HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.001 2024-2026P / LAM,
comm. IU4
March 16 th 2025
Office of the County Clerk
counciltestimonv6r )hawaiicoun!y,:,qov
AGENDA ITEM: Support for Resolution #95 for Purchase: Kawainui Makai
Aloha County Council,
This testimony is in support of resolution #95 to begin negotiations to purchase the 'nine
of Kawainui Makai (TMK 2-7-11:01 & 2-7-10:27) in perpetuity by the County through the
PONC process. We've made a strong case for the purchase of Kawainui in perpetuity
as an abundant estuary, nursery, wahi kupuna, and potential impact point for the
communities of North Hilo. It is that last point, IMPACT, that I would like you folks to
consider for this resolution and in the process moving forward.
The restoration of Kawainui as a center for community would positively impact the'5ina
and our'ohana in so many ways. Imagine keiki from Kalaniana'ole school, right down
the road, conducting science labs on the water quality of Kawainui estuary in order to
build the next generation of aquatic resource biologists. Imagine a collaboration with
local Kamuela hardwoods to sustainably harvest the teak and mahogany stands and
pour any profits back into stewardship of the land. Imagine the transition of that forest
into a community food resource that stands on the 'ike of kupuna and feeds them as
well. Imagine the impact on the community's practices through rebuilding 'ahu, hale,
and mala in North Hilo, where the footprints of the Hawaiian people were bulldozed into
the valleys. Imagine doing this work together.
Makahanaloa Fishing Association has these dreams and is building the kanaka
infrastructure in order to manifest them with the County of HawaiTs support. Our over
140 member 'ohana support this action and as president of Makahanaloa Fishing
Association and co-chair of the Pepe'ekeo Community Development Corporation
Fishing Access Committee, I urge you to approve this resolution to enter negotiations to
purchase lower Kawainui makai.
Mahalo,
Blake McNaughton
Colby, David, Suzanne, Heston & Finley McNaughton
'Ohana Pepe'ekeo
Comm. Up..
Ref. To:
Ref. DQiaLNAR 18 '2025