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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0460.019 2022-2024Aloha: Testimony in Support of TMK 328008100 (Gault's --� Gulch) for purchase by the County through the PONC process. Hamakua and South Hilo have been consistently passed over for protection of the shoreline trails when the rest of the island was provided access with the alanui and ala kahakai. Protecting access to this `aina, is crucial for the general public, Pepe`ekeo community groups, descendants, and stakeholders, community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. TMK 328008100 contains the entire shoreline of the `ili of Pepe`ekeo, which is within the ahupua`a of Makahanaloa. This area is linked to the people's historic farewell to Joseph Nawahi in 1892. The shoreline includes two streams, Lonoka`eho and Waima`au`au and several fishing sites. These sites have been fished for generations for moi, chole, ulua, and a multitude of other food. Limu, `opae, hihiwai, and prawns are gathered from the streams. Native `ope`ape`a (hoary bats), pueo, and i`o nest in the shoreline trees. The identity of the Pepe`ekeo community is woven into the health and names of these places. Protecting this coastal area under the County of Hawaii PONC process would finally fulfill the Pepe`ekeo community's long standing goal of protecting this shoreline in perpetuity. A fisherman always finds fish nearby, but we must ensure that these special places are preserved for all time. Ed Johnston Kahua/Pepe'ekeo Box 636 Pepeekeo, HI 96783 Comm. Ref. T®:I 1 Ref. Date OCT 1 8 2023 P / Goun�i l COMM, 460 From: Edward Johnston "' c ^sy;= Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 7:18 AM' To: Council Testimony Subject: Please kokua Aloha: Testimony in Support of TMK 328008100 (Gault's --� Gulch) for purchase by the County through the PONC process. Hamakua and South Hilo have been consistently passed over for protection of the shoreline trails when the rest of the island was provided access with the alanui and ala kahakai. Protecting access to this `aina, is crucial for the general public, Pepe`ekeo community groups, descendants, and stakeholders, community-based management of these lands and their natural and cultural resources. TMK 328008100 contains the entire shoreline of the `ili of Pepe`ekeo, which is within the ahupua`a of Makahanaloa. This area is linked to the people's historic farewell to Joseph Nawahi in 1892. The shoreline includes two streams, Lonoka`eho and Waima`au`au and several fishing sites. These sites have been fished for generations for moi, chole, ulua, and a multitude of other food. Limu, `opae, hihiwai, and prawns are gathered from the streams. Native `ope`ape`a (hoary bats), pueo, and i`o nest in the shoreline trees. The identity of the Pepe`ekeo community is woven into the health and names of these places. Protecting this coastal area under the County of Hawaii PONC process would finally fulfill the Pepe`ekeo community's long standing goal of protecting this shoreline in perpetuity. A fisherman always finds fish nearby, but we must ensure that these special places are preserved for all time. Ed Johnston Kahua/Pepe'ekeo Box 636 Pepeekeo, HI 96783 Comm. Ref. T®:I 1 Ref. Date OCT 1 8 2023