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unfortunate as estuaries are among the most productive natural habitats.Kaawali`i stream scores a 2 on the Stewardship ranking by DAR,indicating a need for land and biodiversity protection that is vital to its overall well being.We link here to a recent 2017 attempt by James Jacob Akau to survey the Aquatic Resources at Ka`awali`i including water quality,salinity,fish, coral and turf algae species composition,but difficulty of access(mentioned on page 37)was part of why that did not happen. Rich species composition is likely to be similar to that listed for nearby Laupahoehoe,and similarly,critically endangered Hawksbill turtles are known in this area as well. Ka`awali`i and surrounding reefs need to be surveyed and protected,and community level engagement with this watershed is sorely needed for the protection of these mauka/makai relationships to ensure a ecosystem health for this and future generations_ Page 55 of the Mauna Kea Watershed Management Plan (2olo)shows the State Conservation District subzones a extending in Ka'awah'i valley mauka of the highway up o to the Forest reserve lands above. Page 84 shows the r DOFAW managed lands above,and also under DOFAW f jurisdiction is the adjacent the Hilo Forest Reserve `O`okala Community Forest on State Lands makai of the highway at the shoreline(TMKs(3) 3-9-001: por. ❑13 and o18)under Cooperative Agreement between the Division of Forestry and Wildlife,the Laupahoehoe Train ' Museum,the North Hilo Community Council and the - - Laupahoehoe High School.It would make much sense to claim the rest of the valley as public lands to the v a shoreline to maximize prudent stewardship of this valuable aquatic resource all the way to the beach. Also of note is he'Aina Mauna Legacy P ogam for Humu`ula +� Ahupua`a where DHHL seeks to restore portions of the 1 � Humu`ula/Pi`ihonua lands in perpetuity to conserve native forests and natural habitats for future generations. INTENT AND LONG TERM VISION:The long-term vision for Ka`awali`i is a community driven space that includes continued community access to the natural and cultural resources of the area,particularly the stream and shoreline,increased safety measures for the general public and visitors,and forest and shoreline resource management.Ka`awali`i would need to be archaeologically and biologically studied to identify sensitive resources such as the possible presence of endangered species or historic sites,which would aid in the development of a comprehensive stewardship plan.We envision an active stewardship with the youth of Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School(LCPCS)(and others)having a hands-on opportunity to conduct agriculture and agroforestry as well as restore native species,cultural sites,and understand the surrounding area and ahupua`a in a broader historical and environmental context.Management of the existing natural resources would be based in the traditional reciprocal relationship of Hawaiian resource use whereby a community can aloha `aina and therefore may be fed from the source. Use of the existing house structures as a home base for parking,tools and cleanup,a learning center,teacher housing and/or meeting area would be an added benefit for the school and community as a whole.The opportunity provided by conservation alongside education,cultural stewardship and agricultural projects could provide much for this and future generations.With a robust and culturally appropriate stewardship framework,the Ka`awali'i parcel could provide an invaluable natural resource for the Laupahoehoe/ `0`5kala area,and the entire North Hilo/Hamakua Coast.There are 5ugg.26-02 15