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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-02 Letter to Kaialii Kahele, Karl Rhoads and Donovan M. Dela Cruz re HB 1985, Proposed SD 1 Relating to Land Use (Mauna Kea)Harry Kim fait'or Wil Okabe 1,1anaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director urnifgCir f Mffirr of flit ATM 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 April 2, 2018 Senator Kaialil Kahele, Chair Committee on Higher Education Hawail State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Karl Rhoads, Chair Committee on Water and Land Flawail State Ca itol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair Committee on Ways and Means awail State Capitol, Room 211 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chairs Kahele, Rhoads and Dela Cruz, and Committee Members: Re: HB 1985, Proposed SD 1 Relating to Land Use (Mauna Kea) Hearing Date 04/05/2018 —9 30 am; Conference Room 211 As much as 1 appreciate the interest this Legislature has in resolving issues surrounding management of our beautiful and sacred mountain, Mauna Kea, 1 cannot support HB1985 Proposed SD 1. On the other hand, 1 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 this proposed SD 1, I applaud it. Mauna Kea can be a symbol of international cooperation. The mission of the place is to he 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, hut this little place in the ocean, to have countries commit to that? To a lot of people, Mauna 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. County of Hawaii is an Equal Opporlunity Provider and Emp!oyer April 2, 2018 Page 2 In truth, the legislature 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 enshrined in statute. HB 1985, Proposed SD 1, is an attempt to contribute to the mission, but thelegislafion that can resolve our conflicts may not yet have been written. 1 respectfully request that the Legislature tread lie htly in its well-meaning efforts, for fear that it may escalate the polarization of the community. y recommendation would be passage of some version of the proeosed SD 1, and allow the process to continue. Respectfully subrnitted, Harry Kim Mayor, County of Hawail County of ilawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.