HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.015 2024-2026E
March 17, 2025
Subject: Testimony in Support of Resolution #95 for Purchase Kawainui Makai
Aloha Hawaii County Council,
I give my strong support for Hawaii County Council to approve resolution #95 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.
I am U'ilani Naipo and I live in Pana'ewa in the ahupua'a of Wai5kea, Hilo
Hanakahi. I grew up in Hilo Hanakahi, swam in the waters Hilo One and made the trek
out to Hilo PalikQ many many times.
Today, I serve as an Administrator for Miloli'i Community -Base Subsistence
Fishing Area (CBSFA) and our organization, Kalanihale is a co -manager with DLNR
Division of Aquatics Resources for marine resource management. Kalanihale has a
piling with Makahanaloa Fishing Association through a committed alliance of serving our
wahi pans. United by this commitment to protecting and preserving our wahi pana of
Moku 0 Keawe, we protect and preserve the traditional and customary practices of
these places.
Kalanihale recognizes Makahanaloa Fishing Association for their years of
uncompensated hard work before getting to this point. Kalanihale commits to supporting
placed based cultural exchange programs with Makahanaloa Fishing Association,
promoting long-term generational stewardship of our diverse '5ina of Moku 0 Keawe.
Kawainui stream has been an important gathering area for the north Hilo
community for generations. Without swift action, this property could be purchased and
blocked off to our community, 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.
I urge Hawai'i's 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 entirety of n5
Hilo - Hilo Hanakahi, Hilo One, and Hilo PaIikQ. I would like to see that trend changed,
Please help preserve Kawainui for the generations to come as a piko for our
community.
I
(�-lo UliliNlpo
Pana'ewa, Wai5kea
Hoa'aina o ka Moku o Keawe