Comm 26-066 - LOS 26-06 D.Arch, Merrick

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Comm 26-066 From:Merrick Patten To:PONC Testimony Subject:Testimony Date:Wednesday, March 4, 2026 7:21:50 PM March 3 2026 Aloha County of Hawaii , This testimony is in support of the application to purchase the shoreline easement of Hakalauiki (TMK 2-9-002:001) in perpetuity by the County through the Public Access Open Spaces and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) Fund process. The shoreline of Hakalau has been an important gathering place for the North Hilo community for over a thousand years. Manamana is a cherished fishing area within Hakalau that continues to feed families and sustain cultural practices today. The listing of this stretch of shoreline, which is nearly half a mile long, presents a rare opportunity to ensure long-term public access and enable community-led restoration efforts. Without swift action, this property could be purchased and this opportunity and resource lost forever. My name is Merrick Patten. I was born and raised in Alaska. I am 45 years old. I have spent the past 23 years living in Hawaii. I am a 5th grade teacher at Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School. I am a licensed Maritime Captain. Fish and the ocean are my passion. I am thankful to call Hakalau my home. Hakalau is where my wife and I built our house and where we are raising our two children. We walk in the river valley, swim and surf at the river mouth. I am proud to call this area my home. Our Ti grows tall and our Hala is strong. Our shoreline provides to those who harvest responsibly . Manamana is unique. It is as it is named. It is special. You can see the history of our relationship to this place. It is one of the only places you can safely access the water between Kolekole and Hakalau. The pathway through the bush is forgotten by most but it has been maintained by myself and others through our shared practices of fishing and gathering. Preservation of this shoreline is preservation of what defines the area. Hakalau, Hakalauiki and the connection to the ocean are at the very heart of our community. I will continue to fish these areas as long as I am physically able. I look forward to spending time fishing with my family. I am proud to say that my son has a passion for fishing too. I strongly urge the County PONC Commission to highly rate this application. Manamana is significant for its shoreline fishery, its two streams, its native plant resources, and its potential as a center for community-based restoration. Please help preserve the shoreline of Hakalauiki for the generations to come, Mahalo Merrick Frank Patten D.Arch Hakalau Community member, fisher, Makahanaloa Fishing Association member.