From Marion:

Last week, KAHEA submitted written testimony to the State Land Use Commission in opposition to “the proposal by Molokai Properties Limited to build 200 luxury estates at La’au Point” which will negatively impact the environment and culture.

Our comments point out that: although there is overwhelming scientific evidence supporting that the main Hawaiian Islands serve as foraging and breeding grounds for monk seals and millions of dollars for research and monitoring have been set aside, little has been done by the state and federal governments to permanently protect habitat — like that La’au point. The truth is that the single most important action we can take to save monk seals is provide them places of permanent pu`uhonua, true and forever sanctuaries. Monk seals survive best when left alone in a place where humans do not dominate the landscape, in sanctuaries marked only by the presence of blowing sands and waves crashing against jagged lava formations at the water’s edge.

Further, because “Molokai is one of a few communities that still have resources to sustain traditional subsistence”, they need to be honored and protected to ensure the perpetuation of these traditional practices of gathering for their families and communities. The reason why these practices still remain today have to do primarily with the fact this shoreline is undeveloped and difficult to access.

The proposed development will limit access to this 5-mile stretch of coastline by providing only two points of entry, one at each end of the proposed coastline development even though the “state law requires that public access to the shoreline be available every quarter mile” which is clearly not honored in this proposal.

The Molokai community has voiced their undying concern regarding the relentless and greedy development plans of Molokai Properties Limited. The community has no interest in having a community split and culturally and socially restricted by the influx of big money. Today, they are standing up, protecting their inherent rights to collect what they need from the mountains to the oceans that keeps their culture alive.

To make this place no more than a picture postcard tropical beach destination is to strip it of its most fundamental and uniquely Hawaiian identity. We stand together with communities on Molokai to share the view that the sea, land, culture, and people remain vital in marking this land as a Hawaiian place.

Click here to read comments on the EIS:

KAHEA’s comments in opposition to the development at La’au Point

Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ Comments on the development La’au Point

Each place in our islands has a Hawaiian name and is associated with mo’olelo or an ancient Hawaiian story. Still, the Hawaiian language with its history, insights, and cultural significance remains silenced in its ‘one hanau or birthplace.

The collection of ‘olelo no’eau or Hawaiian proverbs provide some evidence that the Hawaiian language evolved and emerged as they discovered and wandered the beautiful landscapes of this new and unfamiliar land.

The steep cliffs of the Ko’olau mountains and high sea cliffs of Moloka’i provided one example for an avenue of poetic thought and expression that were used to compare and contrast plants, animals, and people to its sheerness and distinction.

Over the next few months, we hope you will see more more Hawaiian language in KAHEA’s outreach and website–part of a renewed commitment from us to integrate the Hawaiian language as a living part of our daily work.

We’ve seen some other hopeful examples around, including the recent release by GO! Airlines of their bilingual website. So maybe GO! Airlines pilots *have* been snoozing behind closed doors… but the company has invested in an effort to provide their Hawaiian language speaking customers a choice to make their reservations in ‘olelo Hawai’i.

Let’s all be a vehicle to support the Hawaiian language in the capacity we can as individuals, communities, and organizations. E ola ka ‘olelo Hawai’i!

From email from Rich ma over at Beach Access Hawai’i in Kailua:

I was going to use a clever subject line for this email — something like, “Show me the money!” because that’s what it comes down to now. We’re asking the State to pony up bucks to do this beach access survey and report. But a little earlier I got a phone call from someone in our group…

His mother passed away this morning and he wanted the phone number of another BAH member, because he needed help getting a canoe so he could scatter her ashes in the waters off the Mokulua islands. He said she loved Lanikai and Kailua Beach, and this is what she wanted.

Until I got involved with this cause, I didn’t know him or the paddler he wanted to get in touch with. I think it speaks volumes about what the beaches and ocean means to all who live in Hawaii. It connects us, and brings us together. You know those people who put up gates on “private” roads? Their world has gotten smaller, while our circle of friends is growing and getting bigger.

You can support the bill he’s talking about–HB839– by showing up to the hearing and/or emailing in your testimony to the finance committee. FINtestimony@Capitol.hawaii.gov (contact Rich at figeli001@hawaii.rr.com if you need sample testimony to follow.)

From BAH: The meeting will be in Room 308 at the State Capitol building. HB839 is at the top of the agenda, so testimony will probably start around 11:15 am, and could continue for a half hour to an hour depending on how many people show up.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/

http://starbulletin.com/2008/02/03/editorial/editorial01.html

http://starbulletin.com/2008/02/03/news/wild.html

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/3783/40/

http://www.khnl.com/global/story.asp?s=7814785

Polihale public access agreement reached on Kauai:
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2008/02/03/news/news01.txt

http://www.mauinews.com/news/2008/2/2/09proa0202.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beach-access-hawaii/

On KGMB:

“Hawaii’s beaches are public property. But in recent years, more private landowners have closed off paths that lead to the shoreline. In an effort to change that, some 20 grassrooots organizations rallied across the state today.”

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/3783/40/

On KHNL:

“Protestors throughout the state hit the streets to call attention to beach access. They say more and more new developments are closing off paths to public beaches, and they want them back.”

http://www.khnl.com/global/story.asp?s=7814785

So, the day is done.

What an inspiring 24 hours! The view from the trolley was amazing, as we went from rally to rally on Oahu’s south shore and met and saw dedicated individuals–many out in the rain–waving signs, calling to cars and passers-by.

MAHAHLO PIHA!

Hawaii’s Beach Access Day (Groundhog Day!) happened because individuals and organizations islands-wide stepped up and stepped out to make a statement about the problems they face, and their hopes for a better Hawaii–one with open, free and public beach access. We tried to keep up with the list of supporting groups flying around in various emails, but at this point… we have officially lost count! We believe there were well over 20 groups and over 300 individuals out waving signs today. Awesome!

This was an incredibly, er, organic event day–something that happened because so many people put their talents and energy into this effort in different parts of the islands. Many of them have been working on access issues for years.

Closing thought: We’d like to share these words sent from Rich, at Beach Access Hawaii:

…Then I stopped and listened to “Rock Me on the Water” by Jackson Browne…

Oh people, look around you
The signs are everywhere
You’ve left it for somebody other than you
To be the one to care…

That was me. But getting involved with this cause has shown me there are people who care. One guy — Ricky Bermudez — who doesn’t even get these emails because he doesn’t own a computer, has single-handedly collected almost 300 petition signatures, and has been posting G-Day flyers in shop windows and handing them out. Two people have contributed $100 each, and others have made generous donations as well.

Their heartfelt notes though, meant more to me than the money. I wish you could read them, because you’d understand how much this means to some people.

Stay inspired, stay active, stay engaged, and stay informed! On the momentum of this islands-wide rally day, things… are beginning to happen. What happens next is in the hands of all of us. When ordinary people unite voices, when communities get organized and get together, there is no limit to what can be accomplished!

A few places to start (resources and groups working on access issues):

• Hawaii Kai Hui – www.hawaiikaihui.org
• Surfrider Oahu Chapter – www.surfider.org/oahu
• Beach Access Hawaii – www.beachaccesshawaii.org
• Common Ground Hawaii – www.commongroundhawaii.net
• Surfider Maui Chapter – www.surfrider.org/maui
• Kulana Huli Honua – www.kulana.hawaiiweb.org
• Defend Oahu Coalition – www.defendoahucoalition.org
• Keep the North Shore Country- keepthenorthshorecountry.org
• Surfrider Kauai Chapter – www.surfrider.org/kauai

We had a nice event on Kaua’i's north shore protesting the encroachment of the Princeville Hotel’s parking restrictions on public access to Hideaways Beach. Twenty Surfrider Foundation Kauai Chapter members waved signs to passing traffic. The response was excellent and even visitors waved back at us.

Most of all, it was way fun!

Just in: News release from Surfrider Maui Chapter! We talked to them by phone earlier, and what a day! In pouring rain, surfers, paddlers, and fishers braved the weather and waved signs reading: Maui Not For Sale; Save the Waves in Kahului Bay; Paddling not Passengers; Save Paddling for Our Keiki.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION MAUI CHAPTER
MEDIA RELEASE
GROUND HOG DAY STATEWIDE RALLY FOR BEACH ACCESS

The Maui event of the Ground Hog Day Statewide Rally for Beach Access took place along Kaahumanu Avenue in the pouring rain in front of Hoaloha Park. It was one of a dozen rallies held statewide today to raise awareness about the public’s eroding access to beaches in Hawaii.

“The statewide rallies were held on Ground Hog Day to signify that we may stick our heads back into the burrow once too often, said Jan Roberson, Surfrider Maui Chapter Chair. “Until the sad day when only a shadow remains of the places our families once paddled, surfed and fished.”

Despite heavy rain showers, the Kahului event drew a flock of fishers, surfers and paddlers, about 25 at a time, who waved signs that read: Maui Not For Sale; Save the Waves in Kahului Bay; Paddling not Passengers; Save Paddling for Our Keiki.

Leona Nomura, proprietor of Kuau Store, and members of her ‘ohana held an inverted Hawai’i State flag to demonstrate disagreement with the state’s 2030 Kahului Harbor Master Plan, which calls for dredging coral, destroying several surf sites, and taking away canoe racing lanes.

“The state’s plan will displace youth and family residents to accommodate visitors arriving aboard the high-speed Superferry and high-polluting cruise ships,” said Jan Roberson, Surfrider Foundation Maui Chair. “Should the taxpayers foot the bill for private industry?”

“A good plan would not kick the kids out in favor of passenger vessels,” said Roberson. “That’s why the state must prioritize the cultural and recreational needs of the people over visitor industry economics.

Maui event co-sponsors included Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter; Save Kahului Harbor; Hawaii Wildlife Fund; and Hui Hee Nalu O Maui.

Email update from Rich of Beach Access Hawaii:

The Advertiser reporter said he was “amazed” at the turnout considering the weather! We had 40 at one end, about 30 at another spot, 15 at an unplanned location, and another 20 or more at the far end, with lots of cars honking in support and residents coming out to greet us. And the sun came out for our post-rally potluck picnic!

Thanks for sending pictures from East Oahu and the trolley ride! Can’t wait to see pix from North Shore, Bowls, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island… Mahalo to everyone for their hard work and efforts today. You guys are da best!

Exhausted,
Rich

P.S. We had guys on mopeds and bikes riding up and down Kalaheo Ave. with signs too, and one guy made special “No Private Beaches” and “No More Gates” silkscreened t-shirts.

It was a little rainy, but we had a great time anyway! At Niu Valley, we
had Jimmy Pflueger stop by and say he supported us. We had a family from Pālolo and someone all the way from Salt Lake show up to sign wave. But the best was Dr. Flowers stopping to give US candy (he’s the private citizen who gave us our only rights-of-way on our 6 mile shoreline in East Honolulu at Paikō). Hope to see you all on the news tonight! Great work everyone. I’m going to take a nap. (Sign waving is hard work!

) Mahalo,

Jeannine

We just got a call from folks at Kulana Huli Honua: More than 30 people came out to educate visitors and residents at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel at their Beach Access Rally on the Big Island. They passed out flyers, spoke with visitors, and carried signs in support of cultural access rights to Ahu‘ena Heiau.

Ahu‘ena Heiau is located at Kamakahonu Bay and is the site of the first capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It is the personal heiau of Kamehameha the Great, who rededicated it to Lono. Today, the corporation that purchased the hotel surrounding this heiau is claiming they own the heiau.

The rally was organized by members of Kulana Huli Honua, non-profit organization founded by the late David Kahelemauna Roy, Jr., Kahu and Restorer of Ahu’ena Heiau and presently led by Roy’s daughter, Mikahala Roy. Also at the rally were Nita Pilago, wife of County Councilmember Angel Pilago (of the famous PASH case) and many friends and families connected with the Na Kokua Kaloko Honokohau, Ke Akua Hawaii Ko Aloha, Pele Defense and others such as Kanaka Council.

Kulana Huli Honua formed as a 501-C3 in 1999 and has been at their work of providing for the life and care of Ahu’ena Heiau, Kamakahonu as they advocate for the care of sacred sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The Roy ‘ohana has supported the work of David Roy since the initial restoration which serves to inspire all similar work in Hawaii.

Mahalo to all who came out! And thanks to Jeff Cho for the pictures!

United on the North Shore!!

40 people came out in the pouring rain on the North Shore today. They expressed their gratitude at the Governor’s offer to preserve Turtle Bay from future development. They also reiterated their long-standing call to Keep the Country, Country!!

The concerned residents, surfers, students, and families stood out in the rain along Kamehameha Hwy. in front of Turtle Bay to demonstrate that there is only one public access route for the entire 5-mile stretch of hotel property. And often the parking at this public access route is packed, forcing others who would like to go beach to pay the hotel for parking.
But the sun is out now and they are all gathered at Sunset Beach Elementary School, right across from Ehukai Beach Park to celebrate and hang out. It’s a potluck party to protect public access!! Please join them – they will be there till 4:00 or so.

KAILUA SAYS: NO MORE GATES!!

Hundreds showed up for rallies all along N. Kalaheo Ave. this morning to demonstrate just how hard it is to get to the beach these days. For that entire stretch of road, there is only one access route! The many other roads and pathways are blocked by locked gates or unwelcoming “no trespass” signs.

To learn more about the beach access issues specific to Kailua, go to www.BeachAccessHawaii.org

From Wailupe Circle to Paiko St. to the Portlock Gate, concerned residents are out on the street today to raise awareness about the lack of public rights-of-way to the beach.

Paiko St. is a perfect example. It is home to the alone public access route between Kawaikui Park and Kuliouou Beach Park. This access route was graciously donated by Dr. Flowers, who also came out today to express his support for the community’s efforts.

For the number of residents living along Maunalua Bay, there needs to be more officially public access routes… otherwise people will start to make their own, which is a risk to public safety and creates ill-will with beach-front property owners.

A better balance is possible!! To learn more, visit the Hawaii Kai Hui at www.LivableHawaiiKai.org. Information also available at www.surfrider.org/oahu, and KAHEA at www.kahea.org.