HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.008 2020-2022 l
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Hawaii County Council
Finance Committee
In support of Resolution 161
Aloha Councilors,
Kuahiwi Ranch would like to express strong support for the purchase and
protection of Kiolaka'a in Ka'u, Hawaii Island by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association.
Preserving cultural resources and agricultural land is an important use of PONC
funds so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and heritage of our beloved
island. The mauka pasture lands aok Kiolaka'a are leased for cattle grazing,
perpetuating Ka`u's paniolo traditions.
Kuahiwi Ranch, based in Na'alehu, Ka'u, raises grass-fed, free-range beef cattle for
local markets. Cattle ranching has been a part of Ka'u's economy for over a
hundred years and has helped to preserve the open landscape of Ka'u while still
providing food and revenue for Ka'u. It was a privilege to grow up in a landscape
that still bears the traces and memories of pre-contact and post-contact Hawai'i.
We hope that we can pass that privilege and landscape on to the next generation,
and the one after that.
Protecting these lands would fulfill the Ka'u community's long standing goal of
protecting our beloved 80 mile coast to perpetuate our rural lifestyle and Hawaiian
culture. Access to the coastline is important for our community which still relies on
subsistence fishing, farming, and gathering.
Mahalo,
Michelle Galimba
VP, Kuahiwi Ranch/Kuahiwi Contractors,]nc.
michelle kuahiwiranch.com
(808) 430-4927
Comm. No.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date-77 LM