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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/10/2024 Public hearing minutes on BILL 2923, BILL 2924 PUBLIC HEARING JULY 10, 2024 A public hearing of the Council of the County of Kaua`i was called to order by KipuKai Kuali`i, Council Vice Chair, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 9:48 a.m., at the Council Chambers, 4396 Rice Street, Suite 201, Historic County Building, Lihu`e, and the presence of the following was noted: Honorable Addison Bulosan Honorable Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. Honorable Felicia Cowden Honorable Bill DeCosta Honorable Ross Kagawa Honorable KipuKai Kuali`i - Excused: Honorable Mel Rapozo The Clerk read the notice of the public hearing on the following: "Bill No. 2923 — A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2024-896 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE OPERATING BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUAI, STATE OF HAWAII, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025, BY REVISING THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED IN THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND," "Bill No. 2924 — A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. B-2024-897 AS AMENDED, RELATING TO THE CAPITAL BUDGET OF THE COUNTY OF KAUAI, STATE OF HAWAII, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2025, BY REVISING THE AMOUNTS ESTIMATED IN THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND—CIP," which were passed on first reading and ordered to print by the Council of the County of Kauai on June 12, 2024, and published in The Garden Island newspaper on June 21, 2024. The following communications were received for the record: 1. Bilbo, Lana, dated July 8, 2024 2. Edwards, Edwards (Ed) J., dated July 7, 2024 3. Holland, Fern Anuenue, dated July 8, 2024 4. Lo, Catherine Pascual, dated July 8, 2024 5. Taniguchi, Chad, dated July 7, 2024 PUBLIC HEARING 2 JULY 10, 2024 BILL NO. 2923 AND BILL NO. 2924 Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Is there anyone registered to testify on Bill No. 2923? LYNDON M. YOSHIOKA: Yes. We have four (4) registered speakers. The first registered speaker is Ray Catania, followed by Tesse Kinnaman. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Mr. Catania, please come forward. Make sure the green light is on before you start speaking. You have three (3) minutes. The yellow light will tell you that you have thirty (30) seconds remaining. The first round is three (3) minutes and after everyone has had their first round, you will get a second round, if needed. Make sure the green light is on in front of you. Councilmember Cowden: State your name. RAY CATANIA: My name is Raymond Catania. I live in Puhi. I want to mention that my roots are "planation roots," and I am very proud of that. My grandfather came here from Camiling Tarlac. He worked on the planation for a number of years, and he was working at the Kekaha Sugar Mill...April 9, 1919. My family has been in Hawai`i for a while. Although they never spoke about this battle, as the years went on, I learned about it. Anyway, I want to give a shoutout and credit to the Kauai Hanapepe Massacre working group that is putting out a book. That group is led by my friend, Mike Miranda. He put this group together, where we spoke about the issues facing Hawaii and the reason why the workers went on strike. It is very important to understand that the Filipino workers in the `20s were the worst treated workers in Hawai`i's history, at that time...the lowest pay, the worst working conditions. They had allies in the Japanese community who supported them, so they were not alone. Yet, at the same time, it was very difficult for them to organize and eventually, violence erupted and hostages were taken by the strikers. When the smoke cleared, sixteen (16) Filipino strikers had died and four (4) police officers. We learned from that situation that violence is not the answer. We need to work things out peacefully. Also, that battle taught the working class in Hawaii that we have to fight for social change that will benefit all the workers, regardless of nationality. The gallant Filipino workers at that time, they did the best that they could. Although, a lot of people did not talk about it much after that, the word is still part of history. Mike Miranda was instrumental in making us...helping us understand where they were buried and today, we have a book that is being produced at the University of Hawaii. Right now, it is being vetted by Davianna McGregor, Professor of Ethnic Studies, to make sure that we have all the correct facts. As I said, it is more than just wages and working conditions. It is social justice. Everyone in Hawaii, and everyone in the world has social justice. That is why people come to Hawai`i and to America, they are looking for a better life. It is not like what Trump said, that "they are gangsters or crooks." We know that it is not true. That is our history. They came here looking for a better life. Also, I want to mention that this fight for social justice is not complete. The workers at the Filipino restaurant, Max's Restaurant, won three hundred seven thousand dollars ($307,000) for backpay, not getting their overtime, and the waitresses getting their tips stolen. In other words, discrimination and exploitation is still taking place for Filipino workers and workers in general. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you. PUBLIC HEARING 3 JULY 10, 2024 BILL NO. 2923 AND BILL NO. 2924 Mr. Catania: Pau? Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Yes, red light. Thank you. You will get another three (3) minutes if you need it. Next speaker. Mr. Yoshioka: The next speaker is Tesse Kinnaman, followed by Tina Sakamoto. TES SE KINNAMAN: Tesse Kinnaman, for the record. I missed the June meeting where the Open Space Commission presented their biennial report and in that report there was a property, Hoban, that was in dispute. I wanted to know the update on that property, because I came to testify during the budget hearing on this piece of property, which I have done for several years now so, I would just like to know how progress is going. Councilmember Cowden: That is not on the agenda for today, but we will get back to you. Councilmember DeCosta: I will follow up on that. Ms. Kinnaman: You said that the last time. Who should I follow up with? Councilmember Cowden: All of us. Ms. Kinnaman: Okay, thank you. Mr. Yoshioka: The next speaker is Tina Sakamoto, followed by Dorothea Hayashi. TINA SAKAMOTO: Aloha and good morning, Councilmembers and staff. My name is Tina Sakamoto. Thank you for the opportunity to speak at this Public Hearing with reference to Bill No. 2923 and Bill No. 2924 regarding the appropriation of funds for the acquisition of the two (2) parcels in Hanapepe. Thank you to the Public Access, Open Space, Natural Resources Preservation Fund Commission for recommending the acquisition of these two (2) sites. I am in full support of the passage of these bills. The Hanapepe parcels are noteworthy in the recordation of the 1924 Hanapepe Massacre's historical significance in Hawai`i's labor movement, the remembrance of lives lost, the cultural challenges, the promotion in understanding of the tragic event, the preservation of oral history, the educational encouragement to seeking facts, and a public open space for all to reflect upon Kaua`i's history. I must also mention that the continuation and the completion of the walkway from Hanapepe Heights to the town of Hanapepe and to the monument should be completed and that would be a walkable route for the entire community.Again, thank you for your attention and consideration of the passage of these two (2) bills. Councilmember Kagawa: Press the front. There you go. DOROTHEA HAYASHI: Good morning. Dorothea Hayashi from Hanapepe. First of all, I am here to present my petition that I was very happy to PUBLIC HEARING 4 JULY 10, 2024 BILL NO. 2923 AND BILL NO. 2924 receive so much support from the local community, especially the people who have direct interest in this massacre or revolt, whatever we want to call it, because everyone has their own definition. However, before I forget, I was reminded that the massacre did not...the fight did not occur where the present plaque is placed. The plaque should be placed in this area that we are trying to get you folks to approve to purchase. That is the appropriate area. The town part is not where it happened. That was the first thing that I was told to bring out, but for myself, I would like to tell the history of why we began this search for this land...I am sorry, my mind is just...I have not done this for so long. This property has always been open, and it was formally, as a child, I remember that it was a deep draining hole. Now, it is all filled and it is the perfect place for us to enjoy. We have not had this opportunity to really come together and talk about this history that is so vital in Hanapepe because it not only involved the Filipino community. As it was mentioned, the Japanese...we were all there. Not me, but my ancestors were there. They got involved because they were pulled into it. It happened in front of our house, our business, and the property that one of my neighbors owned, that is where it occurred. We all have this in us, we were told these stories, and they are coming out. Now, we are given these opportunities to come together and bring this true history out and not all of this "behind the scenes" things. A lot of us would like to bring it all out and get the true story and come to a peaceful understanding of what happened. We all live together peacefully in Hanapepe. We are all friends. We all have relatives. May I also say that Trinette Kaui-Paraga asked me to say this, that Trinette's mom was a Sabalos... Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you. If you are going to need a lot more time, you can come back. You have three (3) more minutes. I think those were the four (4) that were registered to testify. Is there anyone else in the public wishing to testify? Come forward please. SHERRI CUMMINGS: Aloha. For the record, Sherri Cummings. I did not notice that this was on the agenda. First of all, I just want to say thank you to Uncle Teddy Blake. Many years ago, this was something that he wanted to have as a tribute. When he was part of the Koloa Community Association, that project was in its infant stage, working with me. When we speak about families and things like that during the sugar plantation, absolutely Filipino and Japanese, we cannot leave out the Hawaiians. My Taniguchi family...we were the sheriffs. They were half Japanese, half Hawaiian (inaudible). It is a historic place, and I am glad that the fruition has enveloped into what it is today. Stories are important and where we place these iconic emblems should be in appropriate places. I am all for what Tina spoke about, when she spoke about these roads regarding and I will segway into Moi Road, because Moi Road is the only way in and out for the Heights. It is important that we think about accessing capital for federal funding because...I will "go off the cuff' and say this, everyone knows and speaks about fire and things like that. I know that it is not part of this event, but if you are speaking about a roadway, there is only one way in and one way out. There is another way out and you, as the Council, should explore that. It is Robinson's property because the second gate, when you go on Moi Road, all the way at the top, if you open that up, it will take you down all the way to the sugar mill, and we need to get our people out of there. As far as what is happening, it is amazing, and I just want to say that for the record and for Uncle Teddy also. Mahalo. PUBLIC HEARING 5 JULY 10, 2024 BILL NO. 2923 AND BILL NO. 2924 Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you. Is there anyone in the audience wishing to testify for the first time? Please come forward. ALEJANDRO LOMOSAD: For the record, my name is Alejandro Lomosad. I have been a State and County employee for thirty-five (35) years. I retired thirty (30) years ago, this year. I know some of you personally. I have seen you folks. I would like to say a few words about Hanapepe because I have lived there for eighty-two (82) years, and this is where that incident happened. It was in my backyard, about one hundred fifty (150) feet from my house, in the back. The lot that we are looking at is the perfect lot for that monument instead of the town. Back then, a couple years ago, I was there when they put that monument in the town and the question that I asked was, "why is it here and not across the river?" This is about a quarter mile away. The response that the County gave me was, "because we do not have any place there...no room to put that, no parking." I accepted it. Now, this lot here, if you stand on the lot, one hundred fifty (150) feet away is the exact spot where the massacre took place on the road. The hill on the top, above that is visible. If you stand there, you can see everything. About five hundred (500) or six hundred (600) feet away is the headquarters where the Japanese school was. The building was still there in the `50s. The State grazed it down in my backyard. I knew the last family that was living there. He was working for Garden Isle Publishing (inaudible). He was the last family there. I used to go over to their house and the building was still there. I know exactly where it was and two (2) of the men that worked at the plantation worked at that site. They were living behind me. They were single people. They would tell the story over and over. I have family that was there, in that riot. I know. My concern is that the monument should not be in a town. That is what they told me back then so now, we have an opportunity to do that open space. We should take it. It is the perfect spot because when you sit there, you can see exactly what that was. That is all I have to say. Councilmember Cowden: I have a clarifying question. Can you tell me your name again? Mr. Lomosad: Alejandro Lomosad. Councilmember Cowden: Alejandro. Could you spell your last name? Mr. Lomosad: A-1-e-j-a-n-d-r-o. Last name is L-o-m-o-s-a-d. Councilmember Cowden: Okay, you will hear from me. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you, Mr. Lomosad. Is there anyone in the audience wishing to testify for the first time? Is there anyone wishing to testify for the second time? Come forward, Mr. Catania. Mr. Catania: Raymond Catania, again. I just want to thank all the other people who came up before me, in particular Mr. Lomosad. I think we spoke with one of his relatives and he was very explanatory about what was happening, and his point should be well considered. I wanted to mention...it is not going to take long...I did an interview on the Hanapepe Massacre on Ho`ike Public Television not too long ago, June 20, 2024 in addition to the news. You can catch it PUBLIC HEARING 6 JULY 10, 2024 BILL NO. 2923 AND BILL NO. 2924 with Trisha Allan. Trisha Allan recorded an interview that she did with me on the Hanapepe Massacre, and she has a lot of graphics and a lot of other information. It would be good for you to take a look at that. The word is beginning to spread within the labor movement. The working class is beginning to understand our history, and they are beginning to know the Hanapepe Massacre. It was not just for Filipinos; it was for everyone. The strongest ally the Filipino community had was among the Japanese Americans. They let us use their schools and other facilities and came up with money to help us. The thing is that eventually, it spread and in 1841, in Koloa, there was the first sugar strike in Hawai`i and it was led by Native Hawaiians. That taught a lot of us that we can stand up. Thank you very much. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Is there anyone in the audience wishing to testify for a second time? Ms. Hayashi. Ms. Hayashi: Dorothea Hayashi, again. I just want to make it clear that one (1) of the petition signers asked me to mention that her name is Trinette Kaui-Paraga. Trinette's mom was a Sabalos and Trinette's grandmother was Apolan Narian Sabalos, whose first husband was Mr. Ramos, who was one (1) of the slain workers. She wanted to sign it to show support because she has an ancestor there that she would like to recognize the plaque be placed in that area. I think this is what is going to happen, because stories were all hidden away. Now, it is coming out and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are finding out the stories and they are all getting interested. I just wanted to comment that the County started to go to the archives and they are recording it. Eventually, we will all be able to access the history of what the archives preserved for us. I think this is the time that we really have to put this to the public and I thank you very much if you all would help us in getting this done. Thank you very much. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to come forward? Ms. Parker? ALICE PARKER: Alice Parker, for the record. We definitely need the monument, and it must be publicly accessible. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Please come up and speak where you are at the microphone. Make sure that the green light is on before you speak. Mr. Lomosad I am not sure if you folks are aware, but the State already took part in it. They are already going to put up a monument. It is already designed. They are going to put a monument up, probably on the anniversary date in September. They are going to put a monument up at the gravesite. It is going to be a big thing because the Governor knows about it and the money is already appropriated for that. You folks should figure this out. This is election year and if the Governor is going to be there, I am pretty sure that you folks are going to want to be there. The monument is going up at the gravesite exactly where they think the graves are buried, next to the Kaua`i Veterans Cemetery, so you folks are aware. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you. Is there anyone else wishing to testify? PUBLIC HEARING 7 JULY 10, 2024 BILL NO. 2923 AND BILL NO. 2924 Ms. Cummings: Sherri Cummings, for the record. Just frustrated because I appreciate Alice and what she said about being accessible for the community and for the public. Sometimes, in the least public places, that is where the most important things are and where they should be. I do not know where kupuna's house is, but if it is not where it is available for the public, but it is where the event took place...we should recognize where the event took place. That is important for us people. Sometimes, it is not about Hawai`i Visitors Bureau (HVB) or Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA) or things like that. It is about community, and it is about us and our stories. The first gentleman who was the first testifier spoke about the movement for this cohesiveness and how they unionized. I may be young, but I do know the history of my family and I know for certain who started the union, Teamsters. This was back in 1800s and that correlated to what happened right there in the Filipino community, majority that was impacted and it was brought down by basically our family, the Sherman family. Teamsters or union was formed right there in Koloa. The history of that place...there is a story beyond that and so, I would want to work with others. When we speak about the "true history," let us go back even further and put the history out because there is some serious history about Kaua`i. We are only touching the surface, but it will come out eventually and I am all for story telling the right way. Aloha. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Thank you. This is the final opportunity. Is there anyone else wishing to testify for the first or second time? No. Thank you. With no further testimony... Mr. Yoshioka: Vice Chair, my apologies. I forgot to note that we have five (5) written testimonies for Bill No. 2923 and one (1) written testimony for Bill No. 2924. Council Vice Chair Kuali`i: Noted. With no further testimony or objection, this public hearing is closed. There being no further testimony on this matter, the public hearing adjourned at 10:15 a.m. tfully submitted, JADE . OUNTAIN-TANIGAWA County Clerk :slr