Comm 25-022 re Sugg. 25-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Comm.25-022 • Phase 4: Draft and final Environmental Assessment (EA), including a Cultural Impact Assessment • Phase 5: Pre Final Preservation and Management Plan • Phase 6: Final Kumukahi Preservation and Management Plan Quotes were provided for both minimal and comprehensive approaches. A funding request was submitted to the County Planning Department via the Geothermal Fund, but was denied due to concerns over fragmented ownership and the feasibility of implementation. This funding barrier catalyzed the realization that consolidating ownership through the County's PONC program is the only viable path forward. This would enable comprehensive planning, coordinated stewardship, and long-term protection. Since then, Council Member Kierkiewicz reinvigorated this effort by meeting with all landowners within the Kumukahi area, securing letters of interest or willingness to sell, and with Ho'oulu Lahui has built a coalition of collaborators and stakeholders to support stewardship under a unified management framework. Is there a list of the persons who have expressed interest in stewarding this property? Yes, there is a robust and growing list of community partners that have emerged to support the ongoing and long-term stewardship of Kumukahi. These partners include nonprofit organizations, cultural practitioners, government entities, and academic institutions, all of whom bring unique expertise, resources, and long-standing relationships to this sacred and culturally significant landscape. Below is a summary of individuals and organizations that have expressed formal or demonstrated interest in stewardship. Recognized Lineal Descendants & Core Stewardship Organizations Ho'oulu Lahui is the lead fiscal and organizational steward. Established in 1995, it has managed over$20 million in grants and successfully led large-scale community development and stewardship efforts across Lower Puna, including the 600-acre Pu'ala'a site. Co-founder Keikialoha Kekipi is one of two recognized lineal descendants of Kumukahi and a central figure in the protection of iwi kupuna. Kuamo'o Legacy Foundation Executive Director Keone Kalawe is the other recognized lineal descendant of Kumukahi and whose family foundation members are all from the Kumukahi area, will be key partners in the stewardship management. With decades of experience mapping heiau or cultural sites (37), fully restoring heiau (9), and reviving the ancient Hawaiian sport holua sledding, his expertise will guide cultural aligned educational programming. A Memorandum of Agreement between Ho'oulu Lahui and Kuamo'o Legacy Foundation is currently being drafted to outline their shared kuleana. Nonprofit& Environmental Organizations • Malama O Puna, an environmental preservation and advocacy nonprofit, is stewarding the PONC property Wai'ele. They have offered consultation and volunteer support for stewardship activities such as 'aina work days. • Pahoa Lava Zone Museum will lead the planting of canoe crop and native species to support cultural restoration and regenerative economy. The focus will be on planting 3