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Summary:
For over 20 years the principals of KA`U Preservation have been successful at protecting
the cultural and environmental integrity of KA`U. As our island population continues to grow and major developments continue
to threaten important and vital places such as Punalu`u Black Sand Beach, it is more important than ever to continue our local
and global educational and legal campaign to save KA`U forever. While supporting educational programs for children at the
Kukulu Kumuhana `O Ka`u Learning Center at Punalu`u and by taking a PROACTIVE stance and offering a positive vision and sustainable
alternative to destructive development, we can create jobs, opportunities and a brighter future for KA`U that is in harmony
with nature and the lifestyle of its people.
GOALS:
PROTECTING PUNALU`U -- from the mountain to the
sea -- will be our number one focus for 2011. We are determined to protect this vital local resource for the next generation
and its future will be determined in the coming months.
We believe KA`U can become a model for sustainable Earth
friendly development for the rest of the world. With public input and community involvement we can create a VISION that comes
from people of KA`U who have protected its resources for nearly two thousand years.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS will
be produced in our digital state-of-the-art MEDIA CENTER that include, PSA's and DOCUMENTARIES for Television, Press Kits,
Educational DVD's and Brochures. Our budgets allow for each educational program to be distributed to every public school
and library in the state of Hawai`i via our WEBSITE and DVD's that will be mailed directly to educators, politicians and
community groups and leaders. These programs will allow us to reach millions of concerned citizens who will join our efforts
to protect KA`U. The programs will be designed to support the educational programs at the Kukulu Kumuhana `O Ka`u Learning
Center at Punalu`u and will allow the youth of KA`U to play a role in protecting KA`U's future.
THE KA`U PRESERVATION
LEGAL TEAM will help determine our legal position on any development impacting KA`U. The developers who are targeting places
like Punalu`u will be investing millions of dollars to fight our position in court. We have to match this with legal opinions
and leadership that will win each case until the developer can no longer see each project as financially viable or legally
acceptable. Our budget allows for us to establish a winning legal team that can assure existing environmental laws are enforced,
including the endangered species and burial protection act.
A GOOD START
2005
KA`U PRESERVATION
has made incredible progress since its establishment in 2005. We played a crucial role in helping to save HONU`APO, working
to bring together state, county and federal officials and raise over $3,000,000 for its purchase. We launched our website
www.kaupreservation.org in the fall of 2005 creating an educational platform for community action and awareness. We established
the S. Kona and Ka`u Coastal Land Conservation Task Force in 2005 and our Vice President Pele Hanoa became its Chairperson.
We campaigned for the closure of the road on the beach at Punalu`u and the road was closed, making Punalu`u Beach safer for
beachgoers and the endangered Hawksbill turtle.
2006 - 2007
In 2006 we were dedicated to stopping
the Sea Mountain Developement at Punalu`u and finally in the fall of 2007 witnessed the historic passage of Resolution 169-07
that calls for the county to begin negotiations for the purchase of at least 150 acres of coastal land at Punalu`u. Also,
in 2007 we held the first annual Malama Punalu`u Festival on Labor Day Weekend. The 2 day event celebrated the sacred lands
of Ka`u and was attended by over 5,000 people.
2008
This year promises to be another landmark year
for Ka`u Preservation.
The 2nd Annual Malama Punalu`u Festival is scheduled for Aug. 30 and 31st, 2008.
In 2008 we released the New DVD, "THE PUNALU`U EXPERIENCE" and through a grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation
we are sending a copy to every public school and library in the state.
In Jan. of this year, we saw the the birth
of a new organization that will focus on the long term management of Punalu`u that will bring the community together for a
common purpose.
Our work is not done and we continue our work thanks to the spirit of volunteerism that is the
heart and spirit of KA`U Preservation. Now with thousands of supporters across the islands and the world and with our membership
growing, KA`U Preservation is now one of the leading Hawaiian community organization working to protect the sacred lands of
Hawai`i. With your support we can continue this important work.
Mahalo
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