Testimony - Kau Forest Reserve public access Naalehu Hill Consolidation and Resubdivision

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Augustl8, 2025 Hawaii County Game Management Advisory Commission c/o Mr. Leomana Turalde, Chair 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C, 2nd FL Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Re: Ka'u Forest Reserve public access,Na`alehu Hill Consolidation and Resubdivision, Application No. PL-SUB-2024-000279, TMK: 9-5-008:001 Aloha Chair Turalde and Commission Members, At its June 18, 2025 meeting, the Hawai'i Island Na Ala Hele Advisory Council voted to recommend preservation of an existing public access to the Ka'u Forest Reserve through the mauka area of Tax Map Key 9-5-008:001 involving the ahupua'a of Kaunamano, Kahilipali Nui, and Wai`6hinu. The landowner has submitted an application to the Planning Department for Consolidation and Resubdivision of TMK 9-5-008:001, "Na`alehu Hill subdivision". The public access is already established on the Pahala side of the subject property and on the Ka Lae side through lands owned by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. Failure to preserve would effectively remove this means for access to the Ka'u Forest Reserve through this area. Please consider joining the state Department of Forestry and Wildlife and Na Ala Hele Advisory Council in supporting the establishment of a public vehicular and pedestrian access easement through the mauka portion of TMK 9-5-008:001. Mahalo for this opportunity to testify, Chuck Flaherty County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.