2026-03-09 - Minutes DRAFT 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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questions, the Commission move on and later determine whether to conduct a site visit when organizing its site visit groups. h. Sugg. 26-08, Hōkūliʻa, South Kona, Hawai‘i TMK: (3) 8-1-027:021 DEBORAH WARD, testified in support of the nomination. TOMISLAV GRACANIN, testified in support of the nomination. CHUCK FLAHERTY, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, tes?ﬁed in support of the nomina?on. KEALOHANUI KINNEY (Nominator), testified in support of the nomination. LEE COCHRAN (Property owner), testified in support of the nomination. Cmr. Rosam asked whether there was any new information since the application was submitted on January 31. In response, Kealohanui Kinney stated that a return visit to the site had been conducted with geologist Frank Truesdel who studies lava flows and their age. He explained that this further review led to additional observations about the area as a “time capsule,” including evidence of a former forest preserved in stone. He stated that tree molds of various sizes were identified in the rock, including some thought to resemble ʻieʻie and loulu. He also stated that they were able to locate the contact layer between lava flows and recover charcoal from that layer, which he described as a significant discovery. He emphasized that the site contains information not only in the sediments and biological remains, but also in the lava itself. V. Chr. Britt commented that the project was very exciting and asked how the site could be protected, including whether public access should be allowed, whether fencing should be used, and how protection of such a small but important area could be achieved. Mr. Kinney responded that the question was complex, but stated that any path forward should begin with lineal descendants from the area and their collaboration with the Hōkūliʻa Parks Associa?on. He stated that the associa?on had helped change the way significant sites at Hōkūliʻa were treated and said that the larger goal should be not only to protect the biological remains, but also to protect Native Hawaiian interpretations and understanding of the landscape. He added that his own role was to help ensure the site remained protected long enough for those broader conversations to occur. Cmr. Markoff asked about the timeline and referred to earlier comments about moving operations to the parcel. Property owner Lee Cochran responded that his operations had already been moved there and that excavation had begun and was about halfway finished. He stated that his prior property was complete and listed for sale, and that his intent was for the parcel to be purchased so he could move on to another parcel. Cmr. Markoff noted that the PONC process takes time and carries no guarantee of selection or purchase authorization, and asked whether Mr. Cochran was committed to waiting for the process to be completed so the Commission could evaluate the property. Mr. Cochran responded that, at that point, he was. DRAFT v.1 BS - Minutes of March 9, 2026 Page 16