REP LAAC 039 2026-04-21 2024-2026

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REPORT OF THE LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE DATE: April 21, 2026 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 10:30 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 818/Res. No. 516-26 Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Resolution No. 516-26, reports as follows: Resolution No. 516-26, transmitted by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, via Communication No. 818, dated March 25, 2026, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of lands or conservation easements for all or a portion of the properties identified as Tax Map Keys: 1-4-002:002, 017, 042, 047, 048, 058, 065, 072, 080, 082, 085, 092, and 100, also known as Kumukahi, situated in the Ahupua`a of Kula, District of Puna, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. The County seeks to acquire approximately 1,967.96 acres of land that is listed as priority number three in the 2025 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Preservation Commission (PONC). Committee Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz expressed appreciation to the community partners and `ohana who testified in support of the resolution. She noted that this effort reflects many years of work across multiple mayoral administrations and emphasized the importance of enabling lineal descendants to steward this significant and culturally rich area. She further acknowledged the readiness of the Kuamo`o Foundation and the 15hui of Hui Ho`auhuli stewardship organizations and highlighted the rare alignment among property owners in support of preserving these lands. Committee Chair Heather L. Kimball expressed strong support for the proposal, noting that it reflects the intended purpose of the PONC program. While recognizing the substantial coordination required among the `ohana and community, she conveyed confidence that County acquisition will best serve the interests of lineal descendants and the broader community. Committee Members Jenn Kagiwada, Matt K5neali`i-Kleinfelder, and Rebecca Villegas also expressed their support for the resolution and extended appreciation to the measure's sponsor and testifiers, stressing the importance of preserving these lands for their environmental and cultural value in perpetuity. Committee Member Rebecca Villegas inquired about the next steps in the PONC process, particularly regarding the distinction between individual resolutions and the prior year's bulk resolution that accepted nominations from the Commission and was forwarded by the Mayor. LAAC Report No. 39