HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-31 PL-REZ-2025-000083 Opposition Testimony from Liana Katase From: Liana Macdonald-Kainoa
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Testimony in Opposition of Rezoning(3)1-9-005:006
Date: Sunday,August 31,2025 11:56:47 AM
Re: Opposition to Rezoning Request to CV-20 (Commercial, Village—20,000 sq.ft.
minimum lot size)
PL-REZ-2025-000083
Applicant: William Cox Morris
TMK: (3) 1-9-005:006 (portion)
Aloha Hawai'i County Windward Planning Commission,
I am writing to your committee to oppose the request to rezone the subject lot on Old
Volcano Highway from residential to CV-20.
As a resident and kanaka 'oiwi born and raised in Volcano, and recently returning to live full
time, I have seen the changes to our social and environmental landscape over my lifetime. I
have a kuleana to express my deepest concerns regarding the impact that pin-to-pin cleaning
and development is currently having on our native forest in the Volcano region. The rate as
which our landscape is being altered and impacted by current and impeding development is
alarming and a concern that many of us share.
With that being said, I would like to state that I am not anti-development and I support
economic growth and opportunity for our community, however I stand for protecting our
native forest and native species that call this place home, and that takes priority over
everything else. More time and consideration needs to be taken before development projects
(such as this) are allowed to make way. It is currently outside of the commercial zoned area in
Volcano.
I urge the planning commission and planning department of the County of Hawai'i to slow the
process down and take a closer look at how to retain our native ecosystem alongside
"sustainable development and design" that promotes protecting native forest. From what I
can see of this property from OLD VOLCANO RD. there are koa, 'ohi'a, and hapu'u trees that
are prominent near the roadway. However, there are a significant amount of'ohi'a trees that
visibly have been infected with Rapid 'ohi'a Death (ROD). This also needs to be taken into
consideration, as clearing the area can and most likely will spread ROD to adjacent properties
and cause more harm than good. I have experienced the spread of ROD at my home in 'Ohi'an
Estates which was accelerated due to land clearing next door and across from me.
As someone who has spent my career in conservation and native reforestation — I know
firsthand that restoring a forest is 100x harder to do than protecting what is currently existing.
I oppose this current project for the precedent that it will set for others to push boundaries
and request changes be made on their behalf. Volcano is a strong community, and a unique
historic place, and we are blessed to live amongst a native forest. Our forest is as much apart
of our community as the people here. Volcano would not be the same without it.
Mahalo for your time and thoughtful consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
Liana Kainoa Katase