HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.014 2024-202617 March 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution #95 for Purchase Kawainui Makai
Aloha members of the Hawai'i County Council,
This testimony is in support of the resolution to begin negotiations to purchase the '5ina
of Kawainui Makai (TMK 2-7-11:01 & 2-7-10:27) in perpetuity by the County through the
PONC process.
My name is Shelby K5hele Moana Nahale-a. I work for The Kohala Center but am
submitting this testimony as a private citizen with 'ohana ties to '5ina in Pepe'ekeo ma
uka.
In the work that I do and the values myohana upholds, I have witnessed and hold the
deep belief that the health of '5ina is directly related to the health of its people.
Preservation of Kawainui will ensure that the lifeways of the people of this area will
continue and, with our direct care, provide generational abundance into perpetuity.
Kawainui stream has been an important gathering area for the north Hilo community for
a thousand years. Without swift action, this property could be purchased and blocked off
to our community, severing longstanding relationships between people and place. 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.
I urge the County Council to 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 '5ina in the whole moku of Hilo and I
would like to see that trend changed. Please help preserve Kawainui for the generations
to come as a piko (a center) for our community.
Mahalo
KAhele Nahale-a
Kaupakuea Homestead Rd.
Community member and supporter of Makahanaloa Fishing Association
COMM.It';; Im-A
Rd. To:
Ref. Du'o� TMR 18 2025