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 2008. 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