Aloha kākou and mahalo for everyone's continued support! This petition has now been signed by nearly 2,000 people! It is important that we continue to keep sharing with our ohana and fellow community members so that the decision-makers involved continue to hear us.
Our community DOES NOT support this development! We are prepared to stand and fight for as long as is necessary to ensure that it does not move forward.
There are a few important updates to share:
I verified just now by speaking with a company representative at Hawai'i Land Planning, LLC that their firm is no longer representing Kona Development Partners. Though they say they were working with Kona Development Partners in the preliminary phase, they have now decided that the partnership isnʻt "a good fit". Hawai'i Land Planning, LLC does not anticipate that it will engage in any further relationship with Kona Development Partners.
Also, if you havenʻt had the chance to check out Kuʻuwehi Hiraishiʻs informative and dynamic coverage of this issue via Hawaiʻi Public Radio, please do so! It really showcases the strength and power that exists in our solidarity while illuminating some of the significant hurdles Kona Development Partners would face in the event they continue moving forward. "...I think the community got a little alarmed that they missed [their chance to speak on this], but that is not the case". Mahalo Kuʻuwehi!
Finally, we have received a supportive and encouraging response from our district 6 county council representative, Maile Medieros David. Not only did she sign the petition herself, but she also commented that as "a Native Hawaiian with generational roots in South Kona, I concur with the concerns regarding the cultural and historical significance of Opihihale outlined in the petition". Mahalo Maile!
I believe that each of these three developments has been born through the power of YOUR voice and YOUR commitment. As Dr. Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio poignantly reminds us in Like a Mighty Wave, "we can literally huli, turn everything upside down and say NO, we donʻt want to live like this anymore. We donʻt want to live lives dictated by capitalism and over-development" (Puuhonua o Puuhuluhulu, 2019, 11:55-12:04).
The choice is ours.
Let's make sure Kona Development Partners and the other decision makers who are involved in this know where we stand.
Though it feels today like a small battle has been won, the reality is that protecting ʻOpihihale is not over. This is an endurance race. We need every single one of you to stay connected and stay committed.
Please continue sharing this petition via your social media platforms as well as through email, text, and in-person interactions!
ʻŌlelo Noʻeau # 142
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. No task is too big when done together by all.
-Aunty Mary Kawena Pukui
Mahalo!
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