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PROWr IeEO 10MANA )k P.O. Box 166, Honaunau, Hawaii 96726 808-345-9229 konaj ack@earthlink.net January 17, 2024 Ed Rapoza, President Island Land Company 75-5705 Kuakini Hwy., Suite 4 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 9674o Aloha Ed, Thank you so much for letting us know about your plan to apply to the County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission asking the County to acquire five parcels totaling 76.99 acres in the Kuamo'o Ahupua'a. Protect Keopuka Ohana, a coalition of environmental activists and Hawaiian cultural practitioners active in the Kona community for the last 23 years, strongly supports your application. Acquisition of this property would substantially support the ongoing drive to preserve the coastal corridor south of Keauhou all the way to Kealakekua Bay.This area is highly significant to the history and culture of Hawaii.The future recreational, environmental, and educational opportunities that would accompany preservation of these parcels are enormous. The Keauhou-Kainiliu Beach Trail passes through these parcels and provides the pedestrian access needed to bring to fruition those opportunities.The path is also part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail,which provides access to many recreational and cultural sites along its route to the north and south.The trail is already preserved from Keauhou all the way to Kealakekua Bay, and managed by the State of Hawaii's Na Ala Hele program, as well as by the federal government. These properties are presently available for purchase collectively, providing a unique opportunity that needs to be taken seriously and acted upon. With the listing for acquisition last year by the Commission of the 58-acre property (TMKs: (3) 7-9-005:008, 009, 039, and 040) to the north of these parcels, the County would be contributing to the preservation of this corridor in a big way.