2026-05-11 - Minutes DRAFT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cmr. Rosam gave a brief recap of those present at the site visit and begins by describing the location of the property. Cmr. Rosam states that the driving force behind EKF’s (Edith KanakaĪmakakāloa heiau, ʻole Founda?on) nomina?on is the preserva?on of ʻone of two known hula heiau in the state. The heiau is fenced within 2.5 acres, with plans to expand to 40 acres. The area is currently maintained and cared for by EKF, including native plant restoration with focus on hula protocols. The way this heiau is situated, it has a clear line of sight to several other heiau in the area. Cmr. Rosam goes on to say that this property has two cattle leases which helps with mitigating fire risk and access to the property. There is also an old railroad grade that goes across the property that could potentially be a walking trail. Cmr. Rosam mentions that although there are invasive weeds, there are still several native plant species scattered throughout, and keeping the cattle leases while restoring the native forest and contributing the the watershed is what is envisioned. EKF also intends to hire Kaū ʻ based employees to help manage the site. Cmr. Rosam emphasizes that this purchase would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve this property as well as the Hīlea nomination. Chr. Chang clarified that the fee holder would be EKF and the easement holder would be the County. f. Sugg. 26-06, Shoreline Hakalau Iki, South Hilo, Hawaiʻi TMK (3) 2-9-002:001 Kanani Aton – Vice President on the Board of Kāmaulihou, nominators, testified in support of Hakalau Iki Kealohanui Browning – Realtor representing Kāmaulihou, testified in support of Hakalau Iki Beth Robinson – Director of Conservation and Legacy Lands at Hawaii Life, testified in support of Hakalau Iki Cmr. Rosam gave a brief recap of those present at the site visit and begins by describing the property as shovel ready for the collective vision of learning and caring for the ʻāina. The area had been dozed for sugar cane and there are very small albizia trees that can easily be removed providing open space. Further down the pali, along the shoreline, there are fingerlets of water with little sections of native plants. Cmr. Rosam also mentions the shoreline fishing access in this area is restricted, and keeping spaces like this open is really important. Cmr. Rosam closes by relating the potential to bring in and plant disease resistant ʻohia varieties that do not succumb to rapid ʻohia death, making this space a seed source for that variety. DRAFT v.1 - Minutes of May 11, 2026 Page 8