HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-28 Letter to Josh and Laila Rena Center-Mertins re: PohoikiHarry Kim
Mayor
(Couttfv of 7tiguail
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
(�ffcp of fir 4111avor
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, Hawai'i 96740
(808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440
September 28, 2018
Josh and Laila Rena Center-Mertins
RR Box 4694
Pahoa, HI 96778
Dear Josh and Laila Rena:
Thank you very much for your letters of September 24, 2018 regarding future planning
for Pohoiki in the recovery from the Lower East Rift Zone eruption. I share your love of
the beauty of Pohoiki, and I want to make it a nice place for families and kids to play
and enjoy the ocean again, too.
After the eruption, we lost our beaches and ocean access, and I agree with you both
that we need to make it accessible to our community again. You should be aware that
the boat ramp itself does not belong to the County; it's under the jurisdiction of the State
of Hawai'i's Department of Land and Natural Resources. However, I believe that
everyone concerned in State and County government agree that the lovely new sand
should stay. I can tell you that we are actively exploring ways of developing differently
than the past, because we made many mistakes in where and how we developed our
communities.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and for wanting
to make things better for our Island's people.
Aloha,
4.71,1,44
Harry Kim
MAYOR
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.