HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm No 0021.154 - Testimony - CA-7 - PONC fund and Maintenance fundTaira Chun
8th Grade Student
Volcano School of Arts and Sciences
Volcano, Hawaii 96785
February 4, 2019
Regarding: 2% Land Fund Program
Aloha Commissioners,
My name is Taira Chun, and my parents are Keyra and Ti Chun and we live in
Volcano. I am an 8th grade student at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. My
class and I are overjoyed to head to Kawa twice every month to malama this
sacred wahi pana (special place). Kawa is special to us because those in my
class, including me, have formed an unbreakable bond with that beautiful
place. We all have made memories there that we will remember for the rest of
our lives. When we first went to Kawa, it was overgrown and unkept. Plastic and
glass could be seen on every corner, but thanks to our guides, (Kumu James
Akau, Uncle Duane, Aunty Clarissa Pua, and Uncle Kaui Felder) we were able to
bring Kawa back on its feet. Kawa is now an astounding beach for all to enjoy.
When many years have passed, and we have all been through a great deal, 1
hope each of us can come back to the beach we have had a hand in restoring.
We at Kawa do many hard and backbreaking jobs. We have cleared, hauled,
and lopped many areas. We planted and watered natives while cutting and
pulling out invasives. We've raked, picked up trash, and built walls of stone. We
have done more deeds for Kawa than you might know, bringing the place to life.
This wahi pana, like many, have brought joy and relaxation to those who are new
here and even to those who aren't who aren't. Those who are young, and those
who old. Imagine all the joy Kawa could bring if we continued. Continuing could
help the wildlife there, and us humans.
Wildlife at Kawa is special and rare. Animals and plants have made Kawa
their home. Animals like the Blackburn's Sphinx Moth, which is now an
endangered species, has made Kawa its home. Plants like the Alahe'e, a rather
rare plant, has also made Kawa its home. The Big Island of Hawai'i is different,
or special as one would say. We don't have big skyscrapers or buildings
everywhere on the island. We still have sacred, untouched areas. As you most
Comm. No. 21.154
likely know, Harry Kim, our mayor, wants to use this 2% for other needs. Those
of us who live in the community also know that saving our precious land is of
much importance. According to WestHawaiiToday.com, the fund was originally
used to purchase parklands and preserve coastal lands, but because of high land
prices and only 2% of the taxes, it wouldn't take this act far. Because of the
prices and taxes, Mayor Kim wishes to cut the funding. But what will happen to
the preserved lands like Kawa? Will they be torn down and built into something
else or sold to the next billionaire? Is any other organization capable of helping
Kawa? The only hands capable of helping Kawa are our hands itself.
Mahalo for your time,
Taira Chun
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2017/08/26/hawaii-news/mayor-kim-plea
se -dont -touch -the -2 -land -fund/
https://debbiehecht.com/2019/01 /15/2 -land -fund -program -at -the -charter -co
mmission-as-of-january-142019/
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2017/03/15/hawaii-news/kawa-bay-plan-
unveiled/