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

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Cmr. Brandt stated that she had been excited to read about the findings to date and asked whether the lava tube extends beyond the current property boundaries. Mr. Kinney responded that it does extend onto an adjacent property on one side. He explained that the makai portion of the deep system had been explored extensively and that, while only a very small sample of the sediments had been taken, the findings already showed considerable diversity, including extinct organisms and others not previously documented. He stated that there was strong indication that more remained to be discovered in those sediments. He also stated that discussions had taken place with the Hawaiʻi Cave Conservancy, whose members could assist with full cave mapping, noting that although archaeologists had mapped the cave, it had not yet been mapped in the manner used by specialized cave mappers. Cmr. Brandt then asked about the State Historic Preservation Division’s status with respect to the cave. Mr. Kinney stated that SHPD had written about the site in Ka Wai Ola and had been kept informed of new findings as they arose. He stated that he had asked SHPD to reconsider its earlier determination regarding the site, but was told that once the original review process had been completed and signed off, that determination remained final. He stated that Mr. Cochran had done everything required of him and commented that the situation exposed a gap in policy and in the Cave Protection Act because pre-human sites such as this one lack the same protections that would apply if human remains or certain other cultural materials were present. Chr. Chang asked how access to the cave is currently being restricted. Mr. Cochran responded that there are two signs stating that entry is prohibited and that the property is located behind two gates, one at the entrance to the Hōkūliʻa subdivision and another at the village where the parcel is located. When Chr. Chang asked whether that was sufficient, Mr. Cochran stated that anyone determined to get in would likely find a way, but that he had consulted with an attorney regarding his risks and understood that, so long as the dangers were disclosed, the cave remained on private property and unauthorized entry would be trespassing. Mr. Kinney added that the Hōkūliʻa development has both a security component and public ocean access, and that the site is located at a corner near a main street area, making it relatively accessible. Cmr. Lawson commented that, given the nature of the resource and its location within a neighborhood, public access did not appear to be a good long-term solution. She asked whether the Hōkūliʻa Parks and Cultural Sites Associa?on might be an appropriate owner or steward for this parcel and potentially other parcels if the cave system extends beyond the current boundary. Mr. Cochran responded that he does not work for the association but interfaces with it regularly. He stated that the association already maintains numerous heiau and other significant cultural sites, with access managed through a cultural liaison for descendants. He indicated that, although this cave does not contain human remains, he believed it would likely fall within the association’s general area of responsibility. Cmr. Lawson then stated that her concern was long-term stewardship and identifying the appropriate caretaker if the parcel were acquired through PONC or otherwise. Mr. Kinney responded that, while he was not speaking on behalf of Hōkūliʻa, he believed the intended caretaker would be the Parks Associa?on, which he said had demonstrated the capacity to care for sensitive sites. DRAFT v.1 BS - Minutes of March 9, 2026 Page 17