HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-11 HDOT 2024 Inventory Update Testimony - J. Tanimoto March 11, 2025
Hawaii County
Cultural Resource Council
Re: March 12, 2025 Agenda-Historic Bridge Recognition Update-2025
Aloha.
My name is Jojo Tanimoto and I live in Kawaihae, on Hawaiian Homelands.
There are six bridges in the South Kohala District of Kawaihae that are not identified and I am
requesting this Council to include these Bridges in the 2025 Hawaii Island Historic Bridge
Inventory.
1-Pohaukole Bridge (Kawaihae Road) built by the military in 1941-1945
2-Makeahua Bridge (" ")
3-Makahuna Bridge (" ")
4-Honokoa Bridge (location of the historic Forbes Caves)
5-Kai Opae Culvert
6-Kawaihae Uka Bridge (Kohala Mountain Road)
I was not aware of the 2013 and 2024 updates. The list of stakeholder contacts did not include
the Kawaihae community, that I know of. I noticed that most of the bridges serviced the train
stations and plantations, and military transportation; but does not recognize that these bridges
had the same purposes. Further, the new Kawaihae Harbor was completed in the 1950's and
transportation included transportation of cattle. The original Kawaihae Harbor was the integral
history as a "fishing village".
I do not understand why then, these bridges are not identified for cultural, historical,
preservation significance. I am not knowledgeable or can afford to register any historical sites,
burials, architectural, etc. However, this Historic Place was the home of Kamehameha I. The
National Park is located in this District. I hope this Council will preserve, protect and restore the
Kawaihae history. Kawaihae needs to be included for future native Hawaiian descendants of
Hawaii and the public. Please reply.
Mahalo Nui