Can it be mere coincidence that The
Garden Island has a glowing article on Kumu Camp today — just as
the project goes before the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands?
Though the Anahola homelands project is
marking its third year of operation, it's only recently completed an
after-the-fact Environmental Assessment (EA), with DHHL planners
recommending the Board today accept a Finding of No Significant
Impact (FONSI).
Aside from issues concerning burials
and archaeological sites, it appears the project has insufficient
facilities for what is essentially an unpermitted, oceanfront
multifamily vacation rental that can serve dozens of people — in the flood zone.
There is a little red truck with a
stove and kitchen supplies where you can cook food and eat meals.
Each unit has it's [sic] own shower, however the bathrooms are shared with
the entire campground. There is only 1 toilet per side, but generally
it was never crowded. There is one unit where they offer Massage and
Acupuncture. There are weddings, classes and events that happen here
all the time.
To hear the newspaper tell it, Kumu
Camp, with its 10 “high end” tentalows, two yurts,15 campsites
and “mobile certified kitchen,” is all groovy. But that's because
it quotes only representatives of its creator, the Anahola Hawaiian
Homestead Association (AHHA).
Not everyone is so keen, including
nearby homeowner Pat Hunter-Williams, who disputes both the FONSI
designation and references to “Kumu Camp.” She asked the DHHL to
use the area's correct name: the Anahola Sand Dune Burial site. In a
letter to EA consultants, Pat wrote:
It's a shame the former Chair of DHHL
broke the law when not requiring an EA Report as part of the
application process and BEFORE any development took place. Because
this was an after-the-fact EA Report, there was a GREATER need for
the State Historic Preservation Office and Burial Council to have
been consulted DURING the preparation of the Report and not relegated
to comments at the conclusion. The last sentence in your first
paragraph intimates that HAD the EA Report been prepared BEFORE
development, the Burial Council would have been consulted during
preparation of the Report.
The Kauai-Niihau Island Burial Council
did ask to be consulted while the EA was being produced, but its request was declined.
Hmmm. We've seen developers take an
after-the-fact approach to skirt the Burial Council, but this could
be the first time that Native Hawaiians busted that same move.
Pat also questioned why DHHL beneficiaries,
such as her husband, were not consulted prior to the project moving
forward, and why construction of an above-ground waste water system
was begun without permits, especially since one of the developers is
Kauai Councilman KipuKai Kualii. The wastewater project has been capped
since receiving a cease and desist order from the state Department of
Health. I'm not sure when that occurred, but in March, a Trip Advisor reviewer noted:
What was important to us when booking
was close to the beach, hot water and running toilets. We had all of
the above. We were able to make our own food with their kitchen.
A January guest reported:
They were nice flushing toilets, but the women's was only cleaned once in the two weeks we were there and the men's about the same. The main restroom and showers drain into a septic tank, and men are asked to use the portapotty. Toward the end of our stay, the septic tank was nearly full and the camp managers warned us they were locking the bathroom doors to keep non-campers out, and were concerned that the tank would overflow.
As Pat noted in her letter:
[T]he fact remains that the history of
these developers is one of NOT following the rules of the lease - as
documented over and over again in correspondence to HCDC from DHHL -
and what could be characterized as a pattern of seeking permits /
approvals / permission after-the-fact - when forced - which
does not engender much confidence that they can be held to their
assurances [to cease operations and consult the State Historic
Preservation Division and burial council should an iwi disturbance
occur.]
Hawaiian Community Development
Corporation (HCDC) is an Anahola-based financing conduit created and
managed by Robin Danner. HCDC is the fiscal sponsor for AHHA. Robin also serves as vice-president of AHHA,
and KipuKai is its president.
The project's website states:
All of the proceeds to Kumu Camp by the
general public are designated to our nonprofit operation and hosting
of Youth Camps throughout the year and the operation of our
Internship Program.
Though TGI played up the youth camps,
which sound like a good thing, how much of the revenue actually goes
there, as opposed to”our nonprofit operation?” And not even youth camps negate the need to follow the law.
Pat argued in her comments on the EA
that there is sufficient reason to require an EIS. As she wrote to
planners following the FONSI determination:
The majority of the community was
neither informed nor consulted prior to this development commencing
and, I might add, prior to the DHHL permits being finalized. I
have repeatedly asked, since becoming aware of this development in
early 2014, for copies of the Minutes of meetings held which
community members attended. To date, I have received nothing.
Other concerns have been raised about
plans to offer SUP and kayak rentals, and possible boat tours on the
Anahola River. The website offers “surfing lessons & water
activities” and catering by “our nonprofit Anahola Café &
Saimin Stand.”
As Pat concluded:
[T]he use of the word 'pono' is
definitely not appropriately - or accurately - used in ANY discussion
of this development.
Others seem to agree.
As a September guest wrote on Trip Advisor:
when we turned the sheets back we found
stains and hair on the sheets and pillow cases and upon further
investigation mattress cover and mattress were absolutely filthy!!
The entire tent a low was filthy as well as the shower and sink with
a left over filthy sponge for washing. Outside eating table unwashed
and dried decayed food on deck and eating table..... Flies every
where !!no lock on tentalows. We took note locals were using
tentalows for the night and sneaking out in the morning ? This place
is poorly run and cared for..would not recommend it for safety or
your health!!!
An August guest was similarly disappointed:
We arrived at this place not expecting
it to be anything fantastic and were prepared to rough it a little
bit. However, when we arrived we found no gas for the hot water, out
of order signs on the toilets and unlockable doors on the tentalows.
'Glamping' this was not. For these reasons we decided to leave and
get accommodation elsewhere. It was a little bit disappointing given
the nice beach location. If the owners put some money into the place
and built some proper cabins they would make a killing.
As was a guest who had July reservations:
When we arrived around 9 pm there was
no one there to check us in and no one answered the phone. We were
stranded on our first night in Kaua'i. My family and I had to
scramble to make other accommodations for our stay last minute, under
the gun. Kumu Camp not only didn't answer the phone that night, they
never attempted to contact me at all to see if we made it somewhere
else or to apologize.
A January guest had mixed reviews:
There were many wonderful aspects of
our experience at Kumu Camp: seriously, we were just feet from the
beach; the sound of crashing waves 24/7; a great deck to call our own
whether it was cocktail hour or coffee time; our own shower; flushing
toilets; a comfortable bed; great access to town and restaurants as
well as many hikes and beaches; and a quiet, low-key campground.
The reality was that the "kitchen"
is an old food truck that did not have lighting (so when you went
inside, you needed to bring your headlamp or lantern); and was pretty
unclean. There was a lot of old food in there and mice were getting
into some hamburger buns that were there (the buns and the mice) our
entire stay. Initially, there was only one or two old pots and there
were utensils. About four days into our stay, a set of new pots and
pans appeared because someone complained. (Not us, as we accepted the
status, and planned our meals around our equipment.) The outdoor
barbecue grill was deeply crusted by burned food and the only thing
we put on there was a pot for water our first morning.
It may be Hawaiian Homes, but that doesn't mean anything goes. Especially since a Kauai Councilman is involved.
Posts
37 comments:
So is the food truck "kitchen" above State sanitation laws because it's on Hawaiian Homes Lands? Or are the State health inspectors too intimidated to cite the this amateurishly-run project? I wonder when the bedbugs will arrive, if they're not already present.
You all see what sell out uncle toms do for Benjamin's.
...and recently saw a FB post that a sometimes Kauai resident, scam artist, and all around shit-talking nincompoop is advertising karate classes at Kumu Camp, passing it off to the uninformed as his dojo. Now all his buddies will be coming on over to train with this MASTER and no doubt "camp" out there. Hooray! Just what the place needs.
All of the land parallel to the beach in both directions from the "camp" that is in front of the high end homes is DHHL. If these guys can do this, why can't any Hawaiian, open a campground, surf school, massage tent etc.? Turn the horseshoe bay into a beacon of Hawaiian commerce, from Kumu to the old pineapple pier.
This place is a far cry from what the old church camp was.
And that church camp was spooky plenny chicken-skin and strange movements and sounds at night.
Goes to say little boys and girls, go to school, come back home, get some big shot friends, screw the old Anahola Homestead Council and get kala for ever.
I have no problem with the idea or concept of the camp but it should meet all applicable State and County regulations and codes as everyone else must. The safety and health of all camp users is in the hands of the camp's administration and non-profits are not except from this. As for the quality of the service or product they offer, it's buyer beware as it is anywhere.
Yeah and did you people know that the NFL is also considered a non-profit org.
Mahalo Joan - where do I begin?
First, it's actually not a run-of-the-mill fiscal sponsor relationship between the Anahola Hawaiian Homes Association (AHHA) and Hawaii Community Development Corporation (HCDC) as HCDC BOTH "owns and operates" the projects of AHHA (huh?!?) AND on the application for this parcel HCDC listed itself as "the tax-exempt CDC arm" of AHHA.
Secondly, anything I have said publicly or written about to officials is supported by documentation - derived from using the Freedom of Information Act - which I'm happy to share with anyone interested so that each person can reach his/her own conclusion. I can be reached at 808-639-0888 or by email at phunterwilliams@gmail.com.
Thirdly, I feel I've been vilified by developers in viral emails and on social media, but I will continue to speak up out of respect for 'iwi kupuna, our environment and the Kupuna of Anahola (of which many, who are life-long residents, have been highly distressed by this development and have asked me to help them write letters), and my love for Anahola (which often has a bad reputation which is undeserved), and to honor my part-Hawaiian children and beloved mo'opuna.
I became aware of this development in Feb., 2014 following a physical assault which took place fronting the development on the beach where members of the community were participating in a beach clean up and encountered logs placed across the beach - perceived by them to be blocking beach access and described by one of the developers to have been placed there to safeguard people involved in clearing and planting activities. A physical altercation occurred; police were called; and the festering over this development came to a head and the created factions within the community became numerous.
From the onset, I was concerned about two things - the 'iwi kupuna and the environment. I have lived in Anahola since I was 17 and I always knew of the Anahola Sand Burial Dunes. In fact, there are three (3) significant sites as listed with the Burial Council and / or the State Historic Preservation Office. This is not a case of NIMBY (not in my backyard); this is not hearsay; this is not faulty Kupuna recollections.
I appreciate your investigation and reporting as community members have long maintained there is a flushing toilet on site and developers have denied this - pointing to the long-term use of porta-potties. The not permitted above ground waste water system was, according to developers, capped and never put into use, after receiving a cease and desist order during construction from DOH. That, too seems to be incorrect. The DOH would not issue a permit as they said it called for an EA.
At the recent held-on-Kaua'i DHHL Commission October, 2015 meeting, one of the developers, in response to my testimony, stated there is NO commercial activity ON the beach. Therein is a large part of this issue. Semantics. While it may be true that the commercial transaction occurs on the campgrounds, the INTENT - the PURPOSE of the activity - the actual ACTIVITY itself, OCCURS ON the beach, or IN the ocean, or IN the river. This development has morphed into something VERY DIFFERENT from that listed on the original application.
Mahalo,
Pat (Peachy) Hunter-Williams
If I may, I'd like to respond to the commenter who referenced the parcel formerly known as Camp Faith. This is adjacent to, but not a part of, the campground. There are four community organizations which would like to apply for - or have applied for - the permit for this parcel - and the developers of Kumu Camp are one, It's been suggested to DHHL that they have a public meeting and allow the four organizations to present their intent and plans for the parcel - and provide an opportunity for the community to weigh in - to ask questions, to express concerns, to express support, etc. Had this been done for the Kumu Camp development, I think a lot of issues could have been possibly addressed and the community would not be factionalized.
Further, DHHL facilitated an Anahola General Plan for community input regarding what should be designated homestead, agriculture, ranching, and mercantile usage.
Lastly, at the recent DHHL Commission meeting one of the developers suggested that (what I would characterize as an uproar, but the developer characterized as a "vocal minority") community response is due to community ignorance of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. I would beg to differ - specifically as it relates to mercantile activities. To me, anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of the history of Hawai'i nei is supportive of, and sympathetic to, the illegal overthrow - and the devastating effects on our host culture and its people. I'm thrilled DHHL is making a sizable amount of money from the KIUC Solar Project to fulfill its mission; I want to see Hawaiians own businesses; I want to see DHHL place every Hawaiian on the waitlist on their lands; I want to see DHHL give permits for mercantile activities - and there are many wonderful examples of this having been done. THIS development is not one of them.
Pat Hunter-Williams
Anahola
Now we know why they knocked out all those BnBs. Guaranteed 100 percent occupancy at the beach shacks.
Kipukai should be a little careful. He is off to a great start. He has been balanced, thoughtful and considerate. He is a shining light of intelligence in this do-nothing Council. But to be involved in this is flat out hypocrisy.
If he can do a project that kicked out the Church, has illegal TVRs, NO effluent control...why can't my neighbor rent out his extra house? Both are for visitors.
DHHL and the elite Hawaiians have always maintained that even though they can build WHAT THEY choose on Hawaiian lands, they have always said "we will abide by State and County rules".
Welp. I guess not.
If Kipukai and the elitist Hawaiian political bigwigs can do as they choose on the beach....why can't a few Hawaiians ( some with the Alii koko) with Big Cats and lumber go build some houses up on the 6000 plus acres Mauka?
It is a sin for the Mauka Anahola lands to sit vacant when there are hundreds of Hawaiians that need housing.
The State builds on Mauna Kea, the Danners build on the beach....what about the regular ol' fish and poi Hawaiian?
Of yea, they wen go build KCCC and Halawa for dem guys go stay.
yeah man
the hand holding the knife for stab my back look like mine, brown.
agree 10 jillliun percent 302
Kipuka's rice cooker. Get you camera and your high heels.
They actually relinquished their non-profit status recently. And it was only the league itself, not the individual teams.
I don't know much about this project, and I don't believe the vast majority of people do. After the Hawaiians decided that they did not have to obey laws, I think the vast majority of people on Kauai said goodbye to Anahola.
We need more background.
Nearly 3 decades on the waiting list for Homestead Lands on Kaua'i and seeing my name for some reason fall further and further down the list, reading this was like being punched in the gut several times. Especially after being an advocate for Hawaiian Rights and partaking in testimonies in attempts to keep developers on the island in the up and up. Here our own have desecrated the process and of beautiful Anahola. Where is your sense of cultural pride...
E kala mai for not getting all comments into one, but limited to amount of characters allowed, and plenty of work needing my attention today.
I wanted to add that previously some kupuna started a petition against the development in 2012 (I was not a part of it). When they learned that DHHL went ahead and issued a permit, I understand they felt it poho to send the petition. That petition, with a reported 300+ signatures, will now be sent to DHHL as the original was found.
In addition, a new petition has been started (I am a part of it) and anyone concerned about Anahola, its sacred sites, its beaches, its rural nature, and its desire to not become commercialized should feel free to sign the petition. Many members of the community will be seeking signatures and those who want to assist are encouraged to do so. Also, several members of the community have agreed to sit in front of Anahola Store to get signatures.
Thank you again, Joan! -Pat
Something stinks.
In response to the poster of 7:59 p.m., I'm not sure I understand the statement "after Hawaiians decided that they did not have to obey laws.."
If this is in reference to following Federal, State, and County laws as it relates to permits for this development, the developers were, as part of the lease agreement, told they needed to follow them. When they didn't, they received a cease and desist notice from Dept of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) - the entity which leased them the parcel. When they didn't follow rules, DHHL withheld grant monies.
The State Department of Health (DOH), following a community complaint, issued a cease and desist about the not permitted wastewater system during construction, citing the need for an EA. I always wondered WHY the DOH didn't require that the developers be made to dismantle that which wasn't permitted.
Now, according to Joan's investigation, even though the not permitted but constructed anyway wastewater system was "capped", and supposedly NOT in use, it's being used (re-read the comments from someone I think was a tourist who stayed there about the tank being full - and a worker being concerned it might overflow - it's enough to turn your stomach when you realize this development is oceanfront - to say nothing of the 'iwi kupuna).
Please feel free to contact me and I will send you all the copies of documentation I have about this project - as I noted earlier, received from utilizing the Freedom of Information Act - from DHHL and the DOH, from AHHA and from HCDC. I will also be posting a display of those documents on the bulletin board at Anahola Store (Whalers), next to the Anahola Post Office as I think it's important for people to form their own opinions based on facts - on documentation - not on the developers' words; not on my words.
Mahalo, Pat Hunter-Williams
808-639-0888 / phunterwilliams@gmail.com
Can you imagine if the Hawaiians stood as one? The majesty and power?
But that old black crab syndrome sets in, as one crawls out of the bucket the others reaching for the top, pull 'em back down.
Here you have the crabs at the top of the bucket having a party and the crabs in the bucket have given up.
Forget about becoming "Indians" and the forced election (a forced election is not democracy anyway. Maybe time to just take what is yours. 25 guys with machines and a plan could make some houses wikiwiki. Anahola Mauka is flat and easy. Drainage studies are done, especially around the existing houses near the gawd awful electric plant....go build. The land is yours. Oh wait. As soon as any project that is by Hawaiians and for Hawaiians gets going..the State, DHHL, Alii Trusts, County etc stand together, thicker than the fleas on a barking dogs back and will put forth Police Action.
Get the Hawaiians that stay sleeping on the beach a place on the lands they own. You guys OWN it. Put Hawaiians on the lands. Use them. Ask for a permit later. Call it "camping and hunting" Use the lands.
Who you going get permission from? You are the owner. Make a presence. One man and a tent can change the landscape.
If a bunch of himucka-mucks can get away with it on one of the most famous beaches in Hawaii......surely, some real Hawaiiyawns could do a little something Mauka.
What a convoluted hierarchy of thieves, political panderers, bureaucrats and nieles we have in this State.
Use the land. It is open and it is yours. And you will get public support.
In response to 9:14 p.m. - I hear your frustration and your heartache and I am sorry. That is why I'm supportive of the lease agreement between DHHL and KIUC of the Solar Project (even if not happy with the actual placement of the transformers) as it will provide DHHL with a sizable amount of money to fulfill their mission of getting Hawaiians on their land. Infrastructure to do so is costly, and DHHL has been woefully underfunded forever! We should ALL be expressing outrage to Legislators about THAT!
The Village (Anahola Road) which is predominantly FS, but which has pockets of DHHL land and more recent homestead additions, has residents (of which I am one) with varied ethnicities, and includes many Hawaiians who may or may not be DHHL beneficiaries.
We have long advocated for the development of DHHL homesteads - including Aliomanu and putting Hawaiians on beachfront property.
I would have been supportive, personally, if DHHL awarded this parcel for homestead use - I would DELIGHT in seeing Hawaiians on beach-front property! I'm not sure anyone on the waitlist steeped in Anahola culture would have accepted the award, however. It was NOT designated by DHHL for homestead use. It is not okay, however, in my opinion, and the opinion of many in Anahola, for a campground to be in a site known for 'iwi kupuna. -Pat Hunter-Williams
Pat Hunter Williams where were you when the grounds at Kumu Camp were once a DRUG INFESTED hiding place for criminal activity? You failed to mention the benefits Kumu Camp has provided to the local community, the many volleyball tournaments and youth cultural activities that have taken place there. I know our kupuna are happy to have all of the youth enjoying this piece of DHHL land. And this is the very reason why Hawaiians (and wanna be Hawaiians like yourself and Debra K.) cannot move forward, always trying to bring those who are successful down.. WHY???
12:53p.m., or is it Kipu Kai?
You obviously did not read all of Pat's responses. There was a blatant disregard for following the law while Kumu Camp was being constructed.
Above land wastewater system? You're for that, without a permit?
Unsanitary facilities? You must live in a dump too.
After the fact EA? I guess you don't follow the law either.
Known 'iwi kupunu in that area being disrespected. Yep, you dance on graves alright.
These are VERY legitimate reasons for Native Hawaiians, the County, State, and DHHL to be worried about. NO ONE should be above the law and allowed to construct anything on any land without the proper public hearing process, permits, etc.
Sooner or later a tourist is going to sue Kauai County and DHHL because of some infection they contracted while staying in that dump, or for getting cut by the rust of the food truck, or god knows what else.
follow the money. takes you to the truth. how much county, state. and Federal grant dollars have been given to this project? how much of this money has been taken by AHHA and its mother as expenses or management fees? you will be surprised. besides any reason for the camp to exist , the main reason it is there is because someone is making money , guarantee. what better deal can there be, free land, feel good camp, free grant money, management fee, non profit. home free, brah. paychecks for life, screw the tax payers one more time. Is this the anahola cousin to the sandwich isle communication rip off?
In response to the 12:53 commenter, I'm very proud of my heritage which includes English, German, Irish, and Native American. I'm also very supportive of Hawaiian causes, have lobbied for many, and do volunteer work for many Hawaiian organizations.
I've been involved in many clean-ups of Anahola and, in fact, will be participating in another one soon. In addition, I carry paint in my car from the County to regularly address graffiti at Anahola Village Park and elsewhere.
I believe the newspaper article touted all the "benefits" as perceived by the developers and my comment there presented additional information and a different point of view as perceived by me.
I don't see any benefit of having a campground at the Anahola Burial Sand Dunes. There are other places - in Anahola - and elsewhere - where volleyball tournaments and youth cultural activities can take place.
I only know of kupuna who are not happy about the development - and I have not sought them out - they have sought me out to help them write letters or have asked me to write letters.
My comments here are in response to this blog post. I would not point to the campground as a success based on the information from Joan in this blog post - which I was unaware of until I read the post.
I sign my name to my posts - but I notice you didn't when I believe you were trying to call me out - WHY?? -Pat Hunter-Williams
P/S - Thank you commenter of 2:34
Again, always trying to bring others down and not seeing ANY positive in the work that others have done for the community. Good to hear about your work, I'm very thankful for your hard work and dedication to the Hawaiian community... Keep it up Ms. Williams.. I am your biggest fan for the positive work you have done!!!! I've done many beach cleanups usually on my own without the support of DHHL, not in the know with them I guess. But my point was the lands at Kumu Camp, where was everybody (negative people) when that place was a DUMP... WHERE??? NO WHERE TO BE FOUND, and now that it is a success those who do not like one lady in particular will do everything in their power to bring it down (yes being a drug free, well cared for beach front property is a SUCCESS)... Its sad that many in our community cannot work together and will always aim to attack those who are trying to do good.
12:05 said Its sad that many in our community cannot work together and will always aim to attack those who are trying to do good.
The same could be said of you as you attack Ms Williams
To the 12:05 11/18 commenter -
I'm not sure what you are talking about re: DHHL-sponsored clean-ups in our community (I'm assuming you are a member of the community). The clean-ups I've participated in are organized and run by neighbors in the community.
I don't view my opinions and concerns about 'iwi kupuna and the environment as bringing anyone down. I'm not talking about people - I'm talking about an area - which has THREE NOTED SITES OF SIGNIFICANCE with the Burial Council and the State Historic Preservation Office. I have used the generic "developers" as opposed to using names.
I see lots of positive work being done in the community and have often participated - and that's why in an earlier response I said that I think Anahola's reputation is undeserved (see 11/16, 2:15 p.m,)
I KNOW a lot of people have been concerned about the drug issue in our community - as is probably the case for people in EVERY community - as Anahola isn't alone in dealing with this problem and in many communities it's worse! I KNOW people have done many things to address the issue - which you may not be aware of...and I may not be aware of things you have done to address...but if the rationale for a campground to be constructed on a known burial site is to address drugs, I disagree.
I think there would have been many in the community who would have participated in a clean up of the Anahola Burial Sand Dunes had they been informed of such a clean-up. I would have.
While there have been many efforts made to address the drug problem, there are still many things the community could do, but, again, constructing a campground there is not, in my opinion, the way to do so.
Finally, a recurring statement from developers is the very one you shared - where were the people when we were doing the work? Have you considered people were not informed of the work you were doing? As I said, I would have participated in CLEANING (not constructing a campground until issues such as 'iwi kupuna and the environment were addressed). Also, using the term "negative" to characterize people who have different viewpoints from developers or supporters.
You obviously consider Kumu Camp a success - fine. I don't agree with you, but I would never characterize you as negative for holding that opinion even though it is different from mine. -Pat Hunter-Williams
And as Bob said "whya maan spit pon mi shoes den ask mi " why yu shoes all wet up?"
You go, Pat Hunter Williams. Expose the promotors for what they are.
You mentioned "the culture is fading" in your column. Yes, I hate to tell you that our culture is changing with people like you who talk shit about everybody you find offensive. It is your opinion and you don't have to write negatives to make people feel
uneasy or for others to read and applaud you. You are a sore to the community and if you think people enjoy reading downers, you are so wrong. I guess your goal here on the island is to separate people from others and segregate our community. In many ways, you are doing so much harm to those of us who love this island. You are polluting our island as much as the GM companies are too. STOP!!! When you write against people, it only shows how negative an individual you are and that you are trying to grow "black" in this warm island. Go back to where you belong, others in this cruel world may enjoy your thoughts and malama you outside of Hawaii.
And what does it tell us when you write so negatively about me? Other than you're a hypocrite blind to your own faults which you then project on to others?
Thank you to the commenter of 12/1 @ 5:58 p.m., but it hasn't been my intent to "expose" the developers or their supporters - I haven't used individual names. I have consistently spoken about concern for the area known as the Anahola Sand Burial Dunes and the 'iwi kupuna. There was recently maintenance work done by DHHL on the OLOKAUHA Stream, in August and Sept., located adjacent to the Anahola Sand Burial Dunes. 'Iwi kupuna were found after the work was done (not during the work), probably because the normal tides were restored. This has been verified and I am not the one who found them. I believe this provides credence to the claim of the Anahola Sand Dune Burial grounds, though.
In addition, I have consistently expressed concern about the environment - in general since they were operating without an appropriate (and not permitted) wastewater system from the onset (which was supposedly capped after receiving a cease and desist order from DOH. Now we learn from Joan's column the system has been in use!) They, reportedly, were using porta-potties...but that didn't address where run-off was going for showers or dishwashing, etc.
Further, what was on the application for the operation (primarily education and a site for students,family reunions, Hula Halau) is very different than what is now happening with commercial activities on or adjacent to the beach - for activities ON or IN the ocean and / or River, such as SUP rentals, kayak rentals, surf lessons, purchasing a boat with grant money for tours on Anahola River, and weddings.
Lastly, the developers have used the AHHA email newsletter to consistently send out viral emails to "call me out" - by name - and attempt to disparage me or my family - characterizing me as making complaints to the DOH (which I never have - and which can be verified as those are public records) and for having an obsession with porta-potties, for being a 'wanna-be Hawaiian' (which was one of the names used by a commenter here - was that a developer who left the comment and was too cowardly to leave his / her name?!) and other vile things such as my intent is to prevent them from utilizing the mercantile aspect of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act - all of which are untrue. Yet they don't name long - time and multi-generational members of the community who are Hawaiian or Native Hawaiian who have spoken publicly more emphatically than I have. Why is that?!?
Pat Hunter-Williams
In response to the commenter of 12/5 at 9:51 - Wow! I'm not sure you understand what unbiased journalism is. Joan and I don't see eye-to eye on all issues, but I know I can trust her to have done her research. I know I can also question her - which I have done in comments before in response to a blog post.
This attitude of viewing someone who expresses an opinion different from yours as "talking shit" is high-school behavior, respectfully, in my opinion. I don't believe Joan's intent is to "write negatives to make people feel uneasy or for others to read and applaud you"... however, I can't KNOW Joan's intent and neither can you!
I don't understand your comments that people feel her writing is considered "downers"; I understand she has quite a following - and when has having an opinion different from someone else been considered a "downer"? Isn't informing on both sides of an issue considered good journalism?
Your entire last paragraph is unbelievable and inappropriate on so many levels. I would ask you, if you are born and raised on Kaua'i or Hawai'i and decided to move elsewhere, would you think it fair to be told to go back where you came from? There are MANY Hawaiians living in the mainland because it is viewed as less expensive to do so,provides greater opportunity for home ownership, and often viewed as providing more opportunities. Would you deny those opportunities to Hawaiians on the mainland because they are NOT from there - are not born and raised there - and should "go back" to where they "belong"? I wouldn't! I would wish them well as they seek to improve their lives or those of the children. How long does someone have to live in Hawai'i before they are NOT told to go back from where they came?
Pat Hunter-Williams
pat
people have been following your posts with interest. understand many people support you and understand what you are trying to protect. where are the legions of hawaiians who vehemently opposed the disturbing of iwi on the north shore? they should be right by your aside, defending you especially considering what is going on is on hawaiian homes land. funny kine. if you can, find out what dhhl is charging for the land lease and how long the lease runs. also find out where the money is coming from to build the camp and sustain its operation. How many dollars have been and will be spent in the future. Find out how much of the grant money is being taken off the top for developers/management fees? How much will the boat cost and which agency is giving them the money? This our tax money being spent, we have the right to know. facts like these will resonate with the general population on a much wider basis than iwi kupuna. no one likes to be fleeced, especially if it involves public money. take the al hee case, for example. they are hitting at you. hit back.
pat
people have been following your posts with interest. understand many people support you and understand what you are trying to protect. where are the legions of hawaiians who vehemently opposed the disturbing of iwi on the north shore? they should be right by your aside, defending you especially considering what is going on is on hawaiian homes land. funny kine. if you can, find out what dhhl is charging for the land lease and how long the lease runs. also find out where the money is coming from to build the camp and sustain its operation. How many dollars have been and will be spent in the future. Find out how much of the grant money is being taken off the top for developers/management fees? How much will the boat cost and which agency is giving them the money? This our tax money being spent, we have the right to know. facts like these will resonate with the general population on a much wider basis than iwi kupuna. no one likes to be fleeced, especially if it involves public money. take the al hee case, for example. they are hitting at you. hit back.
Aloha to the person leaving comments on 12/7 @ 2:36...I apologize for the delay, but was just told by a friend your comments were here.
To answer your questions:
1) I have made no effort to contact "the legions of Hawaiians who vehemently opposed the disturbing of 'iwi on the north shore". Are they aware of the issue? When I brought the matter to the Burial Council in July (and I had sought to do so earlier but was too late to become an agenda item for one meeting due to Sunshine Laws, and there were some meetings cancelled due to a lack of a quorum), the Burial Council had no knowledge of this. THAT is a problem that they were not involved by the developers when work commenced (before the DHHL permits were even finalized). They acted ImMEDIATELY, but were then DENIED participation in the after-the-fact DEA recently done by the developers, as ordered by DHHL (and which should have been ordered at the time of the application - as required BY LAW). They were,min stead, relegated tomoroviding comments at the conclusion of the published DEA - even though had this NOT been an after-the-fact DEA they would have been included while the DEA was being produced. The Burial Council just sent me the Minutes of their July, September, and November Meeting Minutes - which should also be on the DNLR web site. If they are not and you would like me to forward them, I'm happy to do so. I can be reached at: phunterwilliams@gmail.com.
I have absolutely no complaints about the Burial Council and their responsiveness to this issue and I'm grateful for their involvement. One of the developers testified at the recent Nov. Burial Council meeting and denied there are burials on this site - THAT, too, is a problem. (Just as is another developer at the October DHHL meeting on Kaua'i stating there is no commercial activity on the beach. That is a matter of semantics - the exchange of money for services may occur on the parcel, but it is FOR activity ON the beach; or for activity IN the ocean; or for activity IN/ON the Anahola River (such as surf lessons, weddings, kayak rentals, SUP rentals, and boat tours in/on Anahola River). This is all a part of public record and can be accessed or I'm happy to provide copies.
2) I don't think anyone needs to defend me; this is not a personal issue for me - this is about the 'iwi kupuna and the environment. I don't blame people for not wanting to publicly speak out (but I am aware of A LOT of activity behind-the-scenes), as I have been the subject of the developers in viral emails and in postings on social media sites - no one wants to endure that, especially when what is said is untrue and could be considered the spreading of lies by developers (such as me complaining to the DOH - I have NEVER complained to the DOH and those records are also public). There have been Hawaiians who have spoken out - neighbors whom I've known forever - much more forcefully than me - at public DHHL and Burial Council meetings, but they have not been targeted in viral emails and social media postings. Funny kine.
3) It is public record what DHHL is charging the developers for the parcel known as the Anahola Sand Dune Burial Grounds. One can access the information through DHHL, using the 'Freedom of Information Act' form. DHHL has been very responsive to all of my requests for information, as has the DOH.
The application from the developers requested gratis for the first few years; Currently there is NO lease. The developers are seeking a 25-year lease. They are operating under what used to be called a Revocable Permit, but which is now called A Right Of Entry Permit (as a result of Governor Abercrombie calling for a Task Force review of all Revocable Permits because there were many instances of improprieties. You can refer to many articles in the Star-Advertiser about this (and even dating back to the Honolulu Advertiser before it merged with the Star Bulletin). (1 of 2 due to space constraints)
Pat Hunter-Williams
Apologies for a late input, but I was unaware of this blog. I live in Anahola and have followed the Kumu Camp development with interest. When it was first proposed, the idea sounded great. Replace the drug infested forest with an active, vibrant cultural heritage focused camp for our community and especially our children. Instead, what we have is a backpacker focused campground that competes with the Beach Park and has nothing to do with educating our children. We are on the beach daily, and it is a very very rare day that any activity is happening at Kumu Camp. Outside of a few hula lessons early on and a couple of school groups, we have never see anything that resembles cultural heritage activities. Clearly, the original focus of the Camp and the proposed activities never materialized. Instead its just another campground.There were yoga classes for awhile, but those folded as well. The SUP/surf lessons started and ended very quickly. The surf shack is gone. Havent seen volleyball in ages. At first it was well maintained, but now it is looking more and more run down and dirty. Most people staying there we speak to on the beach have little nice to say about their experiences. Many have said they plan to leave earlier than planned. What I have read in the newspaper bears No resemblance to what we have witnessed. Its just a load of BS. No one I know living here supports the Camp any more, although many of us were initially strong supporters. The Camp website mentions a vacation rental next to it that can be rented as well. it is not clear to us who owns the vacation rental and where the funds came from to purchase it, and where the income goes to from the TVR, which is on the corner of Poha Road and Pilikai Road. But, why does the Kumu Camp need a vacation rental? What does that have to do with Cultural Heritage? Seems like a very costly investment for a Camp that is virtually empty most weeks of the month. Does anyone know much about this aspect of the Camp?
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