As a place, it helps me and my family recharge physically and mentally. It also connects me to my community, environment, and cultural practices. As a Hawaiian, Waipi’o informs me about my culture,  past and present.

I am a preschool teacher at a local public charter school, and our keiki need access to these special places. Young children light up when they tell me about the times their ʻohana take them to the beach. It gives them connections to their heritage, stories of their ʻohana, and a sense of place. It is heartbreaking to imagine one of our keiki being told they cannot visit Waipiʻo. Please protect access to a very treasured place for our keiki.

I am of Hawaiian ethnicity and raised in Waimea, and Waipi‘o has been one of many childhood playgrounds. Growing up in Hawaii Waipi‘o…It’s a local spot We would do all of the activities surfing, hiking, fishing etc. I believe ocean access should never be denied to local Hawaiian families anywhere in the state of Hawaii. The ocean is a key element to sustaining an islander’s lively hood. Whether it’s for play, work, food gathering etc. If authorities continue to restrict access to this life source we will forget who we are. And Hawaii will not be Hawaii anymore. If we need to help to rebuild roads, monitor fishing grounds, come together as a community to better restore overused areas, to make them sustainable resources…then let’s do it. Don’t just red tape it.