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COM 0315.019 2020-2022
�r 3 July 19,2021 Sent via email Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance counciilestiiiioiiNri(iiiawaii unty.{ {> Re: Testimony in Support of Res. 161-21 AUTHORIZES THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO 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 Aloha Committee on Finance, j i The Trust for Public Land is a non-profit land conservation organization and our mission is to protect land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. For over 42 years we've worked to protect over 57,000 acres and 43 special places throughout Hawaii. Our Aloha `Aina Program protects lands that are culturally and historically important to Native Hawaiian communities and returns these lands to Native Hawaiian organizations for community and cultural stewardship. Our Sustainable Hawaii Program conserves lands that support local food production,our forests and their native species,and clean water sources with the goal of improving Hawai`i's self-sufficiency and food security. The Trust for Public Land("TPL")has been working with Ka`u community organizations, residents, lineal descendants, and the Ala Kahakai Trail Association ("the Association") to purchase and protect Kiolaka`a. The Ka`u community has been working for years to permanently preserve its beloved 80 mile coast to honor Ka`u's ancestors and allow all current and future generations to be nourished by these coastal lands. Kiolaka`a is part of a landscape level effort to protect the Ka`u coast. We helped to protect Waikapuna in 2019 with County and State funds and Kawala and Manaka`a which are permanently restricted to agriculture and cultural preservation through privately funded conservation easements. We are currently working to conserve Kaunamano with State and County funding. Combined,these projects protect a 6,600 acre cultural and natural landscape, connected by over 6 miles of the Ala Kahakai Trail. Kiolaka`a is an undeveloped 1,841 acre property home to treasured natural and cultural resources including portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement,the Lua Nunu cave system and the most extensive refuge cave on Hawaii Island, heiau, habitation sites, an intact native dryland forest,an extensive trail network,miles of dry stack rock walls,native coastal plants,the Kapenako fresh water spring,a complex of six anchialine ponds teeming with two varieties of`opae `ula,and the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay, a popular spot for fishing, diving, surfing, and camping. In the 1800s, the area was used for ranching starting with Ka`alu`alu Ranch owned by Princess Ruth Ke`elikolani. Today,a portion of the property is licensed to Triple LLL Ranch and MJ Ranch 1 Comm. ®. _ Ref. o: T co Date—JUL 2021 for cattle grazing. Protecting these historic ranch lands would help Ka`u perpetuate its paniolo history and continue ranching livelihoods and jobs. In September 2020, the County POMC Commission ranked Kiolaka`a number 2 priority for finding. Each year, an extremely competitive pool of worthy and inspiring conservation projects vie for the limited funds. The PONC Commission's high ranking of Kiolaka'a speaks to the breadth of its rare and precious natural and cultural resources not found anywhere else in Hawaii. I In September 2019, the State Legacy Land Conservation Commission ranked Kiolaka`a number 2 for fiscal year 2021 funding. On April 23, 2021, the Board of Land and. Natural Resources (BLNR) approved State Legacy Land funding for Kiolaka`a. This is one of the few, if not the only, POMC project this year that has secured matching State funding. i S Ala Kahakai Trail Association has conducted extensive and inclusive community j engagement and outreach to gain community support and address questions and concerns. The Association scheduled dozens of phone, zoom and in-person meetings with community members and hosted two well attended community meetings. The Association presented three times to the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u;presented at the Hawaii Island Burial Council meeting; presented at the Na Ala Hele Advisory Council meeting; met with members of the Aha Moku Council of Ka`u; presented at the Wiliwiti Tree Festival; and set up a regular booth to talk story and engage with community members at the local Farmer's Market in Na`alehu_ i Through this community engagement effort, the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land confirmed overwhelming community support to protect the Ka`u coastline (including iwi kupuna,cultural sites,and sensitive ecosystems)from development,including broad support of the Association's efforts to protect and acquire Kiolaka`a. The Association and TPL 1 folund.that, while there may be varying opinions about issues such as the extent, type and details of managed public access(pedestrian vs vehicular,cultural vs recreational,etc.),the need to secure public finding to protect the land from development now is the community's priority and outweighs future management issues, which can and will be resolved through a community 3 management planning process. The community also expressed that, if the Association is successful in protecting Kiolaka`a,they want to be included as an integral part of the Association's community management planning process and stewardship efforts. The Ala Kahakai Trail Association's previous land protection efforts demonstrate their commitment to community-driven management and stewardship. For example, after closing Waikapuna, the Association formed a Ka`u Stewardship Committee of eight Ka'-6 residents and. descendants to lead community management planning and stewardship (Shalan Crysdale, Nohealani Ka`awa, Michelle Galimba, Ka`ohi Mokuhali`i, Jodie Rosam, Megan Lamson, Pelehonuamea Harman and Leilani Rodrigues). Interim management of Waikapuna is guided by this Ka`u-based Stewardship Committee. To plan for the long-term management of Waikapuna, the County is in the process of hiring a professional planning consultant, to develop a comprehensive and inclusive community management plan in consultation with the broader community where everyone can participate and have a voice. 2 With the County as the proposed owner of a Conservation Easement over Kiolaka`a and the Ala Kahakai Trail Association as the proposed future owner and steward,there is new potential for community-based management. Local communities with relationships to place are in the best position to vision for the future management and stewardship of their waters, lands, and cultural and natural resources,and protect them for future generations. Protecting Kiolaka`a cannot happen without active participation and stewardship by the entire Ka`u community. I We have attached 34 letters of support and testimony from organizations and community members who support the protection of Kiolaka`a including: Ka `Ghana O Honu`apo, Ho`omalu Ka`u, The Nature Conservancy, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, The Mary Kawena Puku`i Cultural Preservation Society, Makahanaloa Fishing Association, Sierra Club, Hui Aloha Kiholo, E Mau Na Ala Hele, Huliauapa`a, `Ghana Keoh©kalole, The Cave Conservancy,MJ Ranch, Tripple LLL Ranch, Kuahiwi Ranch, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs among others. Kiolaka`a continues to face acute threats of development as this pandemic has ushered in new waves of investors and developers hungry to acquire property in Hawaii. If the County passes Resolution 161-21,the County will be able to acquire a Conservation Easement over the property protecting it from development forever and enabling the County to monitor the property annually to ensure its resources are protected in perpetuity. Once the Resolution is passed, Kiolaka`a will have secured both State and County funding, and we will be in a strong position to negotiate an option agreement with the landowner to sell the property for conservation. The County Council has a tremendous opportunity to protect and preserve Kiolaka'a where natural and cultural resources will be stewarded by the Ka`ir community. The PONC Program not only conserves precious cultural and natural resources,but plays a critical role in diversifying our economy,supporting j obs in conservation and agriculture and enhancing our food security,making Hawaii Island more resilient in fixture economic downturns. So many kapuna in Ka'-Ci have fought for decades to protect this coastline for future generations. The Ka`fi community is so close to realizing its vision. With your help we can secure the future of this coastline forever. Please pass Resolution 161-21 to authorize the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations to acquire a Conservation Easement over Kiolaka`a using PONC fiends,to protect Kiolaka'a for conservation and.community stewardship. Mahalo for your support. Sincerely, Reyna Ramolete Hayashi Aloha `Aina Project Manager The Trust for Public Land Enclosed: • 34 Letters & Testimony in Support 3 1 1. Ka `Ghana O Honu`apo 18. 'Aina Akamu 2. Ho`omalu Ka`u 19. Fred Meinecke 3. The Nature Conservancy 20. Kalaho`ohie Mossman 4. Hawaii Wildlife Fund 21. Jodie Rosam 5. The Mary Kawena Puku`i Cultural 22. Cone Yanger&Andrew Christie Preservation Society 23. Patrick Conant 6. Makahanaloa Fishing Association 24. Gary&Deborah Johnson 7. Sierra Club 25. Selah Levine 8. Hui Aloha Kiholo 26. Cherie Felzer 9. E Mau Na Ala Hele 27. John P. Kalua'u 10. Huliauapa`a 28. Angela Guidi & Soli Coleman 11. `Ghana Keohokalole 29. Kady Foster 12. The Cave Conservancy 30. Alex Wang 13. MJ Ranch 31. Kevin OConnor, Bee Boys LLC 14. Tripple LLL Ranch 32. Ryan Williamson, Bee Boys LLC 15. Kuahiwi Ranch 33. Caitlin Kryss &Taz Rosam 16. Office of Hawaiian Affairs 34. Janice Glenme 17. Former Representative Richard Creagan 4 K.a `Qhana Q H®nu`ap® �eA��Oj�j Post Office Box 903 Na`alehu, HI 96772 ' ka ohanap_honuapopark.org 21 April 2021 Re: 4/23/21 BLNR Meeting (re Kiolaka'a) Aloha members of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Mahalo for this opportunity to share our support for agenda item C213 about Kiolaka'a, Kau. Ka 'Ohara O Honu'apo is a community-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to: "To restore, care for and protect the natural and cultural resources within the Honu'opo area. Utilizing the values of mdloma 'ding (care for the land), kupono (honesty and integrity), and kuleona (duty and responsibility), we will work in community partnerships to preserve this area for future generations." Ka 'Ohana has been actively working with the county, state, and community partners since our foundation in 2005 to help manage and improve the 230 acres now known as Honu'apo Park. In 2019, we applied for and secured a tier 1 permit to restore the estuary at Honu'apo and we began hosting community workdays to rebuild the loko i'a earlier this year. We understand that Ka'alu'alu Bay was also once a flourishing fishpond that provided sustenance for local residents. It is critical for places like this one to be protected from development and providing resources for our local community, as we have here at Honu'apo over 15 years ago. We, the undersigned Board members of Ka 'Ohana, support the protection and acquisition of Kiolaka'a, Tax Map Keys: (3) 9-4-01:008:009, (3) 9-4-01:008:016, (3) 9-4-01:008:017, and (3) 9-4-01:008:023, by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA), to protect and preserve the 'aina for future generations, and return these lands to our Kau community through community- based management and stewardship. Protecting these lands would help fulfill the Ka'u community's long standing goal of protecting our beloved 80 mile coast. It's because of our kupuna who fought long and hard for this vision that we are here today, with this incredible opportunity to secure another 1,840 acres along this special shoreline. www.honuapopark.or,- 4 i i Ka 'Ghana 0 Honu'apo supports the Trust for Public Lands and ATA efforts to protect and preserve the watershed, lands and forests that feed the Ka'a coastline and our coastal ecosystems. We sincerely appreciate your time, consideration and commitment to protecting Hawai'i's wahi pana for future generations, to perpetuating cultural practices, and to providing healthy ecosystems for native wildlife. Our community is sustained by the natural resources that surround us, and we support this land acquisition at Kiolaka'a in order to preserve Ka`u's natural and cultural resources for future generations and protect this region from development and land fragmentation. Me ko moholo (with gratitude) for your time and consideration, From all the current Ka 'Ohana 0 Honu'apo Board members: - Kaldho`ohie Mossmon (President) - Nohealani Ka'awo (Vice President) - Kenneth Sugai(Treasurer) - Megan Lamson Leatherman (Secretary) - Daniel Dierking (Director) - Jodie Ray Rosom (Director) www.konuapopark.or-,a I } i I ,. no ' omalu 14 aN Li a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation August 29, 2019 The Trust for Public Land `Ohi'a Lehua c/o Reyna Ramolete Hayashi 1003 Bishop St., Suite 740 DIREC:'TORS Honolulu, HI 96813 WENDS'SCOTT-VANCE Re: Letter in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Tnnist for Public PRESIDENT Land's Efforts cxARtAItiE REANI- to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a, TMKs: (3) 9-4-001:008; (3) 9-4- D'IC'E PRESIDENT 001:009; (3) 9-4-001:017. KEW,Tl FOS -SECRETARY/TREASURER To whom it may concern, BLOSSORI DE SILVA DIRECTOR Ho'omalu Ka'u is a community based 501(c)3 based in Na'alehu, Ka'u, Hawaii WILLIAM IAU EA Island. Our mission is to "perpetuate,protect and conserve the land, culture, DIRECTOR knowledge and history of Ka'u and its people."We are committed to protecting LEHUA LOPEZ-SIAL" the archeological, cultural, and historical treasures of the Ka'u District as well as DIRECTOR the pristine,undeveloped environmental ecosystems in Ka`u's 922 square miles. The Ka'u Community Development Plan makes it clear that this community supports the preservation of the 80 undeveloped miles of Ka'u coastline. Ho'omalu Ka'u strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trait Association's efforts to pur- chase and protect Kiolaka`a. Kiolaka`a is a 1,836-acre property south of Waiohinu Town that includes intact native dryland.forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`aht Bay, and.portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system. The cave system features a fortress with an elevated defensive wall and 102 sleeping platforms, built during the wars with Kamehameha. Other cultural sites include heiau, habi- tation sites,petroglyphs, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with two varieties of`6pae `uta. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing,perpetuating Ka`ti's paniolo traditions. The cultural and spiritual connections to places throughout Kiolaka`a are still important to Native Hawaiian and local families. This connection of nature and culture is inseparable, he pilina wehena'ole, and serves to link us to wahi pana (storied places) and Hawai'i's past. I The Ka'u district retains the natural resources that supported.thousands of people 3 i POST OFFICE BOX 384•NA'ALEHU,HI 96772 I I I t s i i 'i i I for millennia, and it is still the land and.sea bank that can sustain generations to come. Be- cause this area has the seeds for fixture sustainability(agriculture, food,medicine, tools, build- ing materials and spiritual connection) the preservation of this land and shoreline is vital. We sometimes forget the value of unspoiled beauty, wildlife, solitude and spiritual renewal. Kiolaka`a offer us all of these things. Its protection in perpetuity, is important for the people and the future of Hawai'i nei. Mahalo nui, Wendy Scott-Vance, President , Ho'omatu Ka'u is The Nature Conservancy, Hawaii Program Tel [808) 537-4508 r rvt jet 923 Nu'uanu Avenue Fax (808) 545-2019 Conservancy Honolulu,HI 96817 nature.orglhawah 1 August 29, 2019 The Trust for Public Land c/o Reyna Ramolete Hayashi 1003 Bishop St., Suite 740 Honolulu, HI 96813 Re: Letter in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a, TMKs: (3) 9-4-001:008, (3) 9-4-001:009, (3) 9-4-001:017. The Nature Conservancy supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association's efforts to purchase and protect Kiolaka`a in Ka`u, Hawaii Island. Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who carne before and perpetuates for those to follow— with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past,present and future. The property is below the village of Wai`ohinu, and native seasonal mesic and dryland forest remnants found in the rough lava lands support stands of lama,wiliwili., alahe`e, hao, ulei, naio, and the listed endangered kauila. Along the shoreline at Ka`alu`alu Bay a network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with two varieties of`6pae `ula, and thickets of naupaka,milo, and `auhuhu at the water's edge. The adjacent KamiIo section of the Ka`u Forest Reserve in Wai`ohinii contains the most diverse native coastal strand vegetation remaining on Hawai'i Island. Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy(TNC) is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. Our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC's Hawaii Program has helped to protect nearly 200,000 acres of natural lands in Hawaii. We manage 40,000 acres in 13 preserves and work in 30 coastal communities to help protect the near-shore reefs and waters of the main Hawaiian islands. TNC's Ka`u Forest Preserve is part of the largest and most intact expanse of native forest in the state and featuring closed-canopy kou and `ohi`a sheltering a lush understory of native uhthe and. hapu`u tree ferns, rare plants and endangered forest birds. Also, our coastal Kamehame Beach Preserve is a critically important nesting site for the endangered hawksbill turtle and a refuge for the threatened green sea turtle whose survival depends upon undisturbed nesting sites and healthy coral reefs primarily on Hawaii island. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mark E.Agne Duke E.Ah Moo Paul D.Alston Dr.C.Tana Burkert Richard A.Cooke III Ka`iulani de Silva Brian J.Doyle Robert J.Dzielak Dr.Alan M.Friedlander James J.C.Haynes III Sean A.Hehir Brett MacNaughton Kathy M.Matsui Janet Montag Alicia May James C.Polk Dustin E.Sellers Nathan E.Smith(Chair) Peter K.Tomozowa Richard N.Zwern ihupaniAdvisorjlCounei/Christopher J.Benjamin Kenton T.Eldridge Dichiro Kuwana Duncan MacNaughton Jean E.Rolles Crystol K.Rose Founders.Samuel A.Cooke Herbert C.Cornuelle 3 The Nature Conservancy, Nawai`i Program August 29,2019 Page 2 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. 3 Conserving this landscape will perpetuate cultural access for descendants and.recreational access for travelers along the ancient trail allowing all to wall,,in the footsteps of Ka`u's ancestors. 3 3 Mahalo, Shalan Crysdale Director, I4awai'i Island Forest Program The Nature Conservancy (808)443 5413 scrysdale@tnc.org s 3 i 3 $ 3�7 A 4z s'�isi= Hawar`i Wildlife e Fund �5 i �.c-I<<ur3tin 2� rjezars of Frotrctino I jawralT,-, native w�,�Ii e t�rt-or_,� i r� >e:r�rc ,cat7uc-<atrot7 r3r�ta Co r..e.rv;xt.u>nI I I The Trust for Public Land c/o Reyna Ramolete Hayashi 1003 Bishop St., Suite 740 Honolulu, HI 96813 5 September 2019 Re: Letter in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a, TMKs: (3) 9-4-001:008; (3) 9-4-001:009; (3) 9-4-001:017. To Whom It May Concern: Hawaii Wildlife Fund supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association's efforts to purchase and protect Kiolaka'a in Ka'u, Hawaii Island, Ala Kahakai Trail Association (AKTA)'s mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai'i's past, present and future. Kiolaka`a is a 1,836-acre property south of Wai'ohinu Town that includes intact native dryland forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay, and portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system.The cave system features a fortress with an elevated defensive wall and 102 sleeping platforms, built during the wars with Kamehameha. Other cultural sites include heiau, habitation sites, petroglyphs, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of WWW,w/ldA3waiion �. .._._._... ......__._........_...._ I I I i 3 I i trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with two varieties of'opae ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing, perpetuating KaVs paniolo traditions. Hawaii Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a small nonprofit organization that has been working to conserve I native species in Hawai'i since 1996. During that time, we have been involved in research, i education, restoration and advocacy projects related to marine debris, Hawaiian sea turtles, community-based management, environmental education, anchialine pool restoration, and more. During this time, we have also recovered over 300 tons (600,000 lbs.) of marine debris from the coastlines of Hawaii Island, Maui and Midway with the help of thousands of volunteers, and can attest first-hand to the growing problem of plastic pollution in and around the Hawaiian islands and the threat this poses to our native flora and fauna. We hope that this purchase by the Ala Kahakai Trails Association will both help protect native plant and animal species, and the archeological history (and continued cultural use) of the area now and into the future. We look forward to working more with the AKTA to expand the capacity of our coastal conservation organization (and 3 other partners like The Nature Conservancy), with support from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the County of Hawai'i's Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission)to conserve the remote southern shores of Hawai'i Island. I 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. Conserving this landscape will perpetuate cultural access for descendants and recreational access for travelers along the ancient trail allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka'u's ancestors. I Please let us know if you have any additional questions about this letter of support. Sincerely, 3 i Megan R. Lamson, M.S. President& Program Director HWF - Hawai'i Island Program Director megan@wildhawaii.org (808) 217-5777 3 I I www,wilofkawaii.ar The Mary Kawena `i Cultural PreservationSociety A Unique and Invaluable Educational Resource March 31, 2021 Aloha kakou, My name is La`akea Suganuma, president of the Mary Kawena Puku`i Cultural Preservation Society and Mrs. Puku`i`s eldest grandson. She was born on April 20, 1895 in Haniumalu, above Na`alehu and raised by her granddmoter, Nali'ipo`aimoku a kahuna la`au lapa`au, a medicinal expert and a kahuna pale keiki, a trained midwife. Kawena was chosen to learn from her grandmother and grew up with no children her own age to play with. She was always with her grandmother, who was born about 1830, so those she was always around, listened to and learned from were elders. After her grandmother passed away, her instruction continued, led by her mother, Pa`ahana and her aunts and uncles. For those of you who aren't familiar with Kawena Puku`i, she was a true child o Ka`u who was determined to preserve the culture, language, dances, chants, songs, wisdom, history, legends, beliefs and traditions of her people. During her lifetime, she authored or co-auuthored over fifty books and scholarly papers and over a hundred songs and chants beginning with "Hawaiian Stories and Wise Sayings," in 1923 to `alelo No`eau in 1983. I shold clarify that it was her last work while she was alive. She passed away in 1986, but other works of hers have been published after that. Among her publications were the Hawaiian Dictionary in 1957, the Polynesian Family System of Ka`u, Native Planters, Songs (metes) of Old Ka`u. In addition, she translated the works of Kamakau, John Papa I`i, Kepelino and Malo. Her songs include "Ka`u Nui" and `Ke Ala A Ka Jeep" written at Uncle Willie Meinecke`s home in Waiohinu after a day of sharing her homeland with Eddie and Myrna Kamae. Songs composed with Maddy Lam, Irmgard Aluli, Kahauanu Lake are considered classics that will be favorites as long as Hawaiian music existsl. With all these accomplishments, my grandmothe was soft-spoken and humble, never pursuing recognition, awards or financial gain. She lived by all the Hawaiian values we admire and talk about today. In fact, I can hear her now, telling me, "Lawa kela! - That's enough about me.". Her grandmother, Nali`ipo`aimoku was the first of her generation to receive a Christian burial. The many generations of our family before her were deposited in Kilauea, after midnight, their bones wrapped in red and black kapa accompanied by the proper prayers. Many, many generations, back into the dim mists of time, followed this procedure of those who considered Pele, an aumakua, an ancestral guardian, The Fire Clan of Ka`u Raised by her from infancy, she instilled in me her love for the sands of her birth, that deep aloha that I have passed on to my children and them to theirs. Genealogy has always been very important to Hawaiians. While growing up and introducing 835 fAhuwale St.,Honolulu,Hawaii 96821 *ph.(808)377--5611 *fx.(808)377-5612 pear l�r ena.aaekul(�%'.=avail cart *marykawenapukuLcom i schoolmates to her, she could talk about their family and where they were from. Some- times I recall her saying, "Oh, your family is from Ka`u and we are related." I was surprised to hear someone at the last BLNR meeting speaking unkindly of genealogy. I`m sure their kupuna were saddened to hear such talk. Speaking of talk, I was taught that in the word is life, in the word is death. One must choose his words carefully, because once said, words take on life. You cannot retrieve them and there may be consquencers for what one says. One of the things my grandmother told me repeatedly while growing up was, "Of one `ohana, one family, are the people of Ka`u." She said that to the western man, they go back one or two generations and that's all. To Hawaiians, `ohana is `ohana, no matter where they are and extends back to the beginning of time. There's something different about those whose ancestry traces back to Ka`u, something M like to try to explain. It`s a strong bond of aloha and respect because of our ancestry. Like Kenneth Makuakane, the pastor at Kawaiaha`o Church. When we see each other, no matter how long it's been, It`s always a greeting of, "Aloha cuz" with a hug. The same with Sky Ishibashi, direct descendent of Kalaniopu"u, or Cy Bridges, noted kumu hula and genealogist in Hau`ula whose ancestry includes Kuluwaimaka famous chanter from Ka`u, cousin of Nali`ipo`aimoku, both of whom traveled as part of Queen Emma`s court when summoned. We are also related through the chief of Kama`oa, Lilikalani or Haililani and other ways. Always a "Howzit Cuz?" Or an old schoolmate, Ted Mokiao, who I might not see for twenty years or more, but when our paths cross, it's a warm, "Aloha cousin" that's exchanged. Or something I`ve experienced with a couple of friends I`ve known for many years. Like Umi Kai who started training in lua back im 1994 with me and who recently told me his grandparents were from Waiohinu or respected Kumu Hula and Hawaiian language teacher, Kimo Keaulana, now at Punahou School who also recently told me of his Ka`u ancestry. They are no longer friends. They are now family. I`ve met many, many people throughout my life, whose ancestry goes back to Ka`u. There is a different feeling of respect and aloha, unlike any other place in Hawaii. Our family lived in every part of Ka`u. I previously submitted the English translation of an old chant to the BLNR, composed in the early 1800`s, Ka-lawai`a-holona-i-ke-kai-a- Manaka`a. It`s about my grandmother's grandfather, Keli`ikanaka`oleoHaililani, his brother Kekipi and cousin Kawelu, three men from Waikapuna fishing at Manaka`a, one of the areas included in this acquisition. Not long after this chant was composed, Kawelu's wife, Huli-o-ka-manomano, gave birth to baby girl. Years later, after she had grown up and married, she gave birth to a stillborn child. Kanaka'ole took the child, placed her in a large calabash and held it up to catch the warmth of the Waikapuna sun and prayed that she would live. The baby stirred and cried, and Kanaka'ole named her Hanau-maka-o-kalani (Kalani who was born from his mother's eye), for an `aumakua who lived in the sea. This infant who was brought back to life, was the great grand aunt of Keoni Fox of the Alakahakai Trail Association. page 2 =t In 1960, my grandmother brought me with her on a field trip to Hawaii Island, while I with the Bishop Museum to record elders who spoke about their lives, memories and experiences. In Ka'u, we stayed at Uncle Willie Meinecke's house in Waiohinu and visited with 74 year-old Uncle George Kawaha, who lived a few houses away. He told me stories about his father, I-uhi, and his maternal grandfather, Kaho`omana who was a lua man. On the 17th and 18th of August we went to Na`alehu school where Ku`umi Kin in and Kalama Kahape`a were recorded. Ku'umi`s wife invited us for dinner after the second day and I remember Ku`umi being so happy that electric lights were installed and turned on in his new house just before we arrived. The next day we went to Ka'alu'alu to record a famous fisherman of Ka'u, Kawelauokekapu Kua`ana,the gtanduncle of Kawehi Ryder who I photographed with an old Brownie Hawkeye camera I borrowed from my mother. They are, as far as I know, the only pictures of him in existence. Two days ago, Kawehi was in Honolulu to meet with 91 year-old Riley Fujikawa who, in his youth, stayed with Kapu at Ka`alu'alu. He tells the story of going out in Kapu`s canoe to deep water, when Kapu grabbed a big stone in the canoe and his spear. Holding the stone to his chest, he sunk down to the bottom quickly and started poking his spear into a hole. Riley said he came up with a big he'e (octopus) and when Kapu carried it ashore over his shoulder, the head was by his waist and the tentacles dragged on the sand behind him. I There is an old story about a Ka'u chief who got greedy, taking more than his share of fish, leaving the families without fish. One day, the fishermen convinced the chief to go fishing with them because only he could insure a good catch. They paddled far from land, into the deep sea. As they caught fish, they loaded them all in the chief's canoe. His paddlers jumped out so more fish could be thrown in his canoe. As the canoe started to take on water, the chief protested but was told, "Oh no great one, you deserve all we can catch." The fishermen then turned their canoes toward home and paddled full speed. They landed at Ka`alu`alu and never looked back. The greedy chief was seen no more. Ka`alu`alu is part of this Ka'u acquisition. All these places and people have special meaning to aur `ohana. If the many generations of our family were standing here and were given the choices of development or preservation for the generations to come, I can say to this commission, without hesitation and with the prevailing belief of aloha `aina, that we fully support the effort of the Alakahakai Trail Association and the Trust for Public Lands to preserve and protect these lands of Ka'u Nui....Ka'u kua makaani. Majestic Ka'u, Ka'u of the windblown back. Mahalo for your kind attention and consideration. I Page 3 Ellam Keoni Fox From: Makahanaloa Fishing Association <makahanaloafishing@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2021 12:36 PM To: binr.testimony@hawaii.gov; reyna.ramolete@tpl.org;fox@alakahakaitrail.org Subject: Testimony in Support Conservation of Kiolaka`a and Manaka'a FishingVillage Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed February, 4th, 2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources The Trust for Public Land Ala Kahakai Trail Association Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and.Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and.Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawai'i The Makahanaloa Fisliing Association strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u community purchase and protect, in perpetuity, Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village {the makai lands of Kawala}. Makahanaloa Fishing Association represents over one hundred and twenty `ohana from Pepe`ekeo, Papa`ikou, and Honomu. Our access to traditional fishing areas has been threatened since the sugar plantations slow demise, ending in the 1990s. The Association is by every means seeking to grow and to protect our fishing community's rights to provide food for their families and maintain the generational bond with our treasured shoreline areas. Many of our Association members travel to Ka`u to fish and gather and are grateful to the community of Ka`u for working to maintain and preserve these important shoreline sites. i Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native drytand forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu'atu Bay, portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nuntl cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `opae `ula. i Manaka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural u sites including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites, water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient lnauka-makai trails connect Na`alehu with the coastline. Personally, I have been fortunate to visit most of these precious and storied places with my `ohana_ I spent time restoring Kapenako, camping at Ka`alu.`alu, throwing net at Waikapuna, and standing in awe at the caves, lava tubes, and heiau that form the piko of this `aina. My heart breaks when I think of this area developed for people who would likely not have the appropriate respect for the history and abundance of this area. 1 i I Protecting these lands would fulfill the Ka`u community's tong standing goal of protecting an irreptacable and unique 80 mile coastline. Access to this coastline is important for our whole island community which still relies on subsistence fishing and gathering. Remember he i`a kokekoke Ira ka lawai`a, a fisherman always finds fish nearby, but we must ensure that our fundamental rights to gather from and malama these special places is preserved for all time. Mahalo me ka ha`a, s Blake McNaughton Vice President Makahanaloa Fishing Association Makahanaloafishing(ginail.com. 808-756-1054 Makahanaloa .Fishing Association 27-1049 told Manialahoo Hwy Pepe'ekeo 96783 Ua ala no o kai i licai - Fishers live by their own efforts `Olelo No`eau(2838) 2 3 [[ HA /AI`I ISLAND GROUP I I March 30, 2021 i 3 I 3 Aloha, Legacy Land Commissioners, Subject: Support Grant funds for Kiolaka'a I My name is----Deborah Ward, and as Chair of the Hawaii Island Group of Sierra Club, my testimony represents the support of over 800 members,some of whom are Native Hawaiian practitioners, hikers,scientists, recreational users and conservation activists. One of many services our club offers is hikes that are led by certified leaders to wild lands at no cost to the public. I am writing i today to ask you to protect Kiokaka'a,coastal property in Ka'u. Many of us have known and loved this area for many years. We feel very strongly that it is a resource that is too precious to lose to j development. I have recently been appointed and confirmed as representative to the Hawaii County Public Access,Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC)for District 5, and have had the opportunity to review the files on this proposal. BLNR will be considering a recommendation by the State Legacy Land Conservation Commission to grant an award for the preservation of Kiolaka'a at Ka'alu'alu Bay by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) in April. An application was submitted to the State Legacy Land Commission in 2019 and out of twelve applications across the State,this two Ka'u property was ranked#2. Sierra Club members and hundreds of others worked hard to protect the lands that include "Road to the Sea", prized by local fishers in Kahuku,and we believe this would be a significant and valuable addition to the protected natural landscape. i Protection of the Ka'u coastline has been a long-standing goal of our community.With only a handful of privately owned properties at risk of development,this vision of protecting the entire Ka'u coastline can be achieved. A preservation purchase would protect this beautiful stretch of coastline which has been threatened by development interests for many years. This and other properties have been targeted for large scale subdivisions. These developments would impact numerous cultural sites throughout the landscape as well as sensitive native plant habitat,open space and public access. As part of Sierra Club's commitment to community-based stewardship and management,we are willing to work with the community to create a management plan for the land. The management plan will address elements such as public access,education and resource protection. This property is currently listed for sale and it is possible that either the existing owner or new owners could continue with development I plans if we are unable to raise the funds. I Recently we took part in a virtual community discussion (2.16.21)to be sure that our community does have consensus about the high priority protection of our critical lands.John Replogle led off the discussion, reminiscing about kupuna Pele Hanoa,who pledged to protect this land in perpetuity. Brent Kakasako and Bog Agres facilitated the discussion. The following is a list (but is not comprehensive) of Ka'u residents and supporters who took part in the community meeting: Leah Lani Rothbaum.Angelica Peneran, Reyna Ramolete Hayashi, Kaleo Paik, Fred Kanali Meinecke, Leilani Rodrigues,Jodie, Rosam,Annie Bosited, Pelehonuamea Suganuma, Keoni Fox, La'akea, Suganuma, Flora Krivak-Tetely,Scott Mahoney, Nanea Bekeart, Richard Taylor, Leivalyn Kaupu, :sierra Club Havvai'i Island Grou P 1 sierraciubhig,org 3 3 Michelle Galimba, Pua Yang, Ethan Souza, Kala Keahealani Wright, Otis Salmo, Lea Hong,Angelica Penaran, Pua Yang, Mel Yokyama, Brown Leiokeko'olani, Lynn Hamilton,Julia Neal, Carol Fong, Luana Fox, Leimana Damate, Melanie Seyler, Nohealani Ka'awa, Bob Martin,Aina Akamu, Kaimi Kaupiko, Wendy Vance,Jackson Bauer,Jon Oshima, Kaohi Mokuhali'i, Rae, Donna Ambrose, Monte McComber, Katie Graham. I The outcome of the meeting was a consensus that the purchase of the land is of the highest importance,and that the specifics of management, pedestrian and vehicular access, kupuna access, and maintenance are all aspects of care that can and will be addressed in meetings with community members to follow. We agreed that if this land were to be developed for private holdings, significant cultural, archaeological and natural resources could be lost forever. For this reason we believe that the Legacy Land grant is in the best interest of the Ka'u community,the Hawaii Island Community, and the state as a whole. Thank you for considering this testimony in support. Deborah Ward, Chair, Hawaii Island Group, Sierra Club Out mission Is to S_?rt.tect,p ..t petuate and Gresefve the cultural ar d nat I3 :d caoe f t h e Kiholo Bay area thro;;uoh cod,kaborative ma~agernent and actk e c.omnnunitV stevvarC,.-_ ,0. February 9th,2021 State of Hawaii The Trust for Public Land Ala Kahakai Trail Association Board of Land and Natural Resources reyna.ramoletet'atpl.org fox@aalakahakaitrail.org blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov i Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawai'i Aloha mai kakou, i i i Hui Aloha Kiholo strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka'u community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a-Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala). Hui Aloha Kiholo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose missions is to preserve, protect,and enhance the cultural and natural landscape of the Kiholo bay area through collaborative management and active community stewardship. Our stewardship of Kiholo bay, North Kona, Hawaii Island,through a Curatorship agreement with Hawaii Division of State Parks has resulted in over a decade of care of over 2,000 acres of coastline at a level far beyond what the State could have done on its own.The benefits to Kiholo's cultural and natural resources, lineal descendants,families,community,visitors, and partners have been immense, and we gladly anticipate similar fruits of this upcoming ATA-TPL collaboration. The following highlights the main reasons Hui Aloha Kiholo supports a conservation purchase and permanent protection of the makai lands of Kawala. • Enables the active stewardship of ancestral homelands by people of place and the continuation of a rich living Hawaiian culture.ATA'sKa'u Stewardship Committee is comprised entirely of Ka'u residents to guide the stewardship'Ka'u lands through the development of a Community Management Plan in;;partnership with broader stakeholders within 18 months of taking ownership. • Connects public lands to its north and south, protecting important natural landscapes and j oceanscapes which will only become more valuable and vulnerable into the future. • Protects native dryland forest,the eastern shoreline of Ka'alu'alu Bay, portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system,and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. • Protects a rich cultural complex, including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites,water collection caves with underground springs,and ancient habitation complexes. • Maintains access to the coastline,which is important for the Ka'u community,which still relies heavily on subsistence fishing and gathering,as well as for the public, allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka`u's ancestors. It is fortunate, indeed,for our Hawaii nei to see the intersection of dedicated community and stewardship organizations, committed to pairing their strengths and carrying the kuleana (responsibility) of stewarding the lands and people of Kawala makai. Hui Aloha Kiholo urges you to support the successful completion of this land acquisition and protection. Mahalo nui loa, i Nahaku Kalei Executive Director, Hui Aloha Kiholo P.t_?, Box 1868 ( Kamuela, HI 96-143 ( '•verb^.vv.huia?ohaklholo,o.ig E MAU NA ALA HEL ,,, ' ' VO.SOX 6304 KAMUELA,HAWA`t 965743.61304 o Pre5erve Preserveand,,Protecttlhe Anment and Histonc Trwk Of ay.,31' — tncuWtna theirNaturatand Cukurai surrour 64)gs i February 21,2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and.Natural Resources blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov The Trust for Public Land reyna_ramolete@a tpl.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@,alakahakaitrail.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka`u, Hawaii E Mau Na Ala Hele, a non-profit organization established in 1979 and dedicated to preserving the ancient and historic trails of Hawaii strongly supports the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) and The Trust for Public Land's (TPL) efforts to help with the acquisition of a 1,841.3-acre parcel in Kiolaka`a Ahupua`a and a 348-acre parcel in Kawala Ahupua`a (also known as the Manaka`a Fishing Village). Both areas are known for their rich cultural and natural resources that need long- term stewardship and protection. Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohim Town and includes intact native dryland forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`aiu.Bay, portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement, the Lua Nunu cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `owe `uia. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing, which perpetuates Ka`u's long-standing paniolo traditions. Mandka`a Fishing Village is on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, and. includes twenty- two known cultural sites including heiau,burial caves, lava tube habitation sites,water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes_ Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`alehu with the coastline. ATA's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those Nvho carne before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past,present E MAU NA ALA HELE ' P+O.BOX 6304 KAMUELA,14AWAH %743-084 To Preserve andProtecttheAncient and Hi5torc Traiktof Ha a 'i— and future.ATA has a Ka`d Stewardship Committee which is comprised entirely of Ka`d residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka`d lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Conununity Management Plan in partnership with Ka`d community groups, descendants, and stakeholders. ATA is committed to community- based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. As a Hawaii Island-based trails advocacy group,E Mau Na Ala Hele is certain that ATA with the support of TPL and the Ka`ii Stewardship Committee are well equipped and committed to the long-ter�tn protection and stewardship of these lands. Supporting the efforts of these groups will help ensure that these places,which are steeped in history and valued.natural and cultural resources are properly cared for and protected. Protection of these treasured places will help ensure the residents of Ka`d and the people of Hawaii can continue to interact with these places in a more sustainable manner. Sustainable stewardship is vital to maintain the natural beauty of Ka`d so that this place may be enjoyed by current and more importantly future generations. i Protecting these lands would fulfill the Ka`d conununity's long standing goal of protecting their beloved.80 mile coast to perpetuate their rural lifestyle and.cultural traditions and practices.Access to the coastline is important for their community which still relies on subsistence fishing and gathering. Conserving this landscape will enable connnunity based management of Ka`u's lands and resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, connnunity members, and the public, allowing all to walls in the footsteps of Ka`d's ancestors. j i Mahato, Kamueta Plunkett President On behalf of the Board of E Mau N"a Ala Hale. Lokelani Brandt Adele Salzman Karen Clarkson Barbara Schaeffer Marcie Davis Suze Shannon Linda Galtano Johnathan Tadross i HULIAUAPAA August 29, 2019 I The Trust for Public Land c/o Reyna Ramolete Hayashi 1003 Bishop St., Suite 740 Honolulu, HI 96813 Re: Letter in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a, TMKs: (3) 9-4-001:008; (3) 9-4- 001:009; (3) 9-4-001:017. Huliauapa`a strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a. Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past,present and future. Protection of the Ka`u coastline has been a long standing goal of the community. c Kiolaka`a is a 1,836-acre property south of Waiohinu Town that includes intact native dryland forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay, and portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunn cave system. The cave system features a fortress with an elevated defensive wall and 102 sleeping platforms,built during the wars with Kamehameha. Other cultural sites include heiau, habitation sites, petroglyphs, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with two varieties of`opae `ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing, perpetuating Ka`u's paniolo traditions. j Protecting Kiolaka`a from development would ensure continued access to this coastline for subsistence fishing and cattle ranching, cultural access for descendants, and recreational access for travelers along the ancient ala loa (Ala Kahakai Trail) so future generations can walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. Huliauapa`a's vision is wahi kupuna thriving through Hawaiian self- determination. Our mission is to grow Hawai`i's communities through culturally based dimensions of innovative learning, leadership development and collaborative networking in wahi kuupuna stewardship. We are a Native Hawaiian non-profit organization which seeks to educate haumana and communities on the appropriate stewardship of wahi kupuna. Huliauapa`a members, including resource managers, researchers, educators, cultural practitioners, and students, share a unifying commitment and belief: to protect, preserve, and perpetuate HawaiTs cultural and natural resources through educational opportunities, community outreach, and advocacy. Our organization is intent on transforming Cultural Resource Management (CRM) in Hawaii, by integrating `Oiwi perspectives into our every-day operations and activities and striving to give Hawaiians and kama`aina a voice and a meaningful role in managing our own resources. { 1 i$ I ik !i `G 'i I HULIAUAPAA Huliauapa'a provides educational programs, such as the Wahi Knpuna Internship Program(WKIP),which is a summer internship for undergraduate students in the fields of Anthropology, Archaeology, Hawaiian Studies, and related fields. The program targets Native Hawaiian and kama`dina students to increase their representation in Hawai`i's Cultural Resource Management (CRM) field by providing them cultural and scientific mentoring, professional development, education, and applied field experiences. The program aims to develop and support the next generation of cultural resource managers in Hawaii by offering a learning environment that bridges the worldviews of culture and science and by encouraging the interns to respect, appreciate, and utilize their cultural values, beliefs, and practices while conducting archaeological research. Kiolaka`a, Ka`u would serve to be an ideal learning environment and the perfect educational grounds for training our youth and communities in the tools of cultural resource I management and provide a perfect setting to further connect our people to our `diva and wahi pana. Huliauapa`a ran our annual Wahi Kupuna Internship Program in Ka`u in 2014 and we were able to visit the Ka`u coast with Keoni Fox and his `ohana, and it was an inspirational experience for our students and staff.To see first hand that there are still intact cultural landscapes in our islands that provide a direct connection to our kupuna was something that many of us have not experienced before. These types of settings are extremely important to preserve to teach our keiki and ldhui how our kupuna were able to utilize the natural, cultural, and marine resources to live sustainably in these islands. There are many lessons that we can learn today from how our ancestors understood and utilized our unique environments, and Kiolaka`a is one of those cultural landscapes that should be preserved and protected for these special opportunities in the future. Mahalo for your support, Kelley L. Uyeoka Executive Director 1 Huliauapa`a kelley@huliauapaa.org www.huliauapaa.org I Febmary 16, 2021 3 i Board of Land and Natural Resources Hawai`i State Government 3 Re: Testimony in support of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) & Trust for Public Lands (TPL) efforts to protect and acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka`u, Hawaii Aloha mai kakou: I Our organization, `Ohana Keohokalole, is in full support of the efforts of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) and the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) to help the Ka`u community acquire, manage and steward the lands named j above as well as all other unprotected Ka`u lands into perpetuity. The missions of the aforementioned organizations have been well documented in the Board's own records, and our `Ohana, without reservation, applauds and respects their continuing work to protect these precious lands of Ka`u for present and fature generations. `Ohara Keohokalole is a federally-recognized Native Hawaiian Organization (NICO), and, as one of its main missions, was established in 1999 in response to ongoing issues of disturbance of iwi kii-puna (Native Hawaiian ancestral remains) to make room for housing developments, building of new and refurbishing of outdated.hotels in Waikiki and updating aging infrastructure in Honolulu proper. We have been recognized as both cultural and lineal claimants by the burial councils on Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui. As a testament to the commitment of our organization together with several of our claimant families of Waikiki, we designed and built a burial repository that sits on the corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua Avenues 3 in Waikiki. This repository now houses the remains of kupuna that have been unearthed in Waikiki and other places around the moku, and still has space for future disturbances. I a A second mission of our organization, is that of Hawaiian education by providing opportunities for our lahui to study and learn the Hawaiian language, research and explore family connections by tracing one's roots, 3 leading field excursions to cultural sites, participating in and offering training to kupuna and stridents to further their knowledge of the Hawaiian heritage. We have provided seed money for development of curriculum development, scholarships for student and kupuna travel for cultural exchange in Hawaii, the mainland, and overseas. Given these introductions about us, rno `okfi`auhau is very important when our family speaks of Ka`u. Our Ka`u connections go back to High Chief Keawe-a-Heulu, ruler of Ka`u after 1791, born at Paiaha`a Bay. His heiau, Pane`e, which he built is located in Wai`6hinu. Our familial ties to High Chiefess Ane Keohokalole, granddaughter of High Chief Keawe-a-Heulu and mother of our last King and Queen, underscores our ties to Ka`u as she was owner of many parcels of land which eventually became the sugar plantations. Also, our kupuna kane, Keohokalole and his brother Manunu, owned 106 acres of land at Kiolaka`a where they lived before the catastrophic earthquake of 1868. Many Hawaiians perished and were displaced from their lands because of this disaster. The benefits of preservation of the Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a lands are many. Our organization believes the greatest benefits that can be derived from a unified, concerted community effort such as this one is 1) the assurance of access to the fishing areas as well as gathering rights along the coast; 2) the planting of food crops in the uplands to provide food. security; and, 3) the educational opportunities for our lahui and descendants to help manage, protect, and learn about the stewardship of all the cultural resources that are inherent in the landscape left by our kupuna. We want our descendants to appreciate their inheritance. A final con-hent. For us, the basic mark of our identity and connection to Ka`u is the `aina. We are tied to Ka`u through our kupuna's existence on their `aina when they occupied their lands. The metaphor of the nzo`o in the word.yno`oku`auhau as defined by the kupuna is that of a continuing succession of family—pedigree. No pronouncement of"outs]dership" 111 any way removes our claims to Ka'-Ii which we, `Ohara Keohokalole, make on the basis of our kupuna who lived in Ka`u. All of you who are privileged to live in Ka`u at this time cannot nor should you ignore the claims and coinrnents of the descendants of those who occupied these lands before your arrival. No single organization "owns" Ka`u. All of us are members of the Ka`u family and community, regardless of where our families now reside. We are all obligated to and have the 3 i i urgent responsibility of protecting this `aina. Remember that our kupuna are watching and listening and they expect us to hana like (work together). We must do it with Aloha and respect each other in this entire endeavor. May Ke Akua give us wisdom to move forward nye Ice ku `ikahi (with unity). Mary Kawena Puku`i in `Olelo No`eau 1620, "Ka`u lepo `ula`ula" "Ka`u of the red earth" said of the natives of old Ka`u, who were one vast family..." We are one vast family! If you have questions or require clarification on any of the above, feel free to contact us at eek4L&hawaii.edu. `Ohana Keohokdlole, NHO Emma Emalia Keohokalole Family Representative P O Box 565 Kdne`ohe, Hawaii 96744 (808) 371-3398 e-m: eek4Lr)haAaii.edu. CAVE CONSERVANCY OF HAWAII i r P.O. Box 7088 �� A i ' OCEAN VIEW, HI 96787 t 10 MARCH, 2021 3 3 I State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources binr.testimony@hawaii.gov hawaii.gov Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's Grant Application to Acquire and Protect Kiolaka`a (Item C1 B) and Manaka`a Fishing Village (Item CIC) in Ka'u, Hawaii Aloha Madam Chair Suzanne Case and Board Members My name is Tomislav Gracanin. As President of the Cave Conservancy of Hawaii (CCN), I represent a Ka'u based conservation organization whose members respect and cherish the lava tube caves of Hawaii. We recognize that caves and all associated above ground properties should be protected and conserved for their geological, biological, archaeological, and cultural significance. Our members are cavers, hikers, scientists, and conservation activists. I BLNR is considering a recommendation by the State Legacy Land Conservation Commission to award a grant to the Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA)for the preservation of Kiolaka'a at Ka'alu'alu Bay and Manaka'a Fishing Village. An application was submitted to the State Legacy Land Commission in 2019 and out of twelve applications across the State, these two Ka'u properties ranked in the top three. I I sent a letter of support to the Legacy Land Conservation Commission for consideration at its meeting of September 4 - 6, 2019, in which the CCH advocated for the preservation of the immensely important and significant archeological cave known as Lua Nun C Kamakalepo. At that time, we attached a detailed archeological report by the eminent archeologist, Prof. William J. Bonk. written in 1953. He stated the Lua Nunu o Kamakalepo is unique in many ways among caves of refuge, having two walls, one in each segment of the tube. He found that the cave I dated from 1500 to 1800 AD, based on the fishhooks found. He explains that this period is correlated with "a cultural period that includes an increased population, the development of a more elaborate or complex political organization, a formalized pattern of warfare, and in general, a higher level of sociocultural integration." In addition to protecting this most important lava tube and refuge cave, we support ATA's vision of protecting the entire Ka'u coastline. The ATA is a non-profit land conservation organization and as such meets the LLCP's requirements for being awarded conservation grants. In addition, the Association has a track record of acquiring and conserving properties of note. The ATA has received three grant awards from the LLCP's fund, namely: 34.6 acres in N. Kohala in 2012 2,317 acres at Waikapuna in 2017 1,363 acres Kaunamano in 2020. f i In all cases the conservation easement is (or will be) held by other organizations. We have every confidence in the ability of the ATA to execute all the required steps and follow through with the acquisition of Kiolaka'a and to secure matching funding from PONC. The properties are currently privately owned and are slated for subdivision and sale by the i current owners. This is of great concern to us as the only protection for the Lua Nunu o Kamakalepo cave is that fact that its location is not generally known, and also that there are no good roads to it. We understand that the plans of the the owner, Mr. Ernest Moody, to subdivide Kiolaka'a are well advanced. He has already acquired a road variance and a water 3 variance and an exemption from a historical survey from the State Historical Preservation Dept. I It seems obvious to us that if the ATA is not able to acquire this land, it will be subdivided into 20 lots, each one about 80 acres in extent. Those lots will be zoned 20A so each one can be 3 further subdivided into 20-acre lots. Once roads have been built and fences installed, the Lua Nunu o Kamakalepo will be easily accessible and will, in all likelihood, be looted, vandalized and essentially destroyed. The loss of this refuge cave will be incalculable. I We have read and heard some of the testimony of local Ka'u residents and are moved by their concerns. We understand that deeply rooted generational families have strong ties to the Aina; however, that alone will be insufficient to protect these parcels from being subdivided and sold by the current owners. We understand that ATA intends to collaborate with Ka'u families in the interests of long term stewardship of lands purchased. As we see it, the best way to protect both the community's interests and the future of the land would be to award a grant to the ATA so that it can, with a grant from PONC, purchase the parcels and give the County a conservation easement. The County of Hawai'i has agreed to pay for a management plan to be drawn up by a Townscape. If that plan is based on input from members of the public, including generational families, then, we feel, the needs of the I community and the public will be equitably balanced. A preservation purchase would protect these spectacular lands, some of the most remote in Hawaii. The alternative - subdivision development—would assure this land will never again be enjoyed by present or future generations but would instead by crisscrossed with roads and fences and inhabited by hundreds without any connection to the Aina. In short, as a Ka'u based conservation organization, CCN supports ATA's efforts and we believe that with a grant from the LLCP, the land will be conserved for posterity and the community's voices will be heard. It will be a win-win. Our considered conclusion is that both Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a Fishing Village are too rich in Hawaiian heritage to remain in private ownership. Mahalo for allowing me to testify on behalf of the CCH, 3 TOMISLAV GRACANIN PRESIDENT OF THE CAVE CONSERVANCY OF HAWAI'I I 3 3 33 3 t April 01, 2020 The Trust for Public Land c/o Reyna Ramolete Hayashi 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 740 Honolulu, Hl 90313 Re: Conservation Purchase of l iolaka'a, Ka`D, Hawaii Island TMI s: (3) 9-4-001:003, ( ) 9-4-001:009 , (3) 9-4.001:017 Aloha Reyna, 1, Walter Andrade, and Mi Ranch support Ala l ahakal Trail Association and the Trust for Public Land's efforts to help our community purchase, protect, and steward the lands of Kiolaka`a Our family ranch has sub-licensed a mauka portion of this property, 316 acres, where we graze about 75 head of cattle, and we have also camped at Ka`alu'alu Bay over the years. la`m's agricultural lards should be protected to support our local agricultural economy and self sufficiency.. We look forward to working in partnership with Ala. Iahakai Trail Association to ensure that our cattle ranching license continues and is complimentary to the goal of preserving the cultural and natural resources on the property. Protecting these lands would ensure that Ka' 's rural character and paniolo traditions are preserved for future generations. Thank you for your consideration of this request to preserve I' iolaka`a. Mahalo Walter D. Andrade MJ Manch Ptd Box 7 Na`alehu, Hawaii 96722 January 21, 2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources binr.testimony@hawaii.gov Re: Testimony in Support of BLNR Agenda Item C(1)(B) & C(1)(C): Legacy Land Grant Award to Ala Kahakai Trail Association: $1,475,000, for the acquisition of approximately 1,841.3 acres at Ka'u, Hawaii (Kiolaka'a) & $875,000, for the acquisition of approximately 348 acres at Ka'u, Hawai'i (Manaka'a Fishing Village) Aloha Chair Case and BLNR Members, I would like to express my enthusiastic support for the Legacy Land Grant Award to Ala Kahakai Trail Association to purchase and protect Kiolaka'a & Manaka'a Fishing Village. The protection of these lands is in our community's interest because it is one of the last remaining pieces in securing the undeveloped coastline that is so highly valued by our community, as expressed in the Ka`Q Community Development Plan (CPD). I was a member of the Ka'u CPD Steering Committee and protecting Kiolaka'a & Manaka'a advances the vision and goals our community articulated: "The Ka'u CDP should honor Ka'u's unique rural lifestyle, its connection between people and place, and its distinctive Hawaiian cultural heritage. It must plan for the future in ways that: increase economic opportunities through a diverse, resilient, and sustainable economy; and protect and provide reasonable access to natural and recreational resources including the mauka forests, the coastline, open spaces, and park facilities and programs." "Objective 2: Preserve prime and other viable agricultural lands and preserve and enhance viewscapes that exemplify Ka'u's rural character." "Objective 10: Encourage and enhance agriculture, ranching, and related economic infrastructure." Keeping these lands in agriculture will support the rural economy in Ka'u and provide the land base for agricultural production that supports the County and State of Hawaii. My family owns and operates Kuahiwi Ranch and we currently graze approximately 200 head of beef cattle on the Manaka'a parcel. We have been ranching on this parcel for the last five years and its protection would allow our lease to continue. Kuahiwi Ranch specializes in local, free-range, grass-fed beef which contributes to our local food security and self-sufficiency, which have become so critically important during this health crisis. We market about 450,000 lbs of meat annually to grocery stores and restaurants throughout Hawaii including: Whole Foods, Foodland, and Foodland Farms,Alan Wong's, Town, and Honolulu Burger Co. We also provide secure jobs to eleven employees and our work also supports other food system jobs that enables our beef to get from ranch to table. i Triple LLL,Ranch ,O, Brix 6746 Kamuela Hawaii 96743 O whom it rnay Concern, Roy A Loan o,Support Ala Kahak lTrarl Association's purchase of the Kiolakaa parcel,i am a rancher ,i herr and presently lease,a parcel in Kau;or that purpose. I would like to see as rn�wh of the Large I rid p rceis in it, rr preserved and protected and riot be developed, if the: sso i tion is successful in receicein tine Bands to purchase the parcei, it will be the last piece to connect a Lae to r-ono pu for the benefit of the pale of Karr. l askthe Land Bowra to please vote in favor of the,Ala KihAai Trail Assori tion's funding request, Sincerely, tip . i i We strongly believe in the agricultural, open space, and cultural value of these lands. We are committed to working together as close partners with the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and the broader community so that our ranching operations can co-exist and compliment the preservation of both the cultural and natural resources on the property. Kiolaka'a & Manaka'a, as part of the Ka'u coastline, should be preserved for the people of the State and County of Hawaii. The pristine Ka'u coastline is a treasure that we can steward and a gift that we can pass on to future generations. Mahalo, MOIIeLLe cj t(%vuba Michelle Galimba, VP Kuahiwi Ranch PO Box 24 Na'alehu HI 96772 (808)430-4927 PHONE(808)594.1888 FAX{stas)594-1938 nro U , STATE OF HAWAt`t OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS 560 N,t IMITZ HWY,SUITE 200 HONOLULU,HAWAH 56817 June 17, 2019 Reyna Rarnolete:f lavashi Aloha 'Ain-a Project Manager The Trust.for Public.Land 1.00) Bishop Street Paual`ti Tower, Suite 740 Honolulu. Hawai`i. 96813 Re- Fetter of Support for the Acquisition and Protection (')l' kaundmano and gland a °a fishing Villa-e of the Katt Coast l4 aundmano Ahupua`a. Ka'u iv oku, Haw i`i Mokupuni Tai Map Keys (3) 9-5-01`,0ol; kind. 9-5-*011:00[J 0044 005. 00 Aloha e Ms. Hayashi. The Administration, of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs RN) is writing in support of the Trust for Public Lard`s (TPL) efforts, to acquire agricultural and consmati n lams alon�a the €�a`CI coast for the put-pokes Of preservation and restoration. OHA understands that TPL is currently seeking funding for these acquisitions from tile. County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space, and natural Resources (PC)NQ Fund, tine State: of Havvai`i Legacy Land Conservation Fund, and the panel and. w Water Conservation Furan. Thug, TPL will meet with the POMC Commission on July 8, as well as submit an application to the Legacy Land Conservation furred in July. OHA further understands that TPL, is closely partnered with the Ala Kahakai 'frail Association who will primarily implement lura-term stew rrdship of the area if acquisition is successful, CLIA has prevlottslyv provided support for silt-rlar• 'l'Pt, acquisitions in other areas along the Ka'a coast. The current proposed acquisitions are aligned with a greater l air community effort to protect the: entire 80 mile Ka`a coast. OHA is tite constitutiotrallyr recognised body responsible fur protecting and promoting the tights of Native Hawaiians. As such, 014A's ruission is to unprove the vve.11-trt ink of Native Bawaiiarrs by focusing our efforts on siK strategic: priorities: `diva {land and water-), srlo'orxr+ttcu (culture.), ho'okahuawaiwai (e onotuic self-sufficiency). ho'ona.'atlaO (cducatik)n), ear (governance."). and maul( ola (health). By maintaining a connection to the past through the preservation.of '51na. it i,, OHA's hope that Native Hawaiians will participate in and benel`it from responsible 'dina Ala Kahakai Trail Assooiation (ATA)is a descendant lard non-profit organir_aticm that provides cocri.nrttrrit ,,,, y asci,,,,for For-trail management and plrrtrrrrng� The ATA helps ensure that the.Ala Kahakai Trail is�vetl-connected to tire.c0M.P.rtrnity and that Eawa ian values and principles are in.patu and practiced. Reyna Ramotete Hayashi .l une 17, 2019 Paoe`, i I stewardship. Previously, OHA has supported t'tanv efforts throughout the. state that prc�7rtote the I preservation of agricultural and conservation landsthreatened by rezoning and unnecessary I devc:lopn rit. €}1-D values the protection of such prince lands as a potential vehicle for food self- sufficiertcy and a means for reconrrectint„ people with the 'ainal through responsible stewardship. The lands of Kaundinano and Manaka`a contain innumerable cultural. resources important 10 the preservation arta perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.: This :area of the Kta`�i coast contains many still-intact fishing villages, historic trails, pristine cultural sites, natural springs. bur iaal Mitis, petroglyphs, lava tunes, and eaves that together maintain a strong cultural lartclscapt. NaatiVe Hawaiians today continue: to use this area for traditional cultural practices and educational purposes. it o Velo of this area describe thriving fishing villages and the practice of lua (traditional Hawaiian martial art). Aciclitictrtally, it i believed that the caves and underground lava tabes served as stratc tjc spots to defend the area and conceal arta-ries in tirttes cat w{ar', The Ka`tr coast is also home to a variety of endangered Hawaiian flora and fauna, 80% to 9C}% of the hc�r u'ea (hawksbill sea turtle) nest along the Ka'd oast_ The h nu (green sear tur les), `iliolioloil a ttaua{Hawaiian monk seals}, and koltold (humpback whales) depend on the clean waters off Kaundmano. Native coastal plants blanket the shoreline, while pueo (Flawaaiian short-eared owl), migratory birch., and native sea and shorebirds live along Kaundniano's rocky shorelines . OHA understands and :sul.)ports Tl`'I. s and ATA's efforts to protect the natural and cultural resources of Kaa'ta for present and future.generations. As bout TPP and A`I":A aiin to protect existing Cultural resources and seek to reconnect people to the `aura through responsible stewardship, ORA views their overall efforts as being in concert with our own mission and strategic plan. OHA nate that the preservation of the parcels in question are further atfigned with the October 2017 Ka`ft Comir unity Development plan which seeks to protect and enhance natural resources, TH.' an(] ATA's efforts to acquire these lands would effectively eliminate potential undesired developruent o the Ka ti coast and help the Kat`ft community achieve their dreaata of one day protectingall of'thc Ka`u coast. .Accordingly, OHA supports TPL's and ATA's efforts to acquire these lands and thereby enable our beneficiaries and the Ka'O cotnntunitY to Preserve, practice, and perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture, rnalartla Ka`it's resources and sites; and.contribute to the.feature,security and self-- sufficiency of our islands. Should you have any questions, please:contact 0HA's Lead Coni liaance. Specialist, Kamakatna C. Teri-eiraa, at (808") 4-0227, or by ettiaail at:karnakanaaf@olia.org '0 wau iho n6 me ka 'oiat 'i,`o, Kaarnanaa`opono M. Crabbc. MD. Ka Pouhaana,Chief Executive Officer KC.,kf I PHONE( 08)594-1888 ��: FAX(808)594-1938 s ! STATE OF HAWAI`l OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS 560 N.NIMITZ HWY.,SUITE 200 HONOLULU,HAWAN 96817 .- RD 19-8911 B June 27, 201 Reyna Rttmolete Rayash Aloha 'A na Project 14anager The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street Pauahi Tower, Suite-740 Efatiolulu, Hawaii 968131 Pe: Addendum to Letter of :support for the Acquisition artd Protection of Kaunc-r alio and emir a°a Fishing V illago of the Ka'il Coast Kaun uiano ltuptia'a, Ka'd Moku,Hawaii Mokupuni Ta,-;,,1vlap Keys: (3)9-5-012:001-, 9-5-011,00 1,004, 005, 006, and, 9-4-001 008, OM 017 Aloha e Ms. Hayashi, 'Fhe Administration of[lie Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OH.A)offers this addendum to its letter of:lune. 17, 201.9 in support of the Trost for Public Land's (TPL) ef'fox-ts to acquire agricult:M'd Und conservation lands alono the Ka'fi coast for the purposes of preservation and restoration. This addendum is to clarifv the applicability of the .Tune 17 letter of support to include the contemplated acquisition of lands in Kioltrkr 'a, as part of the storied cultural landscape of a'd described in the previous Tetter, and whose protection from development and undesirable land uses would enable- present itablepresent and future generations of our beneficiaries to preserve, practice, and perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture, tn lartitt Tut'u`s resources and sites; and, ooritribrue to the future security a rd self- sufficiency of our islands. Should you have any questions, please contact our Lead Compliance Specialist, Krimakana C. Ferreira, at('808) 594-0227, or by rattail at karnakanaf@c~ha.org. '0 wau iho u6 me Ica 'oia `i`o, I,- Kamana'opon.o N . C'r bbe, Ph,D. Ka.P"ouhana,Chief Executive Officer KC:kf HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SI ATE OF HAVVAN' HONOLULU, i--iAVVAll 9681,3 0crober 14, 2019 i I.i Speaker of the. I lcause °'cott K, Saaiki 1-� I'r'<araa. Deli€°c:c aatativc Richard 11, Creaga€a Chair. I loUse Committee on aricultll€rc `a RF: Letter in `support of l.,egaacN I-aand Conservation Funding to protect and A€.°Lure Kauna nintaaa, Kiolaka' a, and M.andkaa'aa in 15 at`i€, I lawai`i ........... I aana writing to express tail' strong Support of Ala K ahzAafi Traa l Association's andTrust rust tot- Public ]..aand's efforts to purchase and protcet Itiaundmaano. Kicilaka`a.and Maniakxaa in Ka'(i. ' Itawai'i Island. Ala,Kahakai Traail Association's aaaission is to support and guide as c:ainanatufit�- ni anaoed ti-ail Haat honors those who carne bct )ric an(] perpetuates for those to I«Ilca,4 _ Willi protocols nand respect for Hawai-i*s past, r sent aanct futllre. Kaaunianaanti's ancient fishing village otTi5rala includes the t<anacaus rock paved as chiral ne pool of !'talai'i€ha came. '1"he pro perty inclu esw over tour Hailes aal'the Alaa Kahaksai National 1 listciric 'l rail :and 444 archaeological sites including Iiej au, refuge a:4wes and lama tubes with 11<troglyphs and pictographs, a Ina training area. house sites, and burials. KaL111,7111KIT10 prOVic#cs eXteaasiVc; coastal habitat for native plaants, seaahirds and marine lite including tg humpback whales and heat,\°kshill and green seat turtles. 'l he )pasta tafauka pasture la rlds are leaaSed hy Koaahi"i Manch for raising local, araass led heel, supporti€t� the local. agricultural econonl . l iolaika`a is as 1.8316-acre property south of Waioliinu I`o n that includes intact native dryland forest. the eastern shoreline ol"Kaa'aalu'aalta Bay, arid portions of the.ancient Kaamakalepo settlement.and 1-ma tiunu cave systean. JI'le cave sVstern features as fortress with all Cie\atecl cle.lirrasive x�aall.built during the wars with:Karaaelaaarnehaa. Other cultural sites Include hciaata. habitation sits, petroglyphs. and a segnient of"the Ala Kahakaai National Historic Trail. l apenako, as fresh eater spring and anchialine pond tee tas with 'c-pae `ul<a. The maaukaa lands are leased for cattle grazing, perpetuating Ka'ft's paani(:Its traditions. ?tlandk,a`aa's breathtaking klaaniaaniaa Mali rises over 00 feet providing protection liar aicstiaa`,, sea hirds and native coastal plants, Cultural resources include 2 documented sites such as heiaati, batriaals. lava tube habitation sites. itndergrcauncl spri€i a ca�Fer cane mile cif the Ala 1 £alaaakaa i District 5—Na'atehu,oman View,Captain Cook.KeafaXekua.Kai€ua-Kona i1stan of Hawaii) Chan of Agriculture Crate Capitol Building, Room 427,Honolulu,Hawaii 96813 Phone(808)586.9605. Erna&toprr N'ational FI Trail. two rarauka-inakai trails, and the remains cit'Mala rka°et 1=ishim, Villtace. 'I`hese lands Provide some c>.tlic best cattle grazing lands in l a`Cr. leased by Kuallil\r` Ranch, Protect rw these lands vvoultl fulfill (tact K;:cG community's lank s(rancling opal cal-protecting their t lcavc:.d 0 nails ccaast to Irerl)etttate their rural h estyle and l lawaiian culture. Access to the coastline is important for their connnunity which still relicts can subsistence fishing. tarnaitarg,and paillering. Conserving this ItrrrcisCal'te will peTpetarate cultural (recess for descendants and recreational access Iirr travelers along the ancient trail allowing all to vvalk in the t6otsteps cif' h;WD's auccstcrr;;, I t holehewartedl-' support lh,<: Legacy Uancl ('onservatitan C orninission-s recommendations to lane(idc land acquisition funding for the conservation of Kcrun5i aaano, l iol4aka%t, and klalldk vas i i I j {3 I I I I I 3 7 Disttiat 5—Na'al hu,0--ean View,Captain Gook,Kealakekua.Kailua-Kona ilsland of Hawaii) Chair or Agriculture State Capitol Sualding,Room 427,Honolulu,Hawaii 96813 Phone(808)686-96056 Email:top f _qa.�.. .v i i 1 April 22, 2021 State ofHawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources bInr,testunony(C haNyan.goy% j Re: SUPPORT for Agenda Item C2(B): ALA KAHAKAI TRAIL ASSOCIATION, $1,475,000,FOR THE ACQUISITION OF APPROXIMATELY 1,841.3 ACRES AT KA'U, HAWAII (KIOLAKA'A),TAX MAP KEY NUMBERS: (3) 9-4-01:008:009, :016, :017,AND :023 r 4 a Aloha Chair Case and Members of the Board, 'I My name is 'Aina Akamu and I was born and raised in Ka'ii. My n7o'ok fi auhau traces back to Keki haupi'o and Pine, and my 'ohana has lived in Ka'u for 67 generations. My dad was a truck driver and 7 electrician for Ka'u Sugar, an alumni of N5'alehu Elementary and Ka'u High School. My mom is pure Hawaiian 1 from Kapa'au,North Kohala,born to parents who met,married and lived at the Hansen's Disease settlement at Kataupapa; and worked at the Punalu'u Black Sands Restaurant and Pick and Pay at N"a'alehu Shopping Center. I was primarily raised by my paternal grandmother,Mae Kalilinoeokalani Macomber Kapika Akamu, who spoke to me in Hawaiian,was part of the First group of Hawaiian Studies kupuna teaching in the Ka'u schools in 1978, and passed on to me many Hawaiian traditions such as la`au lapa'au, mea kanu, mea kaua, kapa, waiho'oht'u, hula, mele, lei making and other hana no`eau and sacred kuleana that I continue in my `ohana until today. After attending NA'dlehu Elementary school through grade 6, 1 attended boarding school and graduated from Kamehameha-Kapalama with an Honors Diploma, graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in Linguistics and Theater from Dartmouth College with a focus on Hawaiian Grammar and Dialectology, a M.A. in Teaching j from the University of Southern California with an emphasis on bilingual and.social studies education, and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Hawai'i in Career&Technical Education with a specialization in Industrial Engineering Technology, Building& Construction, and Design and Drafting. I currently teach Engineering, Construction, Culinary Arts,Agriculture, and Entrepreneurship, and I am the new Ag Program Director at Ka'u High School. I am also a faculty member in the Hawaiian Studies Department at Hawai'i Community College in Hilo, where I Hawaiian Studies classes through the Early College j program for Ka'u High School students. I also chair the Education Conuuittee and serve as Kakau'Olelo j (secretary& webmaster) for the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'u, am a member of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church which was built by my kupuna and where they rest today, and a community volunteer and land.steward f doing what I can to ensure the conseivation and protection of our natural, cultural, and historical resources for a the next 67 generations of my `ohana- in the same way my `ohana has preserved Ka'u for me. It is very uncomfortable for me to share all of this with you because I was raised to pa'a ka waha(shut the mouth), nana ka maka (watch with the eyes), ho'olohe ka pepeiao (listen with the ears) and then hana ka lima (work the hands)because ma ka hana ka 'Ike (in the doing is the knowledge). I am not one to talk or write a lot, or get involved loudly with various community issues,but you can rest assured.that at Sam when it is time to E `ala e, I will be there,with my gloves and boots, ready to work. I am someone who is more comfortable being quiet and unnoticed, but always there for others to listen with an open heart, to observe with a sense of makawalu(eight eyes), and then to do what I can to help. 2 I feel compelled to share this with you today because the issue of Kiolaka'a(and Waikapuna) has really taken a toll on members of our community. There has been a loss of trust, communication, and it feels like so many are fighting against each other although we all want the same thing -to preserve our precious walZi Pana of Ka'u. I honestly do not know what to do sometimes,because it feels like supporting the Ala Kahakai Trail Association means taking sides against any own family and members of my community. I honestly just want the land to be left alone,to be saved from any future development, and to be protected from the harm that i humans do intentionally or not. As a lineal and ancestral descendant of Kahula Kekuhaupi'o,who received from Kauikeaouli the Royal Patent for the lciileana of 349 acres ofPalauhulu,who passed.on that kuleana title to Kahula Macomber, who passed that kuleana title on to Mae Macomber Akamu, who passed that kuleana title on to me, I stand with them today and every day. Of the hundreds of great-great-great grandchildren in my `ohana, I am the one who holds the palapala that Kahula once held, and was directly given the sacred kauoha and kuleana of protecting the iwi kupuna of my `ohana. I live on my ancestral lands in Ka'u- and I look out over the Kiolaka'a property every day. My kuleana lands extend down to Ka'alu'alu road and borders the Kiolaka'a property_ The current "landowner" of a portion of my own kuleana lands is preparing for future development, which is another fight I am preparing for in a spiritual manner. In my own `ohana, I know that my ancestors support any efforts to save these lands from any development. As a member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka'u, I have done my best to bring forward any information to our club members and have shared all the relevant information on our website. Our club is currently 52 years old, we have monthly meetings, and our membership is open to all. We are a transparent Hawaiian community-based organization that has endured for many years and, through the pandemic,has managed the transition to Zoom meetings for our club. There are members of our club who oppose acquisition of Kiolaka'a by ATA,but still want these lands saved. We also have members who support ATA's acquisition, and are willing to work with ATA and serve on their Stewardship connnittees, attend their meetings, and be a conduit of infonnation to our connnunity. It is challenging to stay neutral,but in the end, for me,it is not about a person or a group, but about saving these lands from future development. Personally, I came to support ATA's acquisition when I asked if they would return these lands to the Hawaiian Kingdom once it was reestablished and.the military occupation of Hawai'i ends. I was assured that if any Ka'u non-profit could take over,they would gladly transfer the deed to another group's care.Additionally, if the Hawaiian Kingdom was returned prior to that happening, the lands would be returned to the Hawaiian Kingdom and the Ka'u representatives or konohiki would then take on that responsibility. To me,this gives me enough trust that I have worked with ATA, have attended their meetings, and as of yet, do not have any concerns about ATA developing the lands, or restricting any traditional and cultural uses of these lands. I know there are still concerns. I will continue to do what I can to help bring information to my community, and to uphold the kuleana given to me by my kupunahme. I was raised to know that it is not my place to claim my rights to something,but rather that I have responsibility to uphold and to ensure that the rights of the lands are held in highest esteem. He ali`i ka `aina, he kauwa ke kanaka. i Aloha, a koe no na pua. 'Aina Akamu a me kana kane na mea kuhikuhi i kela kahua heiau i ke kenekulia 'uikuaha! And I've overlooked mentioning that the very sacredness of the religious site complex (five heiau, court of law, virgin ali'i women's sanctity, warriors' training ground, sacred cadaver preparation site (incl, the imu for Kamehameha's body to be defleshed) dates back to the founding in the 14th century by one Keolonahihi, daughter of the High Priest, Paoa ( a.k.a. PA'oa) and her husband. No Ka`U, he po'okela kona 'ano kahiko loa a kapu loa no na hanauna ali'i me na hanauna kahuna. A he nui loa no na mea kbhohonu, mala, palapala 'ole, a Ike 'ole ano! '0 is kahi kumu he pa'akiki ke ho'ike laula ano ke lilo loa na kupuna! He aha a hana aku ai? E In regard to Ka'u, its antiquity and sanctity is foremost because of generations of paramount rulers and high priests. And yet much is deeply hidden, secretive, undocumented and not known today. It`s one of the reasons it's difficult to widely inform today when so many (all?) of the kupuna are gone forever! What are we to do? ........E -- Fred Kalani Meinecke fineineck@hawaii.edu j (808) 371-4233 f it F 'i a C I i z William Keoni Fox From: Fred Meinecke <fineineck@hawaii.edu> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 1:05 AM To: fox@alakahakaitrail.org; reyna.ramolete@tpl.org; laakea1 @hawaiiantel.net; Emma Keohokalole;Samuel Plunkett Jr, Eani Eapilio; Fred Meinecke; Brian Richardson Subject: MAEAMA Kiolaka`a me Waikapuna a me ke Ala Kahakai ma Ka'u Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Ae, hoT Aloha mai kakau pakahi a pau! Eia neia, `o wau `o Fred Kalani Meinecke a no Wai'6hinu mai makou. A no ka pono o kenei papahana, a kakau aku ana au i na `61elo 'elua, `o ka mua no ka pono o na kupuna o kakou, a no ka lua no ka maopopo is lakou o ka `61elo ho`okahi wale! This rendering is from Fred Kalani Meinecke and we are from Wai`6hinu. And for the propriety of this testimony, I will convey bilingually; first for our kupuna who cannot be here, and secondly for those confined to a single language! 'Q ko`u `i`ini n6 a Mau iho nei `o is no a kako'o i ka `oukou hana nui, lokihi a pa`upa'u i mea a malama i ka 'aina o na kupuna o kakou. He mahalo nui is `oukou no ka `oukou ho`omanawanui i keia hana ko'iko`il Maopopo loa no ho`i ia'ul No ka mea aia wau ma Kona me Herb Kawainui Kane ma i na makahiki 1975-79 a ho`a`o nui a ho`opakele is "Ka Lae o ka Moa" ma Holualoa Kai mai ke kukulu h6kele hou me hale hou! A i ka hopena, ua p6maika`i i ka ke Kia'aina Ariyoshi i ku`ai mai i kela 'apana no ka Moku'aina 'o Hawaii a malama ad No laila, hiki wale no ka hopena lanakila i ka hakaka a malama `aina! My intent in writing this is to convey support of your long, difficult and exhausting task of protecting our ancestral lands! I very much know what it's like and what it takes! For 1 was there in Kona with good friend Herb Kawainui Kane and others in the mid-70`s to struggle to save the sacred religious complex, "Ka Lae o ka Moa," The Headland of the Warriors," from replacement by a Holiday Inn and housing development! And in the end, it was fortunate that then Governor Ariyoshi agreed to purchase the 15-acre site for the State to protect! So victorious outcomes can happen in land contention! A ua poina wale ia`u a ha'i mai i ke `ano kukaulani o Ka Lae o ka Moa no ka mea ua ho`ike `ia mai `o Keolonahihi, ke kaikamahine a ke Kahuna Nui Paoa (= Pa`ao , September 4, 2019 The Trust for Public Land c/o Reyna Ramolete Hayashi 1003 Bishop St., Suite 740 Honolulu, HI 96813 Re: Letter in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a, TMKs: (3) 9-4-001:008; (3) 9-4-001:009, (3) 9-4-001:017. Jodie Rosam and family are in support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's efforts to purchase and protect Kiolaka`a in Ka`u, Hawaii Island. Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a coimnunity-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past,present and future. Kiolaka`a is a 1,836-acre property south of Waiohinu Town that includes intact native dryland j forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay, and portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunn cave system. The cave system features a fortress with an elevated defensive wall and 102 sleeping platforms,built during the wars with Kamehameha. Other cultural sites include heiau, habitation sites,petroglyphs, and.a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead.to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialme pond teeming with two varieties of`6pae Va. The mauka pasture lands are leased.for cattle grazing, perpetuating Ka`Vs paniolo traditions. i Our family owns nearly 50 acres in Kiolaka'a,just mauka of the property to which this letter is directed. We also own several parcels in the Green Sands subdivision, also in Kiolaka'a. Our family has been here for over 30 years, and we care deeply for these lands. As a restoration ecologist, conservationist, and teacher, I see the uniqueness of this land.Not only does it contain rare plant species,but it contains history. From battleground cave systems to ancient agricultural sites to veins of rare plants, this place is rich with significance. 1 As a mother of two young children, and an active member in our community and our kedd, I see the potential of this land for our future. Our family has a vision to restore old agricultural systems on our property and bring students from local schools to educate them on ancient agricultural techniques. We also plan to collect seeds from rare species and give seedlings to our community to restore these unique plant species. If this property were to become developed, a major source of dryland forest seeds would be lost. It is without question that ancient agricultural sites, burial sites, and cave systems would be destroyed as well_ This land is special. It is sacred. And.we fully support protection of Kiolaka'a. 3 s i f 3 i I February 28, 2021 i Kalaho`ohie Mossman P,O. Box 43 Na.`alehu, Hi 96772 Reyna Ramolete Hayashi i The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 740 Honolulu,.Hawaii 96813 I Re: Support for AIa Kahakai Trail Association and the Trust for Public Land's efforts to Purchase and Protect Manaka`a in Kawala Ka`a and lands in Kiolaka`a, Ka`u. 3 Aloha, Aloha, my name is Kalaho`ohie Mosman and I am a resident of GVai`6hinu,Ka`u. I support The Trust for Public Land and ATA`s efforts to protect and purchase the Mana.ka`a and Kiolaka'a properties in Ka`u, Hawaii. Protecting these lands would provide impactful community benefits: preserving beloved cultural and historic resources and an outdoor classroom for students to learn about the area and the Hawaiian traditions. i I a I had expressed concern at the last meeting considering this purchase because I felt there was not sufficient community engagement. Since that time ATA and the Trust for Public Lands have reached out and have held a community zoom meeting as well as spoke to individuals in our community directly. I am satisfied with this effort and feel that the community will be a part of the ongoing management of these lands in the future. 3 i If these properties were to be sold to a private buyer it would mean the loss of significant cultural resources along the coastline. It could also have serious impacts on our coastal and marine resources. A resource that our community depends on to survive. ' I invision this area being protected restored, and stewarded by the community for `aina-based education, Hawaiian cultural practices and creating a space where one can establish a connection to the environment. Mahalo, a Kalalio`ohie Mossman Ka`u Resident P.O.Box 43 Na`alehu, Hi 96772 a 7 I 3 t I February 16, 2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources blnr,testimony@hawaii.gov hawaii.gov x The Trust for Public Land reyna.rainolete@tpt.org tpl.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@alakahal-,aitrail.org alakahal-,aitrail.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and.Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka`u., Hawaii Our family strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`it community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a and.Mandka`a Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala). Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a cominimity-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past,present and { future. ATA has a Ka`u Stewardship Committee which is comprised.entirely of Ka`u residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka`u lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Community Management Plata in partnership with Ka`u connnunity groups, descendants, and stakeholders within 18 months of taking ownership. ATA is committed to community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native drytand forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay,portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `6pae `ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing,perpetuating Ka`u's paniolo traditions. Mandka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites, water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`alet u.with the coastline. Our family has lived near the boundary of Ka`u and Puna for almost 20 years and we have committed our lives to protecting and restoring natural resources particularly in Ka`it, mainly as employees working directly for the National Park Service or otherwise within Hawaii i i 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. Conserving this landscape will perpetuate cultural access for descendants and recreational access for travelers along the ancient trail allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka`u's ancestors. Mahalo, Jodie Rosam Rosas, Ambrose, and Rosam Ohana Lodie.rosam(t gmail.com 808-987-8681 i i i i i i i Volcanoes National Park. Through our work, we have assisted The Nature Conservancy and various local groups in the district as well. Outside of work,we have surfed, played, fished, and. contributed to tnadama `aina efforts in the area for nearly two decades. We have been fortunate to have camped along the coast, learned about cultural features at the nearby site Puhi`ula and celebrated weddings of friends and family at Kiotaka`a and Honu`apo. Many of our `ohana have important ties to these ahupu.a`a whether through ancestral lineage or current land ownership. i We have seen how development can change the shape of the land and.the connection to place. Protecting the Ka`d coastline is important to us,to our family and friends who call it home, and to our children's future. For the past few years, we have participated in a stewardship training called Halau `Ohi`a, and we have learned.from training and from huaka`i about just a few of the numerous natural and.cultural treasures held within Kau. Our family's mission is to raise our keiki to have a deep relationship with the places and people of where they live -not just their house and their neighborhood, but to know their moku, to enjoy and appreciate the coast,plants, and stories of place, old and new. Safeguarding and caring for the Ka`u coastline allows everyone-including visitors, but especially the families who call Ka'-6 and Hawaii Island home - the potential for deepening relationships to place, maintaining a critical perspective of seeing themselves in the landscape, and perpetuating a strong sense of aloha for this island and her sources. Protecting these lands would fulfill the Ka`il 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 and gathering. Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka�ii's lands and. resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, community members, and the public, allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka`id's ancestors. Mahalo, Corie Yanger& Andrew Christie 808-430-09131808-430-9363 and cmyanger@haNNraii.edula_dtmcan_c@hotmail.com a I I 3 3 From: Bary Johnson<pjohnson2951 (L gtnail.com> Date: Sun, Mar 21, 2021 at 9:58 PM Subject: Re: Kiolaka'a and Mandka`a Preservation Update To: Jodie Rosam<jodie.rosamLgmail_com> To the BLNR, 3 This testimony is in regard to the acquisition of Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a lands by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association. 3 I am a resident of Naalehu and I have supported a number of acquisitions of land for the preservation of the Ka'u coastline. In particular, I volunteer regularly at Kawa Bay, which is part of the County's holdings in Ka'u (acquired about five years ago.) What I experience in the course of a day at Kawa Bay, represents the potential that Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a have to preserve the history,the ecology, and the spirit of shared community(aina) in i Ka'u. 3 I work with Dwayne Pua and two other Hawaiians who have dedicated themselves to conserving and maintaining the land that for them has ancestral ties. I have helped to reintroduce native species. I have cleared the site of an ancient hale (as have Hawaiian families at a number of other sites.) I have worked to eliminate invasive species and.opened up glades for larger species, such as acacia and Java plum. I have seen Dwayne rebuild the stonework channels for the freshwater springs that once supported Hawaiian villages, and more recently he and his crew are developing plots for traditional foods. He is also working with the County, conservation groups and NOAA to create a long-tern plan for the lagoons, tide pools and fish ponds. Most importantly, his efforts have made Kawa Bay accessible in a way that has preserved its native flora, its history and its spirit. This is the bay where all the locals learned to surf and it still draws surfers almost every day. Families come to the bay to fish and camp_ My wife and I have hiked sections of the King's Trail that runs north along the coastline (it is being reestablished by local groups.) Why does this matter? It matters because Ka'u is unique. Large corporations have tried on numerous occasions to "develop" sections of the coastline, and each time have failed. But the people of this conumunity(Hawaiians,, Asians and haoles) have remained. Together they respect the land, and they work to insure that the land and the waters will continue to enrich the lives of all who live here. Lastly, in preserving coastlines like Kawa Bay, Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a, Ka'u is linking together a number of already conserved lands, not just a token site. Where else is it possible to y 'I 3 I i I i February 10, 2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov The Trust for Public Land reyna.ramolete@tpl.org I I Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@alakalial<:aitrail.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's { Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka'fz,Hawaii My name is Patrick Conant and I am familiar with the areas in which Kiloka'a and Manaka'a fishing villages occur. For at least a few years I have been assisting with volunteer native strand vegetation restoration efforts with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund under a permit from DOFAW. I believe that the area from Ka'alu'alu to about Ki'i might be the most intact native strand vegetation in the State and it deserves better protection. We have been pulling up fountain grass, sandbur and other weeds along the Waiohinu coast, between those two sites for several years now. We are attempting to contain those 2 grasses, along with other weeds so the area does not burn,nor would native plants be outcompeted. Also, I am a former State of Hawaii Entomologist and.I recall that Entomologist Dr_ Karl Magnacca has found Hylaeussp. native bees in the area, and those should be studied more thoroughly there so protection can be implemented as necessary. I cannot speak to the cultural aspects of these two fishing villages, but I do know the area is rich in what appear to be ancient trails throughout the pahoehoe and even a'a lava flats. Petroglyphs seem relatively common and there are many of what must be temporary inclimate weather shelters under rock overhangs. In closing, I very much support the effort of The Trust for Public Lands and Ala.Kahakai Trail Association assisting the Ka'u Community acquire and protect these two ancient fishing villages and the surrounding cultural landscape and native plant communities_ Both could be easily damaged without some form of protection, and to some extent,the plants already are. Neglect alone is damaging. But, I am optimistic this effort will succeed, with the terrestrial plant and cultural sitesand the shoreline best protected by access continuing to be limited to the existing trails rather than building roads. I Patrick Conant, Volcano, HI I I I I i I I conserve large ecological areas andiItcl3ocean hbittwithin the boundaries ofaaagayed and cmmle community? Where Gk is it possible to conserve land that represents generations ) of people who respect anJ value#IRrt1 e? ) l Thank you f£t eop porton to speak oft e necessity to ked tae lands fate public a/± ) ) ) Sincerely, ) Gary and Deborah Johnson ) l P.O. Bo 777 ] 94-6557 £e*a Lam St. ] Naalehlt /! ) 96772 - ] ] ] l ) ) ) � ] ] ) ] � ] ) ) ) ) ) � l ) ] ) ) ] l William Keoni Fox From: selah levine <selahbit@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, February 13,2021 9:34 AM To: binr.testimony@hawaii.gov; Reyna.Ramolete@tpl.org;fox@alakahakaitrail.org Subject: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawai'i Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged My name is Selah Levine and I support Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka'u community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala). Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai'i's past, present and future.ATA has a I<a'u Stewardship Committee which is comprised entirely of Ka'u residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka'u lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Community Management Plan in partnership with Ka'u community groups,descendants, and stakeholders within 18 months of taking ownership.ATA is committed to community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural 3 resources. Kiolaka'a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native dryland forest,the eastern shoreline of Ka'alu'alu Bay, portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National a Historic Trail.A network of trails lead to Kapenako,a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with '6pae 'ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing, perpetuating Ka'u's paniolo traditions. Manaka'a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites,water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na'alehu with the coastline. My family and neighbors enjoy this area for subsistence fishing.After the lava took the Pohoiki boat ramp we have no ! way to safely enter the ocean for fishing in Puna and now go to the this area of coastline to fish. I am sure that we are not the only family in Puna that frequent this area and due to increased pressure on this coastline it is even more important to protect it. Without the protection this fragile coastline it will not sustain the needs of families who benefit from the natural and cultural resources of this land now, and for future generations. 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 and gathering.Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka'u's lands and resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants,community members,and the public, allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka'u's ancestors. i I Mahalo, Selah Levine 808-769-1173, selahbit@gmail.com i i 3 I 3 3 i i i I i 3 '3 I i I Our children become so alive with the natural around them to teach them,rather than the screens that are becoming so pervasive. I first came to Ka'u in 2003, and was immediately touched by the connection I felt to a different time. There was a very special part of Hawaii that still felt I alive here. I felt very privileged to be here, and as I came to know the community,understood that their connection to and protection of the land and the ways of life were part of what made it so special. Seeing clear to the ocean,unencumbered,with spaciousness, allowing plants and animals to flourish, brings wellbeing and connection to the people who live here, something that, as a mental health counselor, I see as imperative, as so many are struggling right now. It is so important, not only to protect the land, and the Ka'u coastline,,but the cultural richness that exists throughout this landscape, including the native plant habitat and ancient sites, so that we can continue to flourish here as human beings, feeling connected to something greater, in a challenging time, bringing up our children and teaching them about the plants and the animals and the history of Hawai'i, of Ka'u, of who they are. Protecting these lands would fulfill the Ka'-Ci 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 and gathering. Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka`u's lands and resources, and.perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, community members, and the public, allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka'-Ws ancestors. Mahalo, Cherie Felzer Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Weaving Pathways 510-545-2709 weavingl2athways0'),,gniait com I 3 s February 5, 2021 State ofHawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources b hn-.tes timony@haNvai i.go v The Trust for Public Land reyna.ramolete@tpl.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@alakaliakaitrall.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawaii 1, Cherie Felzer strongly support Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala). Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past,present and fiiture. ATA has a Kati Stewardship Connnittee which is comprised.entirely of Ka`u residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka`u lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Community Management Plan in partnership with Ka`u community groups, descendants, and stakeholders within IS months of taking ownership. ATA is committed.to community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. i Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native dryland forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay,portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunn cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `opae Va. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing, perpetuating Ka'-[J's paniolo traditions. Manaka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau,burial caves, lava tube habitation sites, water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`alehu.with the coastline. I am a mental health counselor, committed to caring for ourselves, each other, and the earth, these lands that we live on and breathe on. Part of my work is working with children, supporting them to leazn how to be in right relation with themselves, each other and the land around them. I,John P. Kalua'u, support Ala Kahakai Trail Association's purchase of the Kiolakaa parcel. 1 am a rancher in Kau and presently lease a parcel in Kau for that purpose. I would like to see as much of the large lands parcels in Kau preserved and protected and not be developed. If the Association is successful in receiving the funds to purchase the parcel, it will be the last piece to connect Ka Lae to Honoapo for the benefit of the people of Kau. I ask the Land Board to please vote in favor of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association's funding request. i i i Feb. 15,2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources binr.testimony(g0awaii.gov The Trust for Public Land reyna.ramoleteC4Apl.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox(ci,alakahakaitrail.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawaii Aloha, and mahalo for giving us the opportunity to voice our opinion and concern regarding Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a.-Our Ka'u community is lucky to have the vigilance of Ala Kahakai Trail Association and the efforts of The Trust for Public Lands to help protect our precious treasures. Let's agree, land is a limited resource. Once open space and access are developed or compronused;it's gone. Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village are priceless,needing protection and stewardship to honor the history of our ancestors and preserve the land for filture generations. It's estimated humans have modified more than 50%of Earth's land surface.At the current rate of growth,it is unsustainable.* Much of Hawaii's natural landscape is threatened by development, invasive r species and global climate change. We've seen the loss of access on every island. It's in all of our best interests to protect the open spaces that haven't succumbed.Not only for their rich cultural significance and sensitive ecosystem,but for the bonding role they play in our community.It's an amazing experience to spend a day at Ka'alu'ahl Bay: playing on the shore,surfing, or hiking the coast—you can't see one building. Please,let's keep it that way; for all fixture generations to experience taking their keiki to this place to experience just being there. It's so important,and once its gone,we won't have another chance. Mahalo, Angela Guidi and Soli Coleman PO Box 41 Na'alehu,HI 96772 spareroom(dmac.com * (cited from an Article in GSA Today by scholars Roger LeB.Hooke(School of Earth and Climate Sciences and Climate Change Institute,University of Maine) and Jose F. Martin-Duque(Dept. of Geodvnamics and Geosciences Institute, Complutense University,Madrid, Spain) February 23rd, 2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov The Trust for Public Land reyna,rainolete@tpt.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@alakahal<aitrail.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a and Mandka`a Fishing Village in Ka'u,Hawaii Foster Hair Design LLC strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u cominunity purchase and.forever protect Kiolaka`a and Mandka`a Fishing Village(the makai lands of Kdwala). Ala Kabakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who carne before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past, present and future. ATA has a Ka`u Stewardship Committee which is comprised.entirely of Ka`u residents to guide the stewardship and.management of its Ka`u lands. If ATA is successhil in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Community Management Plan in partnership with Ka`u community groups, descendants, and stakeholders within 18 months of taking ownership. ATA is committed to community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native drytand forest,the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay,portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and.Lua Nunn cave i system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `opae `ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing,perpetuating Ka`rz's paniolo traditions. 3 Manaka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites, water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail rums through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`aleliu with the coastline. I(Kady Foster) and my husband(Drew Foster) own Foster Hair Design_ We are a hairdresser/barber team with a salon in Na`dlehu. We as a family believe in supporting the people of Ka'-6 and giving what we can to our communities. We strive to care and provide our services in this community for all who need it. My daughter was born here in Ka`d and is growing up here. I feel unbelievably fortunate that she gets to live and learn in a community that is as diverse and resilient as Ka`u. We live here because of the nature. In my belief system we understand that we are nature not just a part of it, but it. We need nature equally as we need water or oxygen. It is the birth place of both. Our families special connection to this area is the deeply profound connection that it is our honest home, the planet that provides life for us, and it is disappearing all around us. Most people on this planet would feel a sense of connection to this coastline. It is raw and true. It is the spirit that is each of us. Every sacrosanct piece of earth that is left needs to be saved and protected. It is important to our family to protect the Ka'u coastline because we believe the people of today have to start leaving the land in better condition then when we found it or soon enough our children will be deprived of natural resources. To our family this is not a singular issue. Plenty of academic studies along with day to day truth shows us the rate of which humans are becoming depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, unhappy, etc. Yes,this is for a lot of complex reasons but these emotions are signals. This epidemic of suicide, depression, and.anxiety disorders are screaming to us that we are not living a life that is aligned with being happy,joyful, or fiilfilled in the way we know we could. The raw land as it is, the Ka'd, is our true and honest home. Just by looking at it alone we are gifted with a calmness, lightness, and largeness which is breathtaking and to significant for words. We are not meant to wipe away its beauty which took hundreds of thousands of years to create and we know it is irreplaceable. Like all beautiful and resourceful nature that has been remade by humans can never be undone. The state of Hawaii has been a victim to this for decades. Please consider that our fixture generations do not live without wildlife for we are made from it, we are it, without it there will be nothing left to support our human lives and the children that follow. Protecting these lands would fulfill the Ka`n 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 and gathering. Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka`u's lands and resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, community members, and the public, allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka`u's ancestors. Mahalo, Kady Foster Foster Hair Design LLC S08-895-2151 book a�fosterhair.com i i March, 11, 2021 3 State of Hawaii 3 Board of Land and Natural Resources binr.testimony@hawaii.gov I The Trust for Public Land reyna.rainolete@tpf.org 3 J Ala Kahakai Trail Association 3 fox@alakalialcaitrall.org i Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and.Acquire Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village in Ka'u,Hawaii j I, Alex Wang, strongly support Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a and Mandka`a Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala)_ Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i'S past,present and future. ATA has a Ka`u Stewardship Committee which is comprised entirely of Ka`u residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka`u lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Community Management Plan in partnership 3 with Ka`u community groups, descendants, and stakeholders within 18 months of taking ownership. ATA is committed to community-based management of these lands and their natural i and cultural resources. 3 Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native dryland forest,the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay,portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `dpae Va. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing, perpetuating Ka`u's paniolo traditions. Mandka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau,burial caves, lava tube habitation sites, water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`dlehu with the coastline. i I Ka'alu'alu Bay is a special birding location for our native shorebirds such as the Kolea(Pluvialis fiulva), the `Ulili (Tringa incona) and the Huna kai (Caliclr•is alba). Especially in fall and winter, this serves as a gathering place of these shorebirds and concentrates them in numbers far i r I a i 3 exceeding nearly anywhere else on the Big Island. I have seen well over 200 kolea in this bay at one time! The kolea use the bay to rest in between tides when they can no longer feed on the exposed shoreline at low tide. Nearby development would be harinful for these birds and likely would drastically reduce the effectiveness of this stop over point as a resting area for the kolea. i Additionally, I think there are those among us in the community at large that like to visit Ka'alu'alu for recreational bird watching. I have friends from Hilo, HPP, Volcano and even i Oahu that have visited Ka'alu'alu for the express purpose of seeing the birds in this area. This is a very passive activity that has very little negative impact on the land or its resources. I think that building development adjacent to the bay would greatly diminish the scenic beauty and natural value of this location for birds and bird watchers alike. { 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 and gathering_ Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka -6's lands and resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, community members, and the public, allowing all to walls in the footsteps of Ka -[i's ancestors. Mahalo, Alex Wang Biologist and avid Bird Watcher (808) 937-7924, a_x_wa-n«l-?(eeginail.com 1I I I William Keoni Fox From: kevin beeboys.org <kevin@beeboys.org> Sent: Monday, February 08, 2021 11:20 AM To: binr.testimony@hawaii.gov; reyna.ramolete@tpl.org; fox@alakahakaitrail.org Subject: Testimony in SUPPORT of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawai'i I Febniaiy, 8, 2021 i To whom it may concern, I velv strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`ii community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala). Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past, present and future. ATA has a Ka`u Stewardship Committee which is comprised entirely of Ka`u residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka`fn lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties,it has committed to developing a Community Management Plan in partnership with Ka`ii community groups, descendants, and stakeholders within 18 months of taking ownership. ATA is committed to community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Town and includes intact native dryland forest, the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay,portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunn cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `opae `ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing,perpetuating Ka`u's paniolo traditions. Manaka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites, water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail nuns through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`alehu with the coastline. I grew up in an area that had thousands of acres of open space, many farms and beautiful meadows and pastures were the fabric of the landscape in suburban Philadelphia. In the late 80's and early 90's many farmers died and their children who inherited these farms and meadows didn't have the same connection to the land, it was no longer viewed as an essential aspect of their life and many sold their beautiful land to the highest bidder who happened to be developers. These developers wished to extract the most value out of the land in the quickest most financially lucrative way,which was to subdivide the open space and build roads and homes. Once land has been sub-divided and developed there is no going back, no flocks of migratory geese to honk their way north in the spring and south in the autumn. This development has created many unforeseen consequences. Roads that once were easy to walk or bike on became too busy and filled.with traffic it became dangerous to continue. The lack of foresight has also created flash flooding events in the area streams eroding their banks dropping trees and silting up the waterways, displacing fTeshwater mollusks and filling in swimming holes and fishing spots. This short-sighted rush to create jobs and wealth for a few has mined.the land for the. many. I left that space because the momentum was too great to stop and broke the balance between development and nature. People who seek quick short term monetary gains are drunk with greed. Progress is necessary in the i SII direction of resilience and regeneration. These costal lands are an asset to Ka'u and need to be preserved so that our future generations have the opportunity to experience life in it's wild form. 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 and gathering. Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka`u's lands and resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, community members, and.the public, allowing all to walls in the footsteps of Ka`u's j ancestors. Mahalo, kevin oconnor Keving.beebovs.org, 808-987-7416 Beeboys.org Sent from Mail for Windows 10 i i 3 `s 2 i3 i I February 6, 2021 State of Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources blnr.testimony@hawaii.gov i I The Trust for Public Land reyna.ramolete@tpl.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@alakahakaltrall.org Re: Testimony in Support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association's and Trust for Public Land's Efforts to Protect and Acquire Kiolaka`a and Mandka`a Fishing Village in Ka'u, Hawai'i BEE BOYS LLC strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village (the makai lands of Kawala). Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai`i's past, present and future. ATA has a Ka`u Stewardship Committee which is comprised entirely of Ka'-Ci residents to guide the stewardship and management of its Ka`u lands. If ATA is successful in protecting these properties, it has committed to developing a Community Management Plan in partnership with Ka`u community groups, descendants, and stakeholders within IS months of taking ownership. ATA is committed to community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. Kiolaka`a is makai of Waiohinu Tow and includes intact native dryland forest,the eastern shoreline of Ka`alu`alu Bay,portions of the ancient Kamakalepo settlement and Lua Nunu cave system, and a segment of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. A network of trails lead to Kapenako, a fresh water spring and anchialine pond teeming with `6pae `ula. The mauka pasture lands are leased for cattle grazing,perpetuating Ka`u s paniolo traditions. Manaka`a Fishing Village stands on the sea cliffs overlooking Waikapuna Bay, along with 22 precious cultural sites including heiau, burial caves, lava tube habitation sites.water collection caves with underground springs, and ancient habitation complexes. Over one mile of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through the property and two ancient mauka-makai trails connect Na`alehu.with the coastline. 3 We are regenerative beekeepers, manufacturing food products and skin care products with our I honeybee colonies. Our product quality and certification relies on natural beekeeping methods and pristine environmental conditions-including access to forage for our honeybees. The Ka'u I s i i I coast is unique, free from commercial agriculture, golf courses and developments that threaten bees and contaminate their honey and products. We've built a business, dependent on the rare& rich open space below our apiary, where our bees forage. We supply some of Hawaii's best hotels, grocers and boutiques with our coastal honey and products. Protecting the coast protects the value of my company, the vitality of our bees, and the sustainability of our community. We chose coastal Ka'u to start our business,because the 3 3 undeveloped lands offers us a rare and unparalleled product, that can't be found anywhere else 3 on the planet. 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 I coastline is important for our community which still relies on subsistence fishing and.gathering. Conserving this landscape will enable community based management of Ka`u's lands and 1 resources, and perpetuate cultural and subsistence access to the coast for descendants, 3 community members, and the public, allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka`u's ancestors. i Mahalo, Ryan Williamson Director 1 Owner Bee Boys LLC 808-333-6895 Beeboys.org i i i i 'I From: Caitlin Kryss &Taz Rosam P.O. Box 711687 r Mountain View, HI. 96771 I f To: Hawaii BLNR j Kalanimoku Building 1151 Punchbowl St. Honolulu, HI 96813 RE: Support Item C113 and C1C Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a Dear Members of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, I am writing in support of the protection of Ka'u's Kiolaka'a and Manaka'a lands. These lands provide critical habitat for numerous native plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or endangered. These lands also represent the cultural heritage of the people of Ka'u, and deserve to be protected for future generations. These lands are connected with a multitude of cultural stories, sustainable use practices, indigenous knowledge, archeological significance, scientific study, critically important habitats for native species. Losing these lands to development and destruction would be absolutely devastating. Our family is born and raised in Ka'u, and the health of these lands is a piece of our identity. At a time when human impact on the natural world has resulted in mass extinction of many species, and the destruction of indigenous lands has disconnected people from their heritage, we are presented with this unique and powerful opportunity to conserve something so precious. These lands are so much more to so many people, and if they are preserved and protected, they will remain a resource for our children and their children. If these lands are lost to development, we can never reclaim them, and they will be relegated to the list of lost opportunities of gifting the next generations with something intact, healthy, natural and culturally important. I urge you to please choose to protect them. I also want to extend my deep mahalo to the many dedicated people who are committed to protecting our special, unique, and precious island home. He Alii Ka 'Rina; He Kauwa ke Kanaka The land is chief; man is its servant Mahalo nui, Caitlin Kryss &Taz Rosam i i r I I f i I From: Janice Glennie <palmtree7(@hawaiiantel.net> Sent: Monday, April 19, 202112:56 PM To:fox@alakahakaitrail.org Subject: Protect Kiolaka'a for conservation, ag and cultural preservation Aloha, I'm writing in strong support for the protection of Kiolaka`a for conservation, agriculture, and cultural preservation. That's why I strongly support the vision of Ala Kahakai Trail Association which is: to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawaii past, present and future.ATA's vision is community-based management of the trail and its surrounding natural and cultural landscape. I've worked with this group in the past and have huge respect for the work they do. And though I'm not a Ka'u dweller, I'm also familiar with other groups and individuals who are and who have spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours working for decades to protect this land and its nearshore resources from environmental and cultural degradation. The far too few times I've visited the area (and all over 20 years ago), I found it to be amazing, wild and wonderful in indescribable ways— unique in the world. and that's not counting the cultural resources which are ancient and living at the same time. I hope that this crucial layer of protection and management will be given to Kiolaka'a. Mahalo and sincerely, Janice 'alma-Calennie F.O. box 489-9 K-ailua-K-ona, rJawai'i 9679-5 Te1�8�8-3>4-0093 '4 I I I i i