just in from hahaha.hamakuasprings.com

Richard Ha writes:

Please come to the sign waving in support of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) on Monday, April 6th between 4 and 6 p.m. We will be in front of the King Kamehameha statue near the Hilo Bayfront. It will be fun!

The first 150 folks will get a container of Hamakua Springs grape tomatoes (one per family).

Coming up with a Comprehensive Management Plan for Mauna Kea has been a long and difficult process. Nevertheless, I think most of us can agree that we have a good start.

The CMP is a living document and it allows people to step up and exercise "our kuleana,” which is to malama Mauna Kea. It is a good plan because it takes special pains to be respectful of the culture, and of the people who practice the culture. Most of all, it is a good plan because we all contributed to it.

• The Office of Hawaiian Affairs issued a Resolution approving the Comprehensive Management Plan.

• The staff of the Board of Land and Natural Resources recommends approval if the Board of Regents accepts responsibility for implementation of the Comprehensive Management Plan.

• The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs recommends approval of the Comprehensive Management Plan.

Following are audio clips of native Hawaiian people speaking in favor of the CMP. These will air extensively on Big Island radio stations until April 8th.

William Mokahi Steiner, Dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo

Richard Ha, farmer, Hamakua Springs Country Farms

Patrick Kahawaiola'a, President of the Keaukaha Community Association

Michael Kaleikini, Manager, Puna Geothermal Venture

Lehuanani Waipa Ah Nee, Young Hawaiian Leader

We hope you will join us at the Bayfront tomorrow afternoon, where we will wave signs in support of the CMP.