Communication No. 2021-06- Simmy McMichael Public Testimony

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In the 1600s, Keakealaniwahine, the great -great grandmother of King Kamehameha I, and her mother Keakamahana were Ali'i of the highest rank and they resided at the Holualoa Royal Center (Site #12). Alapa'inui and Kalani'opu'u, 1600s to 1700s, are also associated with several sites and heiau in the region. The Kamehameha Dynasty ruled for nearly a century from the late 1700s to the late 1800s. During the late 1700s and early 1800s, King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, was the first to unify the entire Hawai'i archipelago under a single rule. In the final years of his life, Kamehameha I selected Kamakahonu (Site #S-1) as his residence and his rule established the first Capital of Hawai'i here from 1812 until his death in 1819. Shortly thereafter, the capital of the kingdom was moved from Hawai'i Island, never to return. Archaeological features of these various sites, for the most part, remain in place along Ali'i Drive and signal their monumental importance in Hawai'i's history and culture. There are many stories to share: of political intrigue, of love, of war, of triumph and of defeat. It was here, along Ali'i Drive, over centuries in time where chiefs of the highest rank walked. And there are many, many more stories to tell, all along Ali'i Drive, including the coming of the first Christian missionaries who arrived in Kailua Bay in 1820 (Site #01) and began the transformation of Hawai'i through rapid religious conversion and Holualoa Bay where Kamehameha the Great learned to excel at surfing (Site #11). Today, Ali'i Drive is a perfect setting for walking, running or biking, for the casual to competitive. Mile markers pace individual performance and guide exercisers along its level, picturesque course. Historic Kailua Village also hosts renowned international sporting events (Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, Ironman Triathlon Championship and Queen Lili'uokalani Long Distance Canoe Races.) Beautiful views and sweeping vistas make for pleasant drives; turn a corner and you move quickly from a strong lava flow shoreline to crystal clear white sand beaches, then quickly back again. Historic sites once covered much of the Kailua to Keauhou section of the Kona Coast. It is important for us to honor the Ali'i by maintaining, enhancing and interpreting the remaining ancestral inheritance. By whatever means (vehicle, transit, bicycle or on foot,) following the footsteps of ancient royalty and embracing the scenic beauty, natural and archaeological features, historic sites, associated cultural traditions and recreational opportunities will give the traveler a greater appreciation and understanding of Hawai'i's past and sense of place in the world. Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Corridor Management Plan iv