HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0941.013 2022-2024From: Elizabeth Dunn
Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 11:36 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Written Testimony in Support of Resolution 561-24
Aloha County Council:
Please continue to support Resolution 561-24 to use Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Funds (PONC) to allow
the future purchase of 68.84 acres in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, TMK 7-6-021:016 and 017.
By supporting this Resolution, it allows the County of Hawaii to purchase these two parcels if they become available.
By approving this Resolution, it provides the property owner of these two parcels with a willing cash buyer, should the property owners decide
to sell in the future at a fair market value.
These two parcels have endemic value to the birds, bats, hawks, and moths that live on this land. There are significant burial grounds and
archeological reserves that exist on these lands as well as trails that connect the lives of the pre -contact era to today's population. What an
amazing outdoor education this site could provide if you vote to include these properties on the PONC list.
The Cultural Resources Commission, along with a State of Hawaii trail expert, and a person from the National Park Service, did an onsite
visit/tour on this property and noted many different attributes of this property. They recommend protecting this property in perpetuity.
The Leeward Planning Commission, Kona Community Development Plan, and Soil Conservation, have also provided negative comments
related to developing this property. A change.org petition has more than 1,400 signatures of people who want this property protected.
Please hear and acknowledge what the community is saying about this property and vote to include these two parcels on the PONC list.