I am responding to the Hanalei Neighborhood Association meeting I attended on Nov. 13. ‘Ohana Real Estate Investors was there to propose a project involving Kamo’omaika’i fishpond and Lanihuli, what the association calls Hanalei River Ridge. To be clear, I
I am responding to the Hanalei Neighborhood Association meeting I attended on Nov. 13. ‘Ohana Real Estate Investors was there to propose a project involving Kamo’omaika’i fishpond and Lanihuli, what the association calls Hanalei River Ridge. To be clear, I am one of the very few that raised their hands in support of this project, and the husband of Michelle Swartman — a strong, beautiful, Hawaiian woman that stood before the association with her coworkers from OREI.
My father, William A. Swartman, has no native roots in Kaua‘i, similar to 95 percent of those who attended Tuesday’s meeting. My mother, Suzanne Akimakaokalani Hanchett, was born and raised in Kalihiwai. Her grandfather, John Akana, was the last Konohiki of the area, governing all fishing rights from Wanini to Kauapea.
The other side of my mom’s family also has deep Kaua‘i roots. Salem Hanchett came to Kaua‘i in the 1840s as a captain of a whaling vessel. While in Hawai‘i he fell in love, he would marry the woman and they would have two sons. The Hawaiian woman’s name was Alahua, direct descendant of High Chief Kaumuali’i.
Tuesday’s meeting was filled with hostility and animosity directed at the OREI group. I was truly awed by the lack of respect and hypocrisy. I would like to address some of the ideas that were shared.
Blackpot was a magical place, but it is pono no longer. It was started by the fishing community celebrating the fish they caught. All the people that came to help were taken care of. A few trucks and vehicles were on the beach to pull boats, carry nets, pakini and anything else needed.
Today it is very different. A mad dash to the beach with an unbroken line of cars, trucks and tents along the shore, everyone grabbing as much square footage of sand as they can, to enjoy a day at the beach. This is not pono.
Over the past 40 years of my life, I have watched wealthy Caucasian families move to Hanalei. They have purchased land from local families, built large homes, and consequentially raised land value. It has gotten to the point where very few Hawaiians can afford to live in Hanalei. It was done legally, it was done at fair market value, but IS IT RIGHT?
The same influx of Caucasians has transformed the demographics and landscape of Hanalei. Hanalei has changed from a humble, hardworking fishing and farming community, to a vacation community filled with visitors. IS THIS RIGHT?
I heard someone at the meeting say, “We don’t want Laguna Beach here!” I don’t think he looked around the cafeteria, because I say, “Too late, Laguna Beach is already here, and you brought it here!”
It is ironic that the very people that displaced the native community of Hanalei, and transformed Hanalei to a vacation paradise, are the ones claiming to be “saving Hanalei.” The over-building of huge homes along Hanalei Bay, the vacation rentals, the cesspools leaching into Hanalei Bay and River, the cars and trucks leaking oil and gas on the beaches. IS THIS RIGHT?
I don’t intend to sound prejudiced, because as my name shows I am also part Caucasian. I am merely stating that before we point fingers at others we need to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Former owner of Princeville, current realtor/developer standing up saying enough is enough. Are you kidding me? IS THIS RIGHT?
The sea of white faces filling a small cafeteria protecting a community and way of life, after completely displacing and disregarding what was there before them. IS THIS RIGHT? You’ve shoved it down the Hawaiian community’s throats for 40-plus years, and now you expect sympathy, a’ole.
I heard speakers question Mr. Pierre Omidyar as a philanthropist. I’m no scholar, but I’m pretty sure philanthropy does not include donating property to one of the wealthiest communities in the nation.
Eric Crispin of OREI agreed with a speaker saying yes, the project is a business and the goal is to be profitable.
I believe there is much to gain for the Kaua‘i community in this respect. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent to construct this project, not to mention the jobs that follow. This is money that will stay on Kaua‘i.
I am a landscape contractor. I am one of those people with what one woman called a “crappy job” at Tuesday’s meeting, and though it may be beneath her, I love what I do, and it puts food on my children’s plates every day of the week.
Development is inevitable. We are a growing population with growing needs. The key is smart, well-planned development, with positive community input.
This land is zoned for what the Stark project attempted. OREI brings positive energy. They hope to build something that can bring the community together.
The old Hanalei Plantation Hotel succeeded in that respect. Why can’t it be done again? There are plans to create resting places for remains previously disturbed, and to provide areas that are accessible that we can all share and enjoy. They choose to restore the fishpond and surrounding animal habitats. If you truly understand fishponds you know the positive influences on the surrounding ecosystem. The reef will be reborn and fish will return.
To my family and friends, “E kala mai ia’u.” My intent is not to offend you. My ideas I share are mine and mine alone. To all those who oppose this project: Take a long hard look in the mirror.
• William ‘Hoku’ Swartman is a resident of Kilauea.
