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MALAMA O PUNA <br /> P.O Box 1467 <br /> Pahoa, Hawaii 96778 <br /> (808) 965-2000 <br /> �IIIlIIII www.malamaopuna.org * malamaopuna@yahoo.com <br /> Protecting Hawai`i's precious natural heritage <br /> TO: Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission (PONC) <br /> RE: Preservation and Management of Kumukahi in Puna Makai <br /> January 22, 2025 <br /> Aloha, <br /> Malama O Puna is a Hawai'i non profit 501(C)(3) corporation and volunteer service organization that <br /> focuses on environmental health, community sustainability, and stability. Our mission is to protect <br /> critical habitat, native species, open spaces and traditional cultural landscapes for future generations <br /> through hands-on projects, environmental education, advocacy, and networking. <br /> Malama O Puna has been actively working with the PONC program as stewards of Wai'ele property <br /> in lower Puna. We recently received $398,569 to steward over 150 acres of land in lower Puna <br /> stretching from Government Beach Road to the sea. Our grant will be used to develop a land <br /> stewardship plan and make security and access improvements to the parcel, called the Wai`ele <br /> property. <br /> As such, we are familiar with the PONC process, and the great need for preservation and <br /> management of Kumukahi which is very close to our coastal property. We support this multi property <br /> consolidation by the County and subsequent development of a preservation and management plan <br /> for this cultural kipuka. <br /> We further commit to assisting to navigate the PONC stewardship process with the 2 lead <br /> organizations. Kumukahi is a sanctuary for cultural practices, biodiversity, and environmental <br /> education. A collaborative management strategy involving multiple organizations, local government, <br /> local communities, cultural practitioners, and conservation organizations will ensure that Kumukahi <br /> remains a resource for education, cultural perpetuation, and ecological preservation. The programs <br /> to be developed align with our mission and we are a natural collaborator with this neighboring project. <br /> Mahalo for your serious consideration of this important nomination. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> ��� e�,4" �� <br /> Eileen O'Hara, Ph.D. <br /> Executive Director <br />