2026-01-12 - Minutes DRAFT 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Discussion and potential recommendation regarding Kupa Aina O Keauhou application STU.26-04. No testifiers. Applicant representatives, Kalei Pascuita and Tanya Souza, came forward to answer questions from the commission. Chr. Chang asked the applicants to clarify what "data collection" means for year one and year two and what data would be collected. Ms. Pascuita explained that their current data collection is on site observation recorded in a Google Form and that the protocol focuses on documenting what is happening during site visits. Ms. Pascuita said the group would like to expand data collection to include items such as water temperature and air temperature, but they do not have the resources to do that yet. Chr. Chang invited additional comment, and Ms.Tanya Souza, advisor for Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou, stated she has volunteered with the group and said the observation work helps build baseline information about the property to support stewardship decisions and identify future studies. V. Chr. Britt asked for clarification on the term "kilo." Ms. Souza explained kilo means observation and described monthly visits where volunteers and ohana sit, observe, and document environmental conditions such as birds, marine life, and moon cycles, which helps build pilina and reconnection with place. Ms. Pascuita shared an example from a kilo event where participants observed a monk seal in the bay and described such observations as learning opportunities and, at times, as ho'ailona. V. Chr. Britt asked what Symbrosia Foundation does and where it is located. Ms. Pascuita stated Symbrosia is a Kona company that grows limu kohu as cattle feed to reduce methane emissions and that Symbrosia Foundation is the nonprofit arm that supports limu kohu restoration with native communities, including work with Sea Grant and the University of Hawai'i at Manoa to provide seedlings for community outplanting. Chr. Chang asked if there were any other questions and then stated the commission would need to decide whether to recommend the application as submitted, recommend changes including partial approval or denial, or deny it outright,and requested a motion to open commission discussion for action on application 26-04. MOTION: Cmr. Crivello moved that application 26-04 be recommended for approval as submitted. Seconded by V. Chr. Britt. Cmr. Crivello stated the applicants provided a thorough budget and budget narrative and said she had no questions or concerns about how the funds are allocated. She said the budget shows the applicants are focused on understanding the site before doing additional work and on building their understanding and relationship with the place, while also supporting the community's ability to do the same, including through the AIS item reflected in the budget DRAFT-Minutes of January 12, 2026 Page 2