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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0315.040 2020-2022 P/Codicil RC5.1w-x CONM.J15 Aug. 2, 2021 Hawaii County Council Committee of Finance The Trust for Public Land reyna.ramolete@tpl.org Ala Kahakai Trail Association fox@alakahakaitrail.org Re: In support of Resolution 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 Kakou, my name is Nohealani Ka'awa and I was born in the Kahilipali Ahupua'a and live in the Palauhulu Ahupua'a which is the royal patent land of my husband who descends of the Kahula lineage also of Ka`u, here we are raising our children. Our `Ohana descend from multitudes of generations in Ka'u prior to my time. The stories of Ka'u teaches fairness, balance, teaches us to what our role is within our environment and to live a life that serves in the best interest of`Aina and then Kanaka. We come from a Community who understands that the health of the `Aina is a direct link to the health of the Kanaka, I know many who have strayed far from that memory but Kiolaka'a and every land issue that we face in Ka`u is a reminder to teach us who we are and to remember what is important which is clearly maintaining our relationship with our environment. When we loose a place due to irresponsible land management, we risk loosing the knowlege that place has to teach us. The plant people, the cave systems, the rain and winds of Kiolaka`a, they have energy, the land remembers and will teach those who are willing to listen. Many of my ancestors are buried and make up the soil composites of this `Aina, the land literally is our Kupuna. This aquisition is important because Kiolaka'a is the host of one of the last strands of intact native and endemic dryland Forest. Kiolaka'a is a living Ku'ahu, you don't find places like this anymore. This parcel also includes parts of Ka'alu'alu bay, which is an area utilized by my `Ohana and many other Ka`u `Ohana for subsistence gathering and recreation. The heavy impact of tourism is forcing the locals away from the only 3 easily accessible beaches we have here in Ka`u (Punalu`u, Honu'apo and Ka Lae) so we go elsewhere to places like Ka'alu'alu to find peace. Our Community and our resources are faced with a lot of pressure here in Ka`u and its decision makers such as yourselves who can make all the difference to navigate this process in Comm. No MAO Ref. To: 1 l chuncil Ref. Date AUG - 4 2021 the right direction. What we want is protection for our natural and cultural resources and for our Ka'u lands to be properly cared for by our Ka'u Community so that our lifestyle can remain unobstructed. My `Ohana and I are here to support the Alakahakai Trail Association and the Trust for Public Land's efforts to protect and steward Kiolaka'a and Wai'oma`o. Mahalo Chair and Council Members for your time! Mahalo, Nohealani Kaawa `Ohana Ka`awa strongly supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Keil community purchase and forever protect Kiolaka`a and Manaka`a Fishing Village. 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`ti 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 resources. Kiolaka`a is makai of Wai`ohinu 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 `opae 'lila. 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.