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JOSH GREEN,M.D. o F yq DAWN N.S.CHANG <br /> GOVERNOR I KE KIA,AINA A 95,9 y CHAIRPERSON <br /> 4 <br /> y +` BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES <br /> 1+ r COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE <br /> SYLVIA LUKE ;i ;y L MANAGEMENT <br /> LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR KA HOPE KIA'AINA <br /> o •� <br /> RYAN K.P.KANAKA`OLE <br /> FIRST DEPUTY <br /> o.and and hart �$ `� f <br /> d� CIARA W K.KAHAHANE <br /> DEPUTY DIRECTOR-WATER <br /> o AQUATIC RESOURCES <br /> BOATING AND OCEAN RECREATION <br /> STATE OF HAWAI9 KA MOKU`AINA`O HAWAI9 BUREAU OF CONVEYANCES <br /> COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE <br /> DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT <br /> Srd[e of Ha"^'a� _ CONSERVATION AND COASTAL LANDS <br /> KA`OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI 'AINA CONSERVATIO RESOURCES <br /> ENFORCEMENT <br /> ENT <br /> ENGINEERING <br /> FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE <br /> P.O.BOX 621 HISTORIC PRESERVATION <br /> HONOLULU,HAWAII 96809 KAHOOLAWE ISLAND RESERVE COMMISSION LA <br /> STATE PARKS <br /> January 30, 2025 <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> Department of Finance <br /> Property Management Division <br /> 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Sent via email: P0NC(&hawaiicounty.2ov <br /> Aloha, <br /> The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) strongly supports the County of <br /> Hawai`i's initiative to consolidate ownership of lands at Kumukahi, where DLNR holds two parcels, <br /> including TMK: (3) 1-4-002:047. DLNR's mission is to conserve and manage Hawai`i's unique <br /> cultural and natural resources for present and future generations, and this effort represents a significant <br /> step toward ensuring the perpetual protection and stewardship of one of Hawai`i's most historically <br /> and culturally significant landscapes which is in alignment with DLNR's mission. <br /> Kumukahi, the easternmost point of our islands, holds deep cultural and spiritual importance to <br /> Native Hawaiians. It is a sacred place where the sun first rises over Hawaii, symbolizing renewal, <br /> light, and knowledge. The presence of Kuki`i Heiau, its celestial alignments, and numerous iwi kupuna <br /> further underscore the site's historical and cultural significance. The continuation of traditional <br /> practices, including navigation, religious observances, and environmental stewardship, makes it <br /> imperative that Kumukahi remains protected and cared for by those with deep connections to the land. <br /> Recognizing the County's commitment to community-led stewardship, DLNR is prepared to <br /> facilitate the transfer of its lands via Executive Order to the County of Hawaii. We believe that <br /> consolidated ownership through the County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources <br /> Preservation Commission (PONC)Program will create opportunities for a comprehensive stewardship <br /> that ensures meaningful community participation. Through this approach, Kumukahi can be preserved <br /> as a place of cultural reverence, historical education, and environmental sustainability. <br /> We commend the dedicated efforts to safeguard this sacred wahi pana and ensure that future <br /> generations can continue to honor and learn from Kumukahi's legacy. More importantly, we <br /> understand that the County will engage with families who have lineal and cultural connections to <br />