REP LAAC 038 2026-04-07 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: April 7, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 815/Res. No. 513-26 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 10:55 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Resolution No. 513-26, reports as follows: Resolution No. 513-26, transmitted by Council Member James E. Hustace, via Communication No. 815, dated March 20, 2026, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of conservation easements for all or a portion of the properties identified as Tax Map Keys: 5-2-009:025 and 026, also known as the Kealoha Family Lo`i, situated in the Ahupua`a of Niuli`i, District of North Kohala, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. The County seeks to acquire approximately 2.39 acres of land to protect and preserve cultural and natural resources and open certain areas of the property for education, gathering, and cultural practices. The parcel is listed as priority number two in the 2025 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Preservation Commission. Committee Member James E. Hustace thanked both the representative of Hawaii Land Trust and Uncle Beldon Kealoha for sharing the history relating to the Kealoha Lo`i and the heritage of the Niuli`i area. Mr. Hustace added that the property scored 91 percent by meeting a lot of the criteria of the commission, including having matching funds for such a conservation easement and of the water rights, which the family has in place. He also shared that he is grateful for the partnership with Hawaii Land Trust as there is not much lo`i available today, and how its preservation in perpetuity is critical to ensure its future for the Kohala region. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed her gratitude to Mr. Hustace as she had lived in Makapala in the past. She noted the importance of the perpetuation of the practices and resources to support the lineal descendants of that time and place, especially with all the flood issues. Ms. Villegas further added that utilizing the historical knowledge to support the restoration and regeneration is key as we learn to manage our critical resources better for the future. She concluded thanking all involved for this opportunity as these are steppingstones to a great path forward. Mr. Hustace encouraged County Property Manager Shannon Arquitola, the Finance Department, and the Kealoha `ohana to work quickly on this acquisition. Ms. Arquitola shared that she had not had any in-depth conversations yet, but when the resolution passes, she will be open to conversations with the Mayor and Finance going forward on timeframes. Mr. Hustace further noted that this matter has received the Mayor's support and that Deputy Managing Director Merrick Nishimoto is aware as well. LAAC Report No. 38