HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0122.005 2022-2024 P/( AAC
Fi25. 60-25
COUN1 Y CLE COI*4.122
COUNTY OF WAWA
KUA'AINA ULU 'AUAMO 1013 MAR -6 AM 10 43
March 4, 2023
Subject: Support for acquisition at Kaumaui
Aloha Members of the Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions,
Kua'aina Ulu 'Auamo (KUA) strongly supports Resolution 60-23 for the acquisition of the
lands known as Kaumaui, using the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural
Resources Preservation Fund.
Kua'aina Ulu 'Auamo (KUA) means "grassroots growingthrough responsibility," and our
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acronym KUA means back, or backbone. We serve as a backbone organization for
grassroots rural and Native Hawaiian groups engaged in community-based natural
resource management as a traditional and customary kuleana (responsibility). We
employ a community-driven approach that currently supports a network of more than 36
malama 'aina community groups collectively referred to as E Alu Pu (move forward
together), a network of 45+ loko i'a (fishponds and fishpond complexes) called the Hui
Malama Loko l'a, and a network of limu loea (masters of use and propagation of native
seaweeds) called the Limu Hui. Hui Ho'oleimaluo has been an active and contributing
participant of the Hui Malama Loko l'a since 2015, learning and sharing in a reciprocal
relationship with other loko i'a organizations across Hawaii.
The following highlights the main reasons KUA supports the permanent protection of
Kaumaui:
First, this acquisition safeguards Hui Ho'oleimaluO's commitment to provide Hawaiian
'aina-based learning opportunities in both 'Olelo Hawaii and English to Keaukaha
educational organizations and the general public in the Waiakea watershed. These
educational opportunities include: STEM and loko i'a (Hawaiian fishpond) related
practices; cultural learning of historical sites; aquifer and anchialine pool research;
endemic species identification; Hawaiian habitat restoration; and low coastal zone
climate change impact assessments.
Second, this acquisition will prohibit subdivision and development of Kaumaui and
simultaneously ensure the restoration, and stewardship of the unique loko i'a and
anchialine pool ecosystem while contributing to the overall health of the Keaukaha
coastline.
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KUA'AINA ULU 'AUAMO
Third, the site will build community capacity for the many Keaukaha and Hilo community
students, educators, and volunteers, who work with Hui Ho'oleimaluo, to actively learn
and engage with community resources while developing sustainable practices for the
future of the most heavily used coastline in East Hawaii.
Fourth, this would allow Ho'oleiumaluO and their community partners to contribute to the
growing bodyof research and literature on loko I a practices and food security.
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Thank you for this opportunity to express KUA's support. We greatly value the
application of public conservation funding for projects such as Kaumaui and strongly
support the forward movement in the acquisition to permanently protect Kaumaui.
PUpukahi i holomua e ho`okanaka
(Let's unite to better the human condition)
Brenda Asuncion Kevin K.J. Chang
Hui Malama Loko l'a Coordinator Executive Director
47-200 WAIHE'E ROAD C/O KEY PROJECT KANE'OHE, HI 96744 I 808.672.2545 IcamemhawaLi•o.i g