In a recent government meeting, community leaders expressed deep concerns regarding the regional planning for Kauai High, particularly the implications of proposed industrial developments on historic and cultural sites. The discussions highlighted the community's desire to preserve significant areas, including residential lots and historic sites like the Isaac Davis, John Young Church, and the Forbes Caves, which are at risk of being overshadowed by industrial expansion.
Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural heritage, with calls for the inclusion of conservation lands in the planning process. They argued that the current plan, which spans the next 20 years, prioritizes revenue generation over essential community needs, such as water access and infrastructure improvements. The community described Kauaihi as facing severe water shortages, likening it to a desert, and criticized the lack of financial support for necessary infrastructure projects.
Moreover, there were appeals for better communication between the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and the community, particularly regarding the management of burial sites and the reinterment of ancestors. One speaker highlighted the ongoing struggle to return disturbed remains to their original resting places, a process complicated by state regulations and the responsibilities of recognized landowners.
The meeting underscored a growing frustration among community members who feel their voices are not being heard in the planning process. They called for greater engagement from authorities to ensure that the cultural and historical significance of their land is respected and preserved for future generations.