Dear Governor Lingle, We respectfully ask that you release the $750,000 in Legacy Lands monies to expand Black Pot Beach Park on Hanalei Bay. In these hard times, we need park space more than ever. There is no more affordable recreation than a beach park. The whole family can enjoy the fresh air and shoreline recreation together. Rich or poor, resident or visitor, there is something for everyone at a public beach park, and its basically free. Expanding Black Pot Beach Park will lay the foundation for the return of our prosperity. Prosperity consists not only of our individual wealth, but also our "common wealth". The shoreline is part of our "common wealth". We are able to enjoy the shoreline today because those before us had the foresight to acquire and preserve these "places of heart". With a single-mindedness of purpose, we must do the same for our children and their children. Not only residents, but our visitor industry and our economy will also benefit from expanding Black Pot Park. Hanalei Bay has been recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and visitors have long flocked to the North Shore to see the bay that is renown in song and story. Expanding Black Pot Beach Park is a way to honor the needs of residents while accommodating visitors. The time to buy is NOW. There is no better time than when land prices are tumbling. If we wait until the economy comes back, the land prices are likely to be higher. But even more likely, there will be no next time". The owner has stated that he will not be able to wait indefinitely for the Kaua`i Public Land Trust and the County to raise the money; if the money is not raised in a reasonable time, he will build a house on the property, and the opportunity will be lost forever. It is in your hands to create a legacy of timeless value. Not only will release of the Legacy Lands monies contribute a fitting match to the $1.8 million dollars recently approved by the Council and the mayor. It will also help raise the remaining amount by showing state support, often a critical factor with third party funders. We fervently hope you will be able to see the opportunity and the urgency clearly. . . . and release the monies.

Sponsor