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by inappropriate use and access as well as the introduction and increased presence of non- native invasive species to its coastlines. Without protective measures in place and established stewards, Kumukahi is subject to severe misuse and overuse and this unmanaged access will lead to further degradation of a highly revered and beloved place. The acquisition will support meaningful and appropriate access to Kumukahi and in doing so, protect the ability of community to gather from and honor the space in perpetuity. Special Opportunities: All current landowners have been engaged in discussions regarding consolidated ownership of Kumukahi for protection in perpetuity and a considerable number of these landowners have expressed a willingness to sell or donate their properties. • The current County Council Member for this district is actively involved in the process of nominating this property and is committed to pursuing its acquisition and protection. Strengths and Weaknesses: ■ Strong community support and active descendant -led efforts to properly steward lands. ■ Supporting descendant -led and community -based collaborative land management planning within a heavily utilized coastal landscape which considers the protection and perpetuation of the environmental and cultural resources present. ■ Unification of the properties will lead to reestablishment of the connections between people -of -place and the place -based practices and traditions which shape them. Bringing together community through stewardship planning and implementation through these connections of people, place, and practices will then lead to a more resilient future for Kumukahi and the community -at -large. ■ Kapoho Land & Development, Kumukahi Properties LLC, and Roseanne Oda -Ching Trust have expressed a willingness to sell. • Lorraine Lorretta Tobin Trust and Frank Cole & Thomas Tobin (i.e. Tobin property interests) have expressed an openness to sell or establish a conservation easement. • No weaknesses which would undermine property(s) significance are notable. Concerns and Other Thoughts: TMK No. (3)-1-4-002-047 & 048 are owned by the State of Hawai'i and if transferred from the State of Hawai'i to the County of Hawai'i it would likely have to be through an Executive Order (ED) for a specific purpose (e.g. parks and recreation, community center and allied purposes, historic and cultural preservation purposes, etc.) and it would not be a fee simple purchase or as a conservation easement. PONC has not acquired land through this method and it is unclear whether this is a possible avenue for acquisition. An EO could be structured to mirror the PONC purposes, ensuring that these properties would still be protected in alignment with PONC standards, and a non- profit could potentially take over stewardship of these lands, but the property may not be eligible for PONC stewardship funds for management and maintenance. These are important areas for further discussion but do not hinder the significance of Kumukahi as a PONC nomination. The University of Hawaii property, TMK No. (3)-l-4-002-092 is also suggested to be transferred to the County and similar concerns should be considered. Report and Photos by: Cayla Crivello, Vice Chair, PONC Commission Hmvai'i CaantvisonEgwlOpponmityPrnviderandEmplayer