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Michelle M. Galimba <br /> HAWAFI COUNTY <br /> COUNCIL <br /> Council District 6 <br /> Portion N.S.KonatKa W Molcano <br /> 1 <br /> January 28, 2026 <br /> Re: Strong support for protection of the Hilea Property,comprised of approximately 1,916 <br /> acres,TMK: (3) 9-5-018-001,Ka`n,Hawaii Island,Hawaii(H1ea PONC Application) <br /> Aloha PONC Commissioners: <br /> It is my pleasure to provide strong support for the Mlea Public Access, Open Space, and Natural <br /> Resource Presevation Commission application submitted by The Nature Conservancy Hawaii and <br /> Palmyra("TNC"). <br /> The property is cherished by the local community and threatened by development_ It contains <br /> approximately 340 acres of high-quality native `6hia and uluhe fern forest that is habitat for several <br /> listed species(e.g.,native honeycreepers and Hawaiian Hoary bat) and home to numerous native <br /> plants. If furthermore contains important cultural sites and agricultural lands. Its preservation is <br /> extremely important to the people of Ka`u. <br /> TNC nominated these parcels for PONC to ensure that they are protected into the future, and so that <br /> the conservation lands remain in conservation, and agricultural lands remain in agriculture. The call <br /> for preservation of these specific lands is documented in the Ka`u community development plan's <br /> action plan under section 4.2"Expand the local system of preserves." <br /> TNC is a suitable land trust to own and steward the Idea Property because it has an excellent <br /> reputation as a land steward within the Ka`u community,has the skills and resources necessary to <br /> manage the Hilea Property as an addition to its Ka`u Preserve, and would develop a management plan <br /> for the property. <br /> Mahalo for your service, <br /> Hamai`i County Is an Equal Opporlrrnit►,Prot•iderAnd Emploper <br /> 5ugg.26-04 <br />