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Hundreds call for shoreline access at NELHA

 Angel Pilago, representing the Kohanaiki Ohana, said NELHA's actions are arrogant and are making a mockery of the state and people of Hawaii. (Photo by Shannon Rudolph/Special to Hawaii247)

Angel Pilago, representing the Kohanaiki Ohana, said NELHA's actions are arrogant and are making a mockery of the state and people of Hawaii. (Photo by Shannon Rudolph/Special to Hawaii247)

Shannon Rudolph/Special to Hawaii247

A restive but polite crowd of approximately 500 filled Kealakehe High School cafeteria Friday night and spoke unanimously — open the gate at NELHA to Ooma / Kohanaiki and do it now.

The community talk story, sponsored by Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Denny Coffman included representatives from the state Department of Transportation and Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.

Members of the Kohanaiki Ohana community public access group and other residents gave testimony to open the gate immediately, including former council member Angel Pilago, along with the Hawaiian families of Kapena, Kaaaina, and Freitas.

Kaimanu Freitas claimed he has the original deed to the NELHA property proving his family ownership.

Councl member Kelly Greenwell told the crowd he held the “key” to to the Nelha gate and community members held that key also – namely, civil disobedience – and invited everyone to come down Saturday morning to help remove the gate.

Green urged everyone to call NELHA’s Ron Baird, along with his boss, Ted Liu, director of DBEDT, to open the gate now.

Baird was invited but did not attend the the informational meeting regarding safety and access to the Pine Trees and Kohanaiki area; nor did he send a representative.

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