Human health depends on the health of the aina. There is now a race against the clock for the community to purchase the last private piece of mauka land along the Ka Iwi Coast that might otherwise be developed. What is most inspiring are the young faces at the head of the campaign for perpetual preservation of the precious stretch from China Wall to the lighthouse.
In total the buyout requires a raise of $4 million. The city and county and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources already have contributed a total of $3.5 million. The community is in the midst of a $500,000 fundraiser to close the deal. The Aug. 30 deadline is rapidly approaching.
Among the youth who are leading the charge is Kendrick Chang, a recent graduate of Kaiser High School, soon bound for George Washington University. He plans to study political science and one day return to Hawaii and continue to make a difference. I’ve watched Kendrick grow up and can vouch for his dedication to the community. My first memories of Kendrick were while coaching him at age 5 as he played his heart out for his AYSO soccer team. Later, as his Cubmaster in the Scouts, I could see his ethical concern for those around him and his appreciation for the environment. Eventually, Kendrick became an Eagle Scout. During the past several years, we have trained side by side in the martial arts where his sense of discipline, morality and respect of nature carried him to earn a second-degree black belt.
Kendrick’s commitment to preserving the Ka Iwi Coast is no surprise given his strong family ties. Sadly, he lost his dad last month. Kendrick’s father, Kevin Kai Wung Chang, a sales manager at Hawaii Coffee Co., was the salt of the earth. He too appreciated the value of community and imparted his love of nature to his son. Kevin and his wife, Alisa, never missed a soccer game, Scouting event or martial arts test. He was a dedicated student of fine arts and natural history. One of his dying wishes was that the Ka Iwi Coast be preserved for future generations.
Kendrick has been out there morning and evening on Kalanianaole Highway, sign in hand, flashing shakas to drivers passing by. He, together with one of his mentors, state Rep. Gene Ward, and others are going all out to get it done.
As of noon Friday, $334,028 has been raised by the public with only $165,972 left to go to lock in the $4 million purchase.
Please support this multigenerational effort to honor the ancestors, preserve the aina and make safe the Ka Iwi Coast, mauka to makai, for generations to come. This is one issue where the community has the power and the will to make a difference.
To donate, visit the website for the Trust for Public Land at 808ne.ws/1HwHcdB.
Ira “Kawika” Zunin, MD, MPH, MBA, is a practicing physician. He is medical director of Manakai O Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center and CEO of Global Advisory Services Inc. Please submit your questions to info@manakaiomalama.com
