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direct land stewardship, situated between his family lands at Hapu'u/Kapanai'a and his taro patches, boat ramp, and the swimming pools he constructed at Kauhola. o Archaeological studies conducted by the University of Hawaii and the University of Arizona have revealed that the use of this land by indigenous peoples extends all the way back to 1200 A.D. The research and subsequent discoveries by these universities have yielded important information about the lives of the earliest Hawaiians in the Kula gulch system of Kohala. • Protection of Natural Resources: In addition to the flocks of migrating kolea (Pacific Golden Plover), Halelua's shoreline is frequently used by the endangered Hawaiian Monk seals. Furthermore, a 2006 UH Marine Water Quality study stressed the critical importance that these lands be preserved to maintain the marine water quality of North Kohala. o In addition to the critical importance of maintaining marine water quality and preserving Halelua's majestic shorelines and coastal views of unsurpassed beauty, it is imperative to mention Halelua's importance as a geographic link to preserved lands that flank it on both sides. o The proposed acquisition of Halelua is part of a strategy to preserve and protect the Kula Iwi 0 Kamehameha (Kamehameha's Homeland), a four and a half mile stretch of coastline, comprising eight parcels. Three of the parcels have been preserved, and two more are in the processes of being purchased. • Protection of Agricultural Land: After a recent site visit to Halelua by Commissioner Diane Kaneali'i, she stressed the importance of Halelua as fertile agricultural land that should be preserved. Commissioner Kaneali'i reported: "The land appears to be very fertile as evidenced by a wide variety of strong, healthy plants, including Ti plants and a few Kuku'i, Milo trees and beautiful Lauhala patches where young hala were thriving, as well as several other native plant species. . . . These lands are part of the ulu belt, making it perfect for cultivating ulu, kalo, 'ohi'a 'ai [Mountain Apple], and other traditional crops in portions of the landscape as well as other types of plants to increase our island's food security." Significance and Management • Community Support: Several important groups have written letters of support for the purchase of Halelua. These groups include Hawaiian Island Lands; Kohala Lihikai, Inc.; and Moku 0 Hawaii Land Conservancy. • Management/Maintenance Support: There is a 40-year documented history of community support for and work to preserve these areas in open space and keep it free of development. Nine additional organizations were identified as willing to be part of the long-term maintenance for Halelua. o They are: Kohala Lihikai; North Kohala Community Access Group; Kohala Senior Athletic Association; Kohala National Guard Alumni; Malama Kohala Kahakai; Maika'i Kamakani 0 Kohala; Kohala Historic and Preservation Group; Ka Makani 0 Kohala `Ohana; and Malama Na Wahi Pana 0 Kohala. • Urgency: Commissioner Kaneali'i stated on behalf the Commissioners Debbie Ward, Rick Warshauer, Anne Meheula, and Diane Kaneali'i who conducted a site visit of Halelua on April 7, 2021: "It is the recommendation by the Commissioners that the County of Hawai'i act swiftly to acquire the appraisal to lock in the purchase price promptly due to the anticipated rise in property values in Hawai'i to ensure the County acquire these valuable properties timely and [with]the least amount of PONC funds." 1.8