Proposed project should not be approved
At its July 21 meeting, the Leeward Planning Commission (LPC) will again consider a proposal to develop an at 11-acre site at the end of Naniloa Street, TMK 7-7-008:121, for 62 residential lots, and roads.
Why is it important to voice your concern about this proposed project? Two reasons: 1) continued destruction of sites within an ahupua’a where significant archeological and burial sites exist; and 2) it’s been thirteen years since this project was originally approved, and the current proposal is to extend certain approvals again. Enough destruction of cultural and burial sites. And end the practice by the Planning Department to grant administrative time extensions and other Planning approvals (without a public hearing) to unsophisticated developers who can’t secure a loan for a project.
This project was first heard at its April 21 meeting where the Leeward Planning Commission directed the Cultural Resources Commission (CRC) to review this proposal as to whether cultural and descendant issues were resolved in the Burial Plan, additional open space and access would mitigate the project’s impact on the cultural landscape, and how to design the project in a way that minimizes the impact on the historic landscape.
The Cultural Resources Commission heard public testimony at their June 8 meeting from at least 15 members of the public either through written or oral testimony. None of the speakers at this meeting supported the Naniloa proposal. At the conclusion of its meeting, the CRC voted unanimously for additional consultation with lineal and cultural descendants of this ahupua’a and the neighboring ahupua’a.
If this project is approved, a pattern of development will be established in this ahupua’a — where significant archeological and burial sites exist — that will be difficult to stop. At the April 21 Planning Commission meeting, this out-of-state developer stated they could not provide certainty that they could secure financing.
Kona needs good housing, and good planning, and this project provides neither. A higher standard for appropriate development is needed — now.
Visit our website, https://kapuonkapukapu.wixsite.com/website, to learn about other development proposals in this ahupua’a. Look here for the ways you can submit comments to the Planning staff about the Naniloa project: planning.hawaiicounty.gov.
Elizabeth Dunn
Kailua-Kona
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Another typical politician
This letter concerns our state legislator: Dru Kanuha. In the past few years, he has become a typical politician: promise people everything but deliver only what benefits him personally.
His last campaign talked heavily about alleviating the traffic mess of the main highway going south from Kailua-Kona. It was a great talking point but typical of the rhetoric of a career politician: once elected, do as little as necessary to advance his career.
There are two reasons why people run for office: a) to better society, or b) to gain personal power and wealth. Unfortunately, Dru seems to be in the latter category.
About a decade ago, I wrote a letter to the editor about Harry Kim; he had the huevos to contact me and arrange a meeting.
I don’t think this will happen with Dru; his arrogance seems to show as evidenced by his actions he made in support for Bolton and the bending of county rules.
I don’t expect him to contact me because he has lost touch of his purpose but the public must become aware of politicians like him!
Bryant Ching
Kailua-Kona
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