HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.013 2024-2026HOUSE OFREPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF HAwAI1
STATE CAPITOL
msSOUTH umsrxmmSTREET
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Aloha Hawaii County CounciLmembers,
Recognizing the important work of the PONC committee and the State Legacy Land Commission
on these two, once in a lifetime acquisitions, I write in strong support in the pursuit of the
purchase 0fK8vv8|nU(Ol8k8|,consisting OfTMK(3)2'7-01O:O27and TMK(3)2-7'U11:OO1.
The preservation of Kawainui Makai is critical to protecting public access and conserving the
natural and cultural resources included in these two parcels. Community members have Long
relied on this area for subsistence fishing, cultural practices, and recreational activities. I have
been informed that the current titleholder has listed the property for sale, raising significant
concerns about potential restrictions on public access and the preservation of this pristine aquatic
Located at the makai junction of the Kawainui and Onomea ahupua'a in the HAm5kua District,
these properties are divided by the iconic Kawainui stream, beginning at the mauka end with the
historic "6-Ton" bridge crossing down to the ocean. These parcels have served as essential
gathering places and natural resources for fishermen, harvesters, Hawaiian cultural practitioners,
and ocean enthusiasts alike.
The final stretch of the Kawainui watershed is an amazing, thriving and largely untouched
estuary before flowing into the ocean. These sites are very rare ODH8VV8i'iIsland, the same
can U8said for the entire State. Especially rare are estuaries that are ecologically intact
like KaVV8iDU)stream.
Given the community's ongoing challenges in maintaining public access along the
H5m5kua Coast, a sale to private owners could lead to the loss of access and an unknown
level of stewardship for this unique estuary properties.
The Makahanaloa Fishing Association has shown their community -based organization is a
long running positive force along the HannekuaCoast: Organizing clean ups, maintenance
Oftraits and related functions, engaging our youth and kUpUDaalike.
With humility reverence for this land, I respectfully urge your support for this important
purchase. Know that the people of District 1, and indeed aR of East Hawai'i, will covet this
rare remaining lands that are free Ofdevelopment and open for all iDperpetuity.
Please feel free tUcontact nn8ifyou have any questions O[require additional info rO8doO
about this top priority for our district.
Mahato for your dedication and service.
Respectively Submitted,
MathionKuooh
State House Representative
District 1