HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0682.006 2022-2024 p LAAC
�. Res.q08-2u
co minor t' State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches
Clot..82
coo1 Saho (SCHCC)
2 IlAriew 17 + P.O. BOX 407
i 1/Vi HOLUALOA, HI 96725
44,
TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF RES 408-24 PUNAHOA HERITAGE FOREST PROPERTY
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE
ACQUISITION OF LANDS AND/OR CONSERVATION EASEMENTS FOR ALL OR A PORTION OF THE
PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX MAP KEY (3)2-5-001:011, SITUATED IN THE AHUPUA'A OF PUNAHOA,
DISTRICT OF SOUTH HILO, UTILIZING THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, AND NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESERVATION FUND.
Aloha e Hawaii County Council members,
This testimony is in strong support of RES. 408-24: concerning the conservation easement
acquisition of the Punahoa Heritage Forest Property that would be significantly beneficial to the County
of Hawai'i and the Hawai'i island community as a method of preserving history specific to the ahupua'a
of Punahoa as follows: (1) protecting cultural and natural resources; (2) preserving native forests and
native plants including a kipuka that is home to endemic birds such as the'amakihi and 'io; (3)
providing educational opportunities; (4) facilitating responsible managed public access; (5) providing
opportunities for protection of the Hilo Watershed, along with groundwater recharge and coastal
ecosystem health; (6) enabling community-based management and stewardship; and (7) perpetuating
Hawaiian cultural practices.
I, Sharon Matsuyama, as a Hawaii Island resident, Senior Deacon at Pukaana Congregational
Church, and President of the State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches—affiliate of the Hawaii
Conference United Church of Christ, fully support the efforts of Pu'a Foundation and the Punahoa
Heritage Forest initiative, and ask for the Hawaii County Council's support in passing Reso. 408-24.
Mahalo nui loa!
Sharon Matsuyama, President
State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches
Ph: 808-936-1385; Email: keliipaakaua@gmail.com I,, 'n
Comm. Nho. t •
Ref. To: 1�1tPI1CI
1D
Ref. Dote Ed 2 LI i'
1