to mention the work involved because that will also go on the electric bill
Who pays for all the smart meters? They are another addition to the electric bill, I'm sure. This also takes away the jobs ofall those people who read the meters, so the electric company is saving money and making even more money through
the development of a Smart Grid and Broadband.
The electric company will also have full power over all our electricity because they will be able to lower community
power if other places, like the resorts, need more power. This is called an Electrical Power Monopoly. They will beable to lower the power to our refrigerators that could possibly allow food to spoil because they willl have full power
over all our electricity. This will be dangerous to our community.
My stepdad used an electric meter to see what the radiation read, and it was high, which meant it was a health risk. The
General Plan has NO health risk research.
In the 2045 General Plan page 149 30.12 Plan for broadband infrastructure to support smart griddevelopment: https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/308136/638597487229830000
30.3 Collaborate with utility companies to incentivize the underground siting of electrical and telecommunicationsfacilities within public rights-of-way
30.4 Continuously improve the use of broadband communications and digital technology to educate and provide
public services with a focus on digital access.
30.5 Siting of new communications facilities shall comply with performance standards and site colocation as
stated in the Code.
Page 150
30.b Develop standards for the siting and construction of wireless telecommunication facilities.
30.9 Alleviate barriers and assist broadband projects with navigating through the regulatory permitting process.
30.i Pursue partnerships and funding for broadband initiatives and deployments
30.j Support the coordination of infrastructure projects between the public and private sectors to create areas for thedeployment of broadband zones
30.k Seek federal and other opportunities for the funding of broadband infrastructure.
30.m Foster public-private partnerships to support the development and expansion of broadband infrastructure,
including community networks.
Have you read these websites proving the health risks of Broadband and a Smart Grid:
Here are links that explain the health risks of smart meters because they emit RFR (Radio FrequencyRadiation) waves. It's not wifi, and I will apologize to the community because I said it was wifi:
https://stopsmartmeters.org/frequently-asked-questions/radio-frequency-radiation-issues/ : "Q: My utility says “smart” meters emit less than my cell phone or WiFi. Is this true? In some cases this is true, and in some cases not true. The figures for RF exposure given by utilities are time-
averaged numbers which hide the peak power of the “smart” meter, and disguise the fairly continuous nature of thepulses. “Smart” meters are unlike cell phones or WiFi in their bizarre pattern of sharp spikes of RF.
Both of those consumer devices (cell phones and WiFi) can be strong RF emitters. But people are becomingincreasingly aware of the potential harm done by chronic exposure to RF radiation-emitting devices and are
taking steps to change how they use them. Growing public awareness of RF exposure has led people to choose awired internet connection or use a wired phone at home. But most people are not offered a wired “smart” meter. And
you can’t turn it off once it’s installed." https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/environmental-toxins/smart-meters-not-so-smart/#gsc.tab=0 : "Electric “smart” meters were installed in Cindy deBac’s Scottsdale, Arizona, neighborhood in 2012. She
recalls the day a new meter was mounted on her home as a sort of digital Pearl Harbor attack. “I’ve neverbeen so sick in my life,” she says. “Nausea, a crushing migraine headache, and painful heart palpitations laid melow right away.” https://smartmeterscience.substack.com/p/expert-letter-on-risks-of-smart-meters :
· “The Federal Communication Commission’s safety standards do not apply to low intensity RFR.
· There is no safe level of exposure established for RFR.
· People around the world are suffering from low intensity RFR exposure, being at increased risk of
developing both cancer and EHS.”
https://ehtrust.org/educate-yourself/health-risks-posed-by-smartmeters/ : “There is no doubt that smart and digital meters create pulsed RF emissions and these emissions, from the
smart meters’ antennas and the RF created by the SMPS, both enter the house’s electric system. The result is thatthe entire house is transformed into a radiating RF antenna.”
https://www.emfanalysis.com/smart-meter-health-effects/ : "In nearly every community where wireless smart meters have been installed, a percentage of residentscomplain of health effects that started after installation. The residents often did not know that smart meters had
been installed. The most common symptoms are:" https://www.safespaceprotection.com/news-and-info/health-warnings-on-smart-meters/ : "Groups such as, The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), an international organizationrepresenting physicians who specialize in Environmental Medicine issued the following recommendationslisted below in their 2012 position paper, “Electromagnetic and Radiofrequency Field Effect on Human
Health. The AAEM calls for:
• Immediate caution on smart meter installation due to potentially harmful RF exposure• Accommodation for health considerations regarding EMF and RF exposure, including exposure towireless smart meter technology• Independent studies to further understand the health effects from EMF and RF exposure• Use of safer technology, including for smart meters, such as hard-wiring, fiber optics, or other non-
harmful methods of data transmission• Recognition that electromagnetic hypersensitivity is a growing problem worldwide• Understanding and control of this electrical environmental bombardment for the protection of society• Consideration and independent research regarding the quantum effects of EMF and RF on human health" https://www.sej.org/publications/tipsheet/many-are-claiming-health-problems-caused-smart-meters : "The concepts sound good to many people, but serious flaws are becoming apparent as utilities rapidly installsmart meters across the country, according to a rising chorus of critics. They are concerned about privacy(since they say utilities can interpolate many behavioral aspects of building occupants via the detailed
reporting of utility use), security (since any utility's system could be hacked), and accuracy (with reports ofvery inaccurate readings from a small percentage of meters). Each of these issues warrants investigation andcoverage.
Another major issue is possible human health impacts from smart meters. That is the focus of the remainder of thisTip.
SMART METER HEALTH IMPACTS?"
https://smartmeterscience.substack.com/
What is broadbandBroadband data transmission is represented by a large bandwidth. Consider the internet as a channel for datatransfer between two devices. In this case, the passway that the data is traveling over is broadband. Broadbandconnections come in a variety of forms: ASL, DSL, Cable, Fiber, etc. The goal of all these technologies is toprovide customers with high-speed internet. For example, the greatest technology available to users is fiberoptic lines, which provide high bandwidth and symmetrical speeds."
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/broadband.asp :
"What Is Broadband?
Broadband refers to various high-capacity transmission technologies that transmit data, voice, and videoacross long distances and at high speeds. Common mediums of transmission include coaxial cables, fiberoptic cables, and radio waves."
https://www.howtogeek.com/865706/what-is-wi-fi/ :
"The widespread adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home technology has internet service providers(ISPs) and integrators on the hunt for the most effective methods of broadband delivery for many scenarios.
The cable will be closer to the surface and more vulnerable to damage. In this case, a more expensive cablethat can withstand contact will be required. Cables buried in clay will also need to be of higher quality becausethe clay can hold stones and push them against the cable. In clay, the trench will also need to be muchdeeper.
In developed areas, the existing infrastructure can be problematic. Digging through concrete sidewalks androads is costly and disruptive."
https://www.prysmian.com/en/insight/sustainability/what-is-a-smart-grid-and-how-does-it-work
"What is a smart grid?
A smart grid is an advanced and digitally enhanced electricity distribution network that uses technology
and two-way communication to efficiently manage energy supply and demand. While traditional grids rely on one-
way electricity flow and limited monitoring, smart grids employ sensors and automation to gather real-time data on
energy usage and grid conditions."
https://www.rfwireless-world.com/Terminology/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Smart-Grid.html
"Drawbacks or disadvantages of Smart Grid
Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of Smart Grid:
➨Continuous communication network should be available.
➨During emergency situation, network congestion or performance are big challenges in smart grid system.
➨Cellular network providers do not provide guaranteed service in abnormal situations such as wind storm,heavy rain and lightening conditions.
➨Some smart meters can be hacked which can be used to increase or decrease the demand for power.
➨It is expensive to install smart meter compare to traditional old electricity meter".
A smart grid uses sensors throughout the grid. "Smart sensors are devices that take information from aphysical environment and use embedded microprocessors and wireless communication to monitor,examine, and maintain various systems." https://www.fierceelectronics.com/electronics/what-are-smart-sensors
https://blushield.com/blogs/education/the-health-safety-and-privacy-concerns-of-smart-meters :
"Of course, just like 5G, smart meters are advertised to mainly benefit the end user, but the truth is that theuser is ultimately put at risk in several ways, and the biggest benefits are reaped by the power companiesand the government.
Have you researched what Broadband and a Smart Grid will do to our island???
Because the ONLY people who will seriously benefit from this will be the power company, and they alreadyhave power outages:
https://www.kitv.com/news/local/rolling-power-outages-possible-on-big-island/article_1811581e-
cae6-11ee-bec6-bf9467cc02f6.html?
fbclid=IwY2xjawIqwUNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQKMTNPT8EedBYRidyQEoPWlese5n4dRl-
6FeuHh1nYCoQ8kqtESAhgXjw_aem_9WNsZM4cllevOmbCMPZGNg
Rolling power outages possible on Big Island
By Island News Web Staff
Feb 13, 2024 Updated Feb 13, 2024
"HECO is asking all customers on the Big Island to reduce their electricity use from now until 9 p.m. That's
because independent power producer Hamakua Energy unexpectedly tripped offline late this afternoon and
Puna Geothermal Venture is operating at a reduced capacity."
If HECO doesn't have enough backup generators when some need repair, that's a problem.
https://www.khon2.com/big-island-news/heco-initiates-30-min-rolling-outages-after-loss-of-
generators/
"BIG ISLAND NEWS HECO restores power after initiating emergency outages on Big Island by: Elizabeth 'Ufi
Posted: Jan 30, 2024 / 09:43 AM HST Updated: Jan 30, 2024 / 04:15 PM HST
An unexpected loss of several large Hawaii Electric generators left some residents on Big Island without
power for parts of the morning on Tuesday, Jan. 30."
https://bigislandnow.com/2024/02/13/hawaii-island-customers-asked-to-reduce-electricity-use/
"Hawai'i State News Update: Hawaiian Electric initiates rolling outages throughout Big Island February 13,
2024 · 5:23 PM HST
* Updated February 14, 2024 · 4:21 PM
The emergency outages are being initiated in various areas around the entire island to prevent loss of power
to an even greater number of customers. The timing and extent of the outages will depend on the amount of
demand on the system and the availability of generators.”
https://www.khon2.com/local-news/heco-releases-conservation-alert-for-big-island/
“LOCAL NEWS
HECO issues rolling power outages around Big Island by: Emily Cervantes Posted: Feb 13, 2024 / 05:11 PM
HST Updated: Feb 13, 2024 / 09:12 PM HST Hawaiian Electric initiated rolling outages for Big Island after
several large generators became unavailable and reduced output Tuesday night.”
https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2024-02-13/residents-on-hawaii-island-and-oahu-are-
asked-to-conserve-water-amid-power-outages
"Here's how power outages can have repercussions for Hawaiʻi's water supply Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By
Savannah Harriman-Pote
Published February 13, 2024 at 10:59 AM HST
Water departments on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island have advised customers to conserve water ahead of possible
storm-related power outages this month.
But what does the power grid have to do with the water supply?
It is impossible to separate Hawaiʻi's power system from its water system, said Kawika Uyehara, deputy
director of Hawaiʻi County's Department of Water Supply."
Please Vote Unfavorable for Broadband and Smart Grid.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Rebecca Melendez
From:Rogers
To:WPCtestimony; LPCtestimony; Council Testimony; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Onishi, Dennis;Kierkiewicz, Ashley; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Villegas, Rebecca; Galimba, Michelle M.; Inaba, Holeka; Hustace,James; cohmayor@hawaiicounty.gov
Subject:NO on Hawaii General Plan 2045!
Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 12:46:20 PM
Attachments:image.png
Aloha Commissioners,
I have the following concerns regarding the Big Island General Plan 2045.
The word “Stakeholder” used in the plan is very broad and should be changed to “Local
Communities” which would include those affected by the decisions, projects and activities of the
general plan such as all local homeowners, renters, farmers, businesses, organizations and
individuals who live or own property on the Big Island. Local community interests must be
considered.
Climate Change - This is a very controversial issue. What documentation/proof have you looked
at and are you also studying and considering reports from experts who state climate change does
not exist?
The OSCER Department in the plan will remove public input and leave decisions to unelected
officials. This department should not be created. See page 188, 40.8.
The General Plan 2045 will change land use from resident to recreation and effectively reduce
property value and potentially provide an opening to re-zone land. I am against this.
I am against the creating of conservation land per this plan. I believe The Big Island could instead
use the land for agriculture and grow more food. Local residents have suggested the following
plans
https://www.standtogetherhawaii.com/_files/ugd/86fc0c_2cb1cc6d604f4cdd971ad40831c745bc.pdf
https://www.standtogetherhawaii.com/_files/ugd/86fc0c_0a1d5be8f1d140069415f7b691725786.pdf
https://86fc0cbd-8207-4076-85fa-
5a62e4e933b4.usrfiles.com/ugd/86fc0c_ecc498ba192d4a7689ebf31c3681c2ec.pdf
The currently written General Plan 2045 should be rewritten so it will support our island.
Mahalo,
Lori Rogers
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
From: Susan Forbes
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Testimony for Windward Planning Commission Hearing
Date:Monday,March 10, 2025 10:55:14 AM
Attachments: Testimony for the Windward Planning Commission re.odf
Aloha,
Attached is my testimony related to the final draft of the General Plan 2045.
In gratitude,
Susan Forbes
Susan Forbes
PO Box 199
Hakalau, HI 96710
808-286-6130/sksforbes@gmail.com
March 10, 2025
Windward Planning Commission, Hawaii County
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hi, Hawaii 96720
RE: Testimony on Hawaii County General Plan 2045, Final Recommended Draft
Dear Chair Daniele, Vice Chair Perrin, and members of the Windward Planning Commission,
Thankyou for this opportunity to testify.
I have lived in Hawaii for the past 57 years and in Hakalau for the past 14 years.
My focus is Hakalau Point, parcels 29002079 and 81. In 2015, 1 submitted a suggestion form to the
County to acquire Hakalau Point under the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission (PONC). While a priority on the County's acquisition list, negotiations with the
owner failed. I was an active participant in hearings of the Hamakua Community Plan.
I'm testifying because of the inconsistency in the Final Recommended Draft General Plan 2045 and the
HCDP adopted by ordinance in 2018,which was the result of significant community input and
controversy during the HCDP process which lasted 9 years. My testimony summarizes the uniqueness of
the site in terms of the historical, cultural and scenic significance. In addition, I've raised some practical
issues related to safety within the community.
Hakalau Point(and Hakalau Valley) played a major role in Hawaiian history. King Kamehameha defeated
Maui warriors in Hakalau, an important step in the unification of the islands. (Attached is the 2015 PONC
testimony of Kehaulani Lum delineating the details.)
Hakalau Point and the mill area by the Bay were the hub of sugar production for over 100 years. The Point
was a work site.The sugar industry is significant because of the contributions of its workers, immigrants
from many cultures, and the values which enrich Hawaii today: Engage in collective effort. Look out for
each other. Honor hard work. Show respect for those who came before us.Aloha and Malama 'Aina.This
history enriches all of us.There are stories to tell and lessons to be learned from understanding the
cultural and historical significance of the area.
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Hakalau Up Camp, Down Camp, Hakalau Point and Hakalau Bay, circa 1944-1945.
Photo courtesy ofAkiko Masuda
Conservation area along the cliffs and the availability of a recreational area are important. If we are
serious about preserving the cultural, historical and environmental significance, a majority of Hakalau
Point should be preserved for open/conservation/recreation.
Safety issues do exist and are worth mentioning.This is a quiet residential neighborhood, although there
are tourists who come to walk down to Hakalau Bay. Take a look at the setting in the Google Earth image
from 2023. There is one road in and out of this section of Hakalau, i.e., Old Mamalahoa Highway.This
poses a problem during an emergency, i.e., hurricanes, fires, etc. The road down to Hakalau Bay is
currently blocked off and the park has been closed since 2017. It will remain closed while the Hakalau
Bridge on Highway 19 is repaired/restored. This process will go on for years.
Ljj 1
Hakalau Point is scenic...from the highway, from walking around the neighborhood, from the Bay or
ocean. The scenic beauty is also worth preserving.
Thank you for your service to the County and the
people who live here.
In gratitude,
Susan Forbes
k
r
Walau Point, 9-10-15, courtesy of Susan Forbes
September 8, 2015
TO: Commissioners of the Hawai'i County Public Access, Open Space and
Natural Resources Preservation Commission
FROM: Kehaulani Lum
Aloha!
Mahalo nui loa for this opportunity to present my concerns regarding the cultural
and historically important lands of Hakalau Point.
My name is Kehaulani Lum, and I am a lineal descendant of Kapou,the son of a
Konohiki of Hakalau-nui and recipient of a Mahele grant in Wailea,which our'ohana
stewards today. I wholeheartedly support your consideration of this opportunity to
improve public access, open space and cultural, historic and natural resource
preservation.
Hakalau-nui carries the name of a ruling chief,who was the kaulana nui
administrator of land) of the area and a revered 'olohe, a master fighter. The 'olohe
of this area were renown for their prowess, and the ancient spiritual art of lua, from
self-defense to healing,was practiced and taught here.
In the Mahele,the lands encompassing Hakalau-nui, Hilo Paliku,were given by the
King to Mikahela Kekau'onohi,the granddaughter of King Kamehameha. She held
them until her death,when her estate entered into probate and was ultimately
ordered by the Court to be sold, rather than to be retained by her heir. Hakalau-nui,
thus, slipped away from their ancient purposes and entered into the holdings of
foreign commerce.
Along with the lands went the memories of a significant ancient battle which took
place on these very shores between King Kamehameha's armies and the warriors of
Kahekili of Maui.
It is widely known today that Kamehameha, who thereupon confirmed the prophecy
that he would be a great warrior king, lifted the historic Naha Stone,which sits
outside of the Hilo Public Library. Less is known, however, of the circumstances
that precipitated his act.
The Reverend Stephen L. Desha,who published a series on Kamehameha Paiea and
his great warrior, Kekuhaupi'o, in his weekly Hawaiian language newspaper Ka
Hoku o Hawaii,wonderfully captured the story in the 1920s. Desha writes:
After the passage of seven anahulu periods during which time Kamehameha
arranged his battle divisions, he asked Kekuhaupi'o to accompany him to Hilo
Paliku...Chief Kamehameha's great canoe was prepared and he took his warriors
with him, a very wise act,because during this journey they were attacked by some
Maui people.
This was a great canoe which Kamehameha had prepared, and it carried almost two
hundred men on one double canoe. There were also some swift sailing canoes, each
canoe being able to carry fifty men with ease.
Kamehameha and his warriors left Kohala, followed by Kekuhaupi'o and some
warrior chiefs of Kohala. They sailed easily to land at Hakalau where Kamehameha
and Kekuhaupi'o and their people were entertained by Chiefess Keakealani of Hilo;
Princess Likoa; and Kahipa,the daughter of Chief K anekoa of Hamakua. She was
living at Hakalau with her female hoahanau in those days. This visit by High Chief
Kamehameha was a cause for joyous entertainment by these high chiefesses of Hilo
and Hamakua...
When Kamehameha arrived with his people at Hakalau, Kahahawai was staying in
the upland forest of Hakalau, making a canoe for his lord, Kahekili of Maui. With
him at that time was Kaihe,the "black [tattoo] of Kahekili," one of Kahekili's very
great favorites, who was a famous warrior against Kahekili's men."
Desha depicts in great detail the great battle which ensued here between
Kamehameha's army and the warriors of Kahekili, revealing that it was the seminal
event which led to the young chief being called to test his strength, and lineage, on
the Naha stone. "On hearing of Kamehameha's victory in this battle with the Maui
people, Chief Keawemauhili sighed, and said: "This is perhaps the bravery which
shall achieve the conquest of these islands."
This victorious fight led other chiefs to announce to Keawemauhili, "Indeed,your
words at the time of this young chief s birth were really correct,that this was the
appropriate time to pinch the tip of the mulberry. Now at this time, the branch is
hardened, and the tip of the mulberry cannot be pinched off. Alas for us in the
future. Perhaps the bitter fruits of the actions of this young chief will come, for here
in the dust of morning [youth] that one's extraordinary deeds are already apparent."
Like Kamehameha's later battle at Nu'uanu Pali,which helped seal his victory on the
island of O'ahu, his battle at Hakalau-nui was a pivotal moment in his ascension and
led to his greatest achievement, the establishing of peace,through the unification of
the islands of Hawai'i.
Here is the historic story of Hakalau-nui which I believe truly makes this space
extremely worthy of protection. Mahalo nui loa for your sincere consideration.
Aloha, Kehaulani Lum