Please mark August 26, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 on your calendars as days your voice needs to be heard to preserve the cultural and natural resources in the area adjacent to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park.
The most important of these dates is probably August 28 at the King Kamehameha Hotel. Shortly after 10:45 a.m., the Leeward Planning Commission will hear testimony on the Planning Director’s proposal to amend the General Plan by reclassifying the area south of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park from “urban expansion” to “open.” (There are other items on the agenda before 10:45.)
On August 26 at 2 p.m., the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee will hear public testimony on the same issue at the Mayor’s Conference Room – aka Hanama 1, 75-57-6 Kuakini Hwy, Suite 103.
Finally for folks on the Hilo side, on Sept. 4, the Windward Planning Commission will be hearing public testimony on the issue in Hilo.
Testimony is most effective in person, but if you would like to submit written testimony, you can email planning@co.hawaii.hi.us (indicate that your testimony regards the Amendment to the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide of the General Plan for Honokohau) or write to the Planning Department, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St. #3, Hilo, HI 96720.
Background information
Some of you may recall that in 2006, the County adopted several interim amendments to the general plan, including one that re-classified the area adjacent to and south of Kaloko Honokōhau National Historic Park from “open” to “urban expansion”. This area is where Jacoby Development proposed to build a marina and timeshare. That project is now dead.
Planning Director Bobby Jean Leithead Todd is now proposing to re-classify the area back from “urban expansion” to “open” – a designation that will better protect the natural and cultural resources of the area.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park contains nationally significant cultural resources, including the Kaloko Fishpond, burial sites, two heiau, many anchialine pools, and other sacred sites. Native Hawaiian rights protected by the Hawaii Constitution that are practiced within Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park include pole, spear and net fishing, gathering of limu, wana, opihi, and octopus; gathering the opae`ula in anchialine pools for bait and chum for offshore fishing; and religious ceremonies, including pikai ceremonies using near-shore waters. A few years ago, the State Land Use Commission concluded that Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is “a natural and cultural resource of the utmost value both to the State of Hawaii and the nation as a whole, representing some of the State’s most important natural systems, habitats, and valued cultural, historical, and natural resources.”
In 1974, pursuant to federal Public Law 92-346, the Honokohau Study Advisory Commission recommended the establishment of the Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. The Commission recommended that the southern park boundary extend to Noio Point, south of Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor. It also found, “since most of the land in the ahupua`a of Ke-ala-kehe is owned by the state, its use will have direct impact on Ka-loko, Hono-kō-hau.” It recommended that lands owned by the state in the area “should be given special zoning limiting their uses to activities compatible to a cultural park.” The Commission also recommended, “The County General Plan and zoning ordinances of the area should limit the uses of lands immediately surrounding Ka-loko, Hono-kō-hau to compatible activities. Lands further mauka should be restricted in density in order to preserve the integrity of the park and protect its water resources.”
According to the Superintendent of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, “Any large-scale development project on lands adjacent to the National Park will significantly impact the National Park’s cultural landscape, traditional and customary practices by native Hawaiians in the Park, and cultural and natural resources.” The State Land Use Commission “determined that, for all proposed development adjacent or near a National Park that raises threats of harm to the environment, cultural resources, or human health, precautionary measures should be taken to protect the National Park cultural and natural resources, even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established.” Development on lands near Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park could significantly impact the National Park’s cultural and natural resources as well adversely affect coastal water quality. In addition, such development would adversely affect important cultural and natural resources that are found on the lands just south of Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Numerous anchialine ponds are found there. Native Hawaiians engage in traditional and customary practices in that area.
The 2006 change to the general plan failed to properly consider impacts to traditional and customary practices and to public trust resources. The 2006 change simply reflected a desire to accommodate the demands for development and failed to be based on any studies whatsoever. Kaliko Chun and Richard Nelson III sued over the County’s failure to protect Native Hawaiian rights and public trust resources as well as its failure to plan properly. The proposal that will now go to the planning commissions as well as the County Council is the result of a settlement. The settlement requires that the Council consider placing the land back into the open district – but does not require that it do so.
The proposed amendment implements the Kona Community Development Plan’s “vision of a 17 mile long protected stretch of open coastline from Makaeo north to Kikaua Pt. at the Kuki‘o development.” LU-1.6. It is also fully consistent with the plan’s call for a 1000 foot setback from the shoreline. Policy LU-1.5 states, “it shall be a priority of the County to maintain a minimum of 1,000-foot open space no-build setback for undeveloped lands adjacent to the shoreline, on parcels which currently exceed 1,000 feet in depth, in discretionary land use approvals such as SMA major permits, rezonings, and state land use boundary amendments.”
A strong showing of interest in protecting this state-owned property is needed.
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When I was a teenager I remember my dad coming home to quickly get some canvas cloth. We asked why he was in such a huury. He told us that the State was starting to bulldoze a historic petroglyph site at Honokohau for a boat harbor. He and a few others who had heard of what was happening, rushed down as well. They couldn't stop the bulldozers so they tried to get as many petroglyph rubbings as they could to at least preserve that much of our history. I still have them One even baffled my dad because it was a ship with two square sails. I attached a picture of it (hope it actually posts as I have not done this before) which I darkened the background to see the ship better. (If anyone can identify it I'd appreciate your kokua. Already tried the U.H. archives). My point is that the State destroyed part of our history with no one knowing to build a boat harbor. The State had no concern then. Perhaps I should not say that because they did leave some. Will our voices be heard now or is it as with so many state protection programs simply to appease the "natives"?
The State Historic Preservation Department (SHPD) was set up to protect our history and culture but I have seen more desecration of historic sites under their "watchful" eyes. The problem being that most experts that are hired to determine the significance of a site are not from Hawaii. The native people in the area may tell them that they know there are sacred and historic areas in a place and they ignore the people that know. Look at the recent heiau destroyed in Hawaii Kai that SHPD knew about. Whose in charge at SHPD anyway? I did not mean to get into a discussion of SHPD but this is a State Department that should be looking after our interests but are more inclined to look after the interests of the developer. I feel at times that the laws are there simply to make people think that our interests are being protected when in reality that is not what is happening. I fear that in the case of the Honokahau/Kaloko area even if the county makes it an open space, this just may be another smoke screen.
I am from the big island and I love it dearly. I had been to many public meetings when I was younger and lived there and the result were nearly always the same - they hear you but do not really listen. What is intended to be done will be with or without your input. I believe that our voices need to be heard and listened to. I have yet to see a government agency that actually did that. If they want a program they will put forth all the positive public opinion that supports it. I am a Kupuna and have been around a while - maybe not as much as some perhaps. I have seen public opposition to development go unheeded. In time the developer wins.
I know this is about protecting open space and I am for that but I am not sure what the real intent is. I used to swim at the beach fronting the King Kamehameha Hotel until they made it bigger and basically made you feel as though you were trespassing if you went swimming there. Banyans used to be a great surfing spot but now it's surrounded by development. If it is protecting our open spaces then perhaps they need to start thinking about no development on the ocean side of alii drive or any ocean front. There may be public access but by in large the ocean front has become private property. Did they heed the wishes of the public back then? No. Will they merely consider the Honokohau/Kaloko open area to protect our culture and history or actually do it? We could not stop the bulldozers then from destroying part of that area. an area full of history, natural habitats and cultural significance.
These are my thoughts on this. Kona will always be my home, it is where my heart is even if I now live on Oahu.
Yes cuz, Mahalo, anyone can send in a testimony for or against this...Simple kind just say:
(Provide date of letter)
RE: Amendment to the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide of the General Plan for Honokohau
To Whom This May Concern:
I support the project to be changed from Urban Expansion to Open as I would like to see this preserved for our Native Hawaiian History and Culture and to protect the marine life from any development which may destroy fishing/gathering grounds. Remember to address it properly per the information above.
Sincerely,
(signature here)
Name
Address
Phone:
NOTE: MAIL IT TO: Planning Department, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St. #3, Hilo, HI 96720.
Something as simple as this is your testimony...SMILE
Your testimony is valuable to state "I support and want it changed from Urban Expansion to OPEN because...(here is here you tell your story of this petroglyph)..SMILE
The real intent is protection. Right now it is designated "Urban Expansion" and if it stays this way and not changed to "OPEN" then more development will do in that area which has done so right next to it. You would be the perfect person to provide a testimony with this picture. You can testify for the change from Urban Expansion to OPEN because.......(here is where your story come in a brief statement of what you posted here)...SMILE.
Aloha Nohealani;
Just like you, I too went swimming in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel. Looking at the itching of the ship, it looks like a viking ship. The Maori, I dont think they had sails. It doesnt look like a british schooler. The high front and back looks like viking or possible Egyptian. And so wonderful that your dad had the insight to capture these petroglyphs. At least it wasnt lost. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sharon
Is this an open invitation for investors? On the day of 'no good for nothing 50 years'?
Here is my RSVP to your invitation, I will not be attending your 'open investment party' I have other things to do and that is--- to protect our lands and Na Kupuna Iwi from the FAKE STATE!!!!!
Go read again Kaohi, this is an invitation for testimonies to protect land for hawaiians OPEN SPACE IS PROTECTION. Geesh what when crawl up in you and bring the pilau out of you? If it's your sorrow for Admissions Day, then you just venting and I let it go. Comprehension Comprehension here. This is important for hawaiians to give testimonies to protect Native hawaiian rights to gathering and protecting historic and burial sites in this area. GO FIGAH MAOLIWORLD WHO ARE THESE NEWBIES TO MAOLIWORLD THAT PICK ON US HERE?
This area is near King Kalakaua's mother's property now belonging to QLCC. Go pick on someone else with the A.G. you seem to be showing the same tail colors as HER.
Replies
When I was a teenager I remember my dad coming home to quickly get some canvas cloth. We asked why he was in such a huury. He told us that the State was starting to bulldoze a historic petroglyph site at Honokohau for a boat harbor. He and a few others who had heard of what was happening, rushed down as well. They couldn't stop the bulldozers so they tried to get as many petroglyph rubbings as they could to at least preserve that much of our history. I still have them One even baffled my dad because it was a ship with two square sails. I attached a picture of it (hope it actually posts as I have not done this before) which I darkened the background to see the ship better. (If anyone can identify it I'd appreciate your kokua. Already tried the U.H. archives). My point is that the State destroyed part of our history with no one knowing to build a boat harbor. The State had no concern then. Perhaps I should not say that because they did leave some. Will our voices be heard now or is it as with so many state protection programs simply to appease the "natives"?
The State Historic Preservation Department (SHPD) was set up to protect our history and culture but I have seen more desecration of historic sites under their "watchful" eyes. The problem being that most experts that are hired to determine the significance of a site are not from Hawaii. The native people in the area may tell them that they know there are sacred and historic areas in a place and they ignore the people that know. Look at the recent heiau destroyed in Hawaii Kai that SHPD knew about. Whose in charge at SHPD anyway? I did not mean to get into a discussion of SHPD but this is a State Department that should be looking after our interests but are more inclined to look after the interests of the developer. I feel at times that the laws are there simply to make people think that our interests are being protected when in reality that is not what is happening. I fear that in the case of the Honokahau/Kaloko area even if the county makes it an open space, this just may be another smoke screen.
I am from the big island and I love it dearly. I had been to many public meetings when I was younger and lived there and the result were nearly always the same - they hear you but do not really listen. What is intended to be done will be with or without your input. I believe that our voices need to be heard and listened to. I have yet to see a government agency that actually did that. If they want a program they will put forth all the positive public opinion that supports it. I am a Kupuna and have been around a while - maybe not as much as some perhaps. I have seen public opposition to development go unheeded. In time the developer wins.
I know this is about protecting open space and I am for that but I am not sure what the real intent is. I used to swim at the beach fronting the King Kamehameha Hotel until they made it bigger and basically made you feel as though you were trespassing if you went swimming there. Banyans used to be a great surfing spot but now it's surrounded by development. If it is protecting our open spaces then perhaps they need to start thinking about no development on the ocean side of alii drive or any ocean front. There may be public access but by in large the ocean front has become private property. Did they heed the wishes of the public back then? No. Will they merely consider the Honokohau/Kaloko open area to protect our culture and history or actually do it? We could not stop the bulldozers then from destroying part of that area. an area full of history, natural habitats and cultural significance.
These are my thoughts on this. Kona will always be my home, it is where my heart is even if I now live on Oahu.
Nohealani
Petroglyph.jpg
(Provide date of letter)
RE: Amendment to the Land Use Pattern Allocation Guide of the General Plan for Honokohau
To Whom This May Concern:
I support the project to be changed from Urban Expansion to Open as I would like to see this preserved for our Native Hawaiian History and Culture and to protect the marine life from any development which may destroy fishing/gathering grounds. Remember to address it properly per the information above.
Sincerely,
(signature here)
Name
Address
Phone:
NOTE: MAIL IT TO: Planning Department, Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi St. #3, Hilo, HI 96720.
Something as simple as this is your testimony...SMILE
The real intent is protection. Right now it is designated "Urban Expansion" and if it stays this way and not changed to "OPEN" then more development will do in that area which has done so right next to it. You would be the perfect person to provide a testimony with this picture. You can testify for the change from Urban Expansion to OPEN because.......(here is where your story come in a brief statement of what you posted here)...SMILE.
Just like you, I too went swimming in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel. Looking at the itching of the ship, it looks like a viking ship. The Maori, I dont think they had sails. It doesnt look like a british schooler. The high front and back looks like viking or possible Egyptian. And so wonderful that your dad had the insight to capture these petroglyphs. At least it wasnt lost. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sharon
Here is my RSVP to your invitation, I will not be attending your 'open investment party' I have other things to do and that is--- to protect our lands and Na Kupuna Iwi from the FAKE STATE!!!!!
Kaohi
This area is near King Kalakaua's mother's property now belonging to QLCC. Go pick on someone else with the A.G. you seem to be showing the same tail colors as HER.