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To Whom It May Concern. <br /> I am writing in strong support of this nomination and the opportunity it represents for the <br /> IlAwW ua community. This property offers a rare chance to expand public recreation access, <br /> strengthen education for local youth, and begin a long term project of native reforestation along <br /> our coastline. <br /> Public access to the I Iamakua coastline is extremely limited. Many residents consider this one of <br /> the most frustrating aspects of living in the district.This nominated property is one of the few <br /> places between Laupabpchoc and Waipi Q where relatively convenient access to the ocean cliffs <br /> still exists. Securing public access here would provide meaningful outdoor recreation for <br /> residents and visitors, including hiking, fishing, and safe shoreline access in an area where those <br /> opportunities are increasingly disappearing. <br /> Just as important is the educational opportunity this land offers. The vision for this nomination is <br /> to transform the landscape from Guinea grass and scrub brush pasture into restored native forest <br /> with a culturally guided food forest component. Honokaa High School leadership and agriculture <br /> instruction have expressed strong interest in making this restoration effort a hands on student <br /> project. This would give students place based learning,stewardship responsibility,and the <br /> chance to participate in meaningful restoration that benefits the entire community. <br /> Local partners have already expressed willingness to provide guidance, including IJui Malama i <br /> kq Ala `Olili, the Kohala Center,and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.While these <br /> organizations may not be able to assume long term stewardship responsibilities, they can help <br /> shape the design and implementation in ways that are culturally grounded and ecologically <br /> sound. It is also significant that DOFAW staff have indicated support for consultation and <br /> technical guidance.This is an unusually realistic educational model because expertise already <br /> exists close to the project site. <br /> This nomination is not primarily about protecting what exists today, since the property is <br /> currently pastureland with invasive species and little remaining native habitat. Instead, its value <br /> lies in what can be restored.Reforestation of this site would provide long term environmental <br /> benefits and could serve as the beginning of a broader restoration effort along this coast. The <br /> lasting impact would not only be ecological,but also generational, because students and families <br /> would grow up participating in the care and rebuilding of this land. <br /> For these reasons, I strongly support this nomination and encourage the County to pursue <br /> acquisition.This property can serve as an enduring public asset for recreation,education,and <br /> reforestation,and it offers a powerful opportunity to invest in the future of I Iamakvgq <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Alysia Fischer <br /> I Iamakua Resident <br /> Sugg.26-03 <br />