HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.003 2024-2026AA
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SYLVIA LUKE
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STATE OF HAWAI'I I KA MOKU,AINA'O HAWAN
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Sate of Ha+TAKA'OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI'AINA
DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES
1151 PUNCHBOWL STREET, ROOM 330
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
March 12,2025
Agenda Item: Support for Resolution #95 for Purchase Kawainui Makai
Dear County of Hawaii County Council,
DAWN N.S. CHANG
CHAIRPERSON
BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
RYAN K.P. KANAKA'OLE
FIRST DEPUTY
CIARA W.K. KAHAHANE
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - WATER
BRIAN J. NEILSON, ADMINISTRATOR
DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES
The Division of Aquatic Resources has been made aware of community efforts to preserve public
access at Lower Kawainui River makai of the Onomea Scenic Route, TMK 2-7-11:01 & 2-7-10:27,
located along the shoreline of East Hawaii Island. We agree that this property is a treasured
community resource, and we support the resolution to begin negotiations to purchase the 'dina of
Kawainui Makai (TMK 2-7-11:01 & 2-7-10:27) in perpetuity by the County through the Public Access
Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) process, especially given the
history of difficulty maintaining public access at similar properties along this shoreline.
We at the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) support and encourage sustainable fishing, including
those connected to culture and tradition. The presence of freshwater, estuarine, and adjacent marine
habitats in this space promote a diverse array of aquatic resources, which in turn facilitates numerous
opportunities for sustainable take. Maintaining access to these resources is critical to the continuation
of practices involving aquatic resources.
Kawainui stream has been an important gathering area for adjacent communities for a thousand years.
Without County action, this property could be purchased and blocked off to community members,
severing longstanding relationships. The State of Hawaii Legacy Lands program has matched funding
for purchase at $1,000,000 and has rated the application as very strong. It is paramount that the County
acquires this property before someone else does.
We are hopeful that the County Council will approve this resolution to enter negotiations to purchase
lower Kawainui as a unique and beautiful estuary with strong community involvement. To date there
have been no PONC purchases of 'dina in the whole moku of Hilo. Please help preserve Kawainui for
the generations to practice their culture and traditions associated with aquatic resources.
Sincerely,
Brian J. Neilson Comm. GRCL
Administrator, Division of Aquatic Resources Rc J. To
Ref. D44a-M R 9 2,025