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June 25, 2019 (post hearing update)
After over four hours of testimony, the Kauai Planning Commission decided it will hold a contested case hearing on Smoky Mountain Helicopters’ proposed expansion. This is good news as it gives us an opportunity to provide the commission with more information and highlight the impact of the expansion. We will provide you with more information as soon as we get it.
The commission reached this decision because of your support and we could not be more thankful. Over 75 people showed up to testify at the public hearing and hundreds more submitted written testimony urging the planning commission to protect Salt Pond and save paʻakai farming.
It was amazing to hear person after person describe how much the salt patch means to them, all while underscoring its importance to a thriving culture and community. Here’s just a glimpse of what we heard throughout the day-
Frank Santos said, “I’ve been working in the salt pans for 65 years. There’s a new generation of salt makers that are coming online and they are here to protect the ʻāina, protect our heritage, protect our culture, to educate the local people to help them understand how important Hanapēpē is, to understand how important this salt is.
Haunani Kaiminaauao said, “It’s our right, it’s our birthright, it’s our way of living. I’m a grandmother and I always pledge to leave behind a legacy. I want this legacy to continue for my children and grandchildren.”
Berna Kali Vea said, “I represent the past, which is my dad, Benjamin Kali Sr and I’m also here to represent my future, my grandchildren. The red in the salt pans represent the blood, our koko of our ancestors. We are fighting against something (the helicopter company) that has no benefit to our ʻāina, no benefit to us, has nothing to do with us, just money, money, greed! The airport should be just gone.”
Momi Kaʻiakapu-Lanning said, “We cannot see what is happening underground. So how can you determine whether or not the use of the illegal cesspool is adequate. We are on the lower end of the terrain. Everything that is happening underground is affecting us.”
Malia Nobrega-Olivera said, “Hui Hana Paʻakai o Hanapēpē, is a Native Hawaiian organization made up of representatives from 22 ʻohana that are cultural practitioners, kiaʻi or stewards, protectors of this wahi pana, this traditional place. For many generations, we have exercised our traditional and customary practices at the salt making area which is also listed as a historic site on the State inventory of historic places.”
In the coming weeks we will keep you updated on any developments and next steps. Mahalo for your continued support. Let’s continue to PROTECT PAʻAKAI!
Please use the hashtag #protectpaakai on any social media posts so we can find what everyone is posting. Mahalo