Guide for the future
A heartfelt mahalo and congratulations to our Hamakua community, Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter, the county Planning Department staff, consultant team, and fellow Hamakua Community Development Plan steering committee members on Wednesday’s County Council passing of Bill 161!
We eagerly await for Mayor Harry Kim to sign the Hamakua CDP into law. It has been almost nine years since the planning process was initiated in September 2009.
Kudos to the county’s planning team and the steering committee for ensuring an open, transparent public process focused on identifying our community’s voice on what we want Hamakua’s future to look like. As the committee traveled from Papaikou to Pepeekeo to Laupahoehoe and to Honokaa for public meetings, we listened and conversed with our fellow residents.
Deepest gratitude to you who participated in the talk story sessions, committee meetings, Planning Commission and council hearings and provided online input.
As diverse as we are, there is clearly a shared vision that the majority held dearly: to malama the ‘aina as the source of sustenance for ourselves and future generations.
We value and thus protect our pristine landscapes, rich agricultural lands, mauka forest and rugged coastline. We celebrate our Native Hawaiian and multicultural plantation heritage. Our ohana-based value and lifestyle connects us with each other and the ‘aina.
Moving into the future, we envision our distinctive villages as thriving hubs with sustainable agriculture, ranching and local businesses driving the economy; affordable housing, accessible quality health care, elder care and learning centers.
We produce and rely on clean, renewable energy to traverse the network of roadways that link us, including our heritage routes. We welcome change but demand it to be thoughtful and deliberate, reflecting our collective voice.
It has been a privilege and honor to serve with my fellow committee members on behalf of our community. Friendships have deepened as we share our love for Hamakua, our beloved home, and work to steward its future so we may proudly pass it on to our keiki.
Come join us as we move forward!
Brad Kurokawa
Honomu