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Jim Medeiros Sr. <br /> Ed Rapoza, President <br /> Island Land Company <br /> 75-5705 Kuakini Hwy., Suite 4 <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 <br /> January 17, 2025 <br /> Aloha Ed, <br /> I was very happy last year when you proposed to submit to the Hawaii County Open <br /> Space Commission a proposal to include 58 acres (TMKs: (3) 7-9-005:008, 009, 039, and <br /> 040) in Honalo Ahupua`a on their list of culturally significant lands to purchase for <br /> preservation, so that these lands might be enjoyed by Hawaii residents and our many visitors <br /> for all time.The amount of time and effort you put into that proposal was truly awe- <br /> inspiring. <br /> Now you are coming forth with another proposal just south of last year's parcel that is <br /> equally important to the preservation of the history of Kuamo'o.The acquisition of the five <br /> parcels, totaling 76.99 acres in the Kuamo'o Ahupua'a,would fulfill multiple purposes under <br /> the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Fund. <br /> These lands of Kuamo'o are central to the Hawaiian experience of radical cultural <br /> change, brought about by our meeting head-on with the people and customs of European <br /> society.A great battle took place there in i8i9 between Liholiho's forces under Kalaimoku <br /> and those of Kekuaokulani,who were making their last stand on or near this property in <br /> defense of the traditional kapu system. It is said that Kekuaokalani, his wife Manono, and <br /> several of their supporters were slain and buried near these coastal parcels. Many Hawaiians <br /> died and were buried all over these lands. I am directly descended from some of these <br /> people.When lands like these are preserved in perpetuity, it brings some peace to our hearts <br /> and minds and hope for a future where our children and grandchildren will know where they <br /> came from and who they are. I can't thank you enough for your efforts. <br /> The land is so important to growing our Hawaiian dream of preserving the properties in <br /> Kuamo'o ahupua'a and southward for coming generations to enjoy. Numerous cultural <br /> features including,heiau, burials, lava tubes, and habitation and agricultural features exist on <br /> those parcels.When walking the old trail that passes through these parcels, one can feel the <br /> presence of the spirits.This is so important.The cultural landscape survives here, and we <br />