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Taira Chun <br />8th Grade Student <br />Volcano School of Arts and Sciences <br />Volcano, Hawaii 96785 <br />February 4, 2019 <br />Regarding: 2% Land Fund Program <br />Aloha Commissioners, <br />My name is Taira Chun, and my parents are Keyra and Ti Chun and we live in <br />Volcano. I am an 8th grade student at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. My <br />class and I are overjoyed to head to Kawa twice every month to malama this <br />sacred wahi pana (special place). Kawa is special to us because those in my <br />class, including me, have formed an unbreakable bond with that beautiful <br />place. We all have made memories there that we will remember for the rest of <br />our lives. When we first went to Kawa, it was overgrown and unkept. Plastic and <br />glass could be seen on every corner, but thanks to our guides, (Kumu James <br />Akau, Uncle Duane, Aunty Clarissa Pua, and Uncle Kaui Felder) we were able to <br />bring Kawa back on its feet. Kawa is now an astounding beach for all to enjoy. <br />When many years have passed, and we have all been through a great deal, 1 <br />hope each of us can come back to the beach we have had a hand in restoring. <br />We at Kawa do many hard and backbreaking jobs. We have cleared, hauled, <br />and lopped many areas. We planted and watered natives while cutting and <br />pulling out invasives. We've raked, picked up trash, and built walls of stone. We <br />have done more deeds for Kawa than you might know, bringing the place to life. <br />This wahi pana, like many, have brought joy and relaxation to those who are new <br />here and even to those who aren't who aren't. Those who are young, and those <br />who old. Imagine all the joy Kawa could bring if we continued. Continuing could <br />help the wildlife there, and us humans. <br />Wildlife at Kawa is special and rare. Animals and plants have made Kawa <br />their home. Animals like the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth, which is now an <br />endangered species, has made Kawa its home. Plants like the Alahe'e, a rather <br />rare plant, has also made Kawa its home. The Big Island of Hawai'i is different, <br />or special as one would say. We don't have big skyscrapers or buildings <br />everywhere on the island. We still have sacred, untouched areas. As you most <br />Comm. No. 21.154 <br />