HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.017 2020-2022 Shalan Crysdale Keoni Fox Michelle Calimba
Pelehonuamea Harman Nohealani Ka`awa Ka'ohi Mokuhali'i
Megan Lamson Leilani Rodrigues Jodie Rosam
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July 18, 2021
Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder,Vice Chair Kimball,and Members of the Finance Committee,
Hawaii County Council
counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Re: SUPPORT for RES 161-21:Authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into j
negotiations for the acquisition of lands and/or conservation easements for all or a portion
of the properties identified as Tax Map Keys 9-4-001:008,009, 016,017,and 023,situated
in the Ahupua`a of Kiolaka`a and Wai`oma`o, District of Ka`u,utilizing the Public Access,
Open Space,and Natural Resources Preservation Fund (POMC).
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Aloha Committee Members,
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We,the volunteer members of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's (ATA) Ka`u Stewardship
Committee- Hui o Waikapuna,are committed to the responsible stewardship,management,
and protection of Waikapuna through collaboration with our Ka`u community.We
SUPPORT Resolution 161-21 put forward by Councilwoman David regarding the
utilization of PONC funding for the acquisition of Kiolaka`a by the Ala Kahakai Trail
Association (ATA) to ensure that this `aina is protected for future generations.
It would be a tragedy to lose Kiolaka`a to development and fragment the continuous open
space of this portion of Ka`u's coastline and lowlands.The TMK's in reference are within an
expansive stretch of land that is already protected from development,essentially from
Kawa to Ka Lae and beyond.This `aina contains a diverse lowland dry forest in the upper
elevations and an exceptional coastal strand ecosystem along the coast,both with rare and
endangered plant species in need of protection. Ka`alu`alu Bay is home to many marine I
species,an anchialine pool complex,numerous cultural sites,and a historic fishpond.Today,
the shoreline of Kiolaka`a at Ka`alu`alu Bay is adored by the Ka`u community as a place for
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recreation,solitude, and subsistence. It is evident that the people that once thrived here
utilized the gems of the ocean and forest for food,housing,and ceremony.A network of
trails connect kipuka to kipuka,as well as mauka to makai,further depicting Kiolaka`a as a
place where people grew and caught their food,built their homes,buried their loved ones,
and thrived as a community.
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Comm. No
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Shalan Crysdale Keoni Fox Michelle Galimba
Pelehonuamea Harman Nohealani Ka`awa Ka'ohi Mokuhali`i
Megan Lamson Leilani Rodrigues Jodie Rosam
Na mamo piha'a i kai o Ka'alu'alu. (The driftwood descendants at the sea of Ka'alu'alu.)
-- 'Olelo No'eau from Mary Kawena Pukul
We have worked to help our community understand the process of land protection and
management when lands are purchased through the State's Legacy Land Conservation
Program (LLCP) and the County's Public Access, Open Space,and Natural Resources
Conservation (PONC) funds. Hui o Waikapuna recognizes that community-based
management is essential when it comes to `aina that has such a multitude of resources on j
which our community depends. It takes expertise and a deep sense of place-based
knowledge,and invaluable qualities are found within our Ka`u community and community
organizations.We also recognize the strict restrictions set in place upon the acquisition of a
parcel with POMC funds,and support the idea of a Conservation Easement and future land
use restrictions in order to perpetually protect this precious landscape.
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Members of Hui o Waikapuna have been involved in community outreach as well. Prior to
the BLNR meeting regarding the LLCP grant award (4/22/21),we received hand-written
signatures in support of the acquisition of Kiolaka`a by ATA by 232 individuals as well as an
additional 283 electronic signatures in support, 80%of whom are willing or maybe willing
to help with stewardship of Kiolaka`a.
The time is now to protect our coastline from development and to return to our rightful
role as stewards of this `aina. Our kupuna set this path long before us,and it is our kuleana
to continue their legacy for the generations to come.
Hui o Waikapuna encourages the Council to put the `aina first and help us share this
precious gift with those who will follow in our footsteps. Please use your vote to support
Resolution 161-21.
He ah'i ka `aina,he kauwa ke kanaka. (The land is Chief, man is its servant.) j
-- '01elo No'eau from Mary Kawena Pukui
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S\a Ersd y KeoniFox Michelle §mha )
Pelehonuamea Harman Noh e Gg K'awa `ohiMo u 2A )
Mea Lamson Li! 6 Rodrigues JdieR Sam
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