2018-02-21 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 3090, SD 1 Relating to Government (Mauna Kea) (2)

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Harry Kim 1,fai,or Waftl ffirr 1111 Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow L)ptity ltdanaging Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Are Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 21, 2018 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Co ittee on Ways and Means Hawai'i State Capitol, .00m 2:11 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice -Chair Committee on Ways and Means Hawai`i State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran and Committee Members: Re: SB 3090, SD 1 elating to Government (Mauna Kea) Hearing Date: 02/23/18 — 10:30 am; Conference Room 211 As much as I appreciate the interest this Legislature has in resolving issues surrounding management of our beautiful and sacred mountain, Mauna Kea, I cannot support SB 3090, SD 1. On the other hand, I also appreciate the foresight it takes to have a legislative vehicle available, in case action is necessary to implement a solution that fulfills the mountain's destiny and the desires of the parties. If that is the goal of SB 3090 and SB 3090, SDI, I applaud it. Mauna Kea can be a symbol of international cooperation. The mission of the place is to be a beacon of hope for the world, The vision includes bringing world recognition of the Hawaiians, their achievements as well as the wrongs done to them. The mission of this mountain is not just to showcase that, but to showcase to the world the beauty of the cosmopolitan people of Hawaii and the possibility of harmony and peace. Where else, out this little place in the ocean, to have countries commit to that? To a lot of people, Maula Kea is not a place for science, it is part of their soul. If we are going to enter into that sacred space, we must do so with care and caution and compassion. In truth, the leg slature may not be the best forum to resolve the conflicts surrounding Mauna Kea, as much as you would like to help. However, the current management structure is based on statute, and therefore any reform may have to be e shrined in statute. SB 3090, SD 1 is an attempt to contribute to the mission, but the legislation that can resolve our conflicts has not yet been written. I respectfully request hat the Legislature pause in its well leaning efforts, for fear that it may escalate the war. My recommendation would be passage of an 3090, SD 2 that leaves out all specifics and is virtual, a "short 'arm" bill, and allow the process to continue. espectf submitted, Harry Ki Mayor,County of Hawaii 0,Y(inty of I lawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.