HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.123 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundEdward Wirtz
Volcano school of Arts and Sciences
Volcano, Hawaii 96785
February 5,2019
Charter Commission
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Regarding: 2% Land Fund Program
Aloha Commissioners,
My name is Edward Wirtz my parents are Ed and Tessa Wirtz. I am a
6th grader at the Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, I live in Ka'u. I feel
lucky that I get to go to Kawa one or two times a month. I love learning
about malama aina to care for the land. I also learned how to protect the
amazing native plants of Hawaii. Kawa is an important place to everybody:
animals, plants, Hawaiians, tourists, and our school because it is a place
that holds thousands of stories and memories that has significance and
value to people from anywhere in the world.
At Kawa, we get rid of invasive plants to make room for the native
plants to flourish. I enjoy learning about the things we do there with Na
Mamo o Kawa with Kumu James Akau, Uncle Duane, and Clarisa Pua. We
learn about new native plants we haven't seen. We also learn how to use
loppers and how to stop beach erosion.
In 2006, 2010, and 2012, 63 percent of voters approved the 2% Land
Fund and instead of purchasing Waikapuna you might use the money
elsewhere. I feel that it is important to preserve these natural lands instead
of letting these beautiful places around our island, like Waikapuna, become
condos and hotels that will destroy sacred land. It will be beneficial to buy
Comm. No. 21.123
places like Waikapuna that will keep the natural untouched beauty of
Hawaii.
The 2% Land Fund has great importance involving the natural land of
Hawaii. If you spent the money you get on other things like policemen and
disaster awareness, the land of Hawaii will be plowed over so people can
build condos, houses, and hotels. If that happens, native plants and
animals could be in danger from extinction. I feel that you should use the
money to buy these wonderful places around Hawaii to make sure Hawaii
is protected for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Edward Wirtz