HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0164.016 2024-2026FILAAC,
pb.q5-25
WK0 - I[-1q
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 11:33 AM
To: Nick Frazier
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE: Support of Resolution #95 for Purchase Kawainui Makai
From: Nick Frazier
Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 11:15 AM
Subject: Support of Resolution #95 for Purchase Kawainui Makai
March 17, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution #95 for Purchase Kawainui Makai
Aloha 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,
Aloha my name is Nick Frazier and I am the Vice president the Makahanaloa Fishing Association. My
family and I are in support of the county purchasing the properties around Kawainui stream under
PONC. My wife grew up along this coastline and we would like to see it preserved for future
generations. Since I was a small child I have always fished for subsistance and understand that it is
crucial to have an area that families can go to the ocean and gather food to eat. People have been
slowly taking away shoreline access in our community and it would be a shame if we lost Kawainui to
someone who wanted to build a million dollar home and cut off access to the community.
If purchased our organization will be in charge of maintaining access and taking care of the area. We
are fully committed and very excited for this process to happen. Everyone in our community has ties
to the coastline going back generations and we would like that to continue for our children and their
children's children.
Comm a
Rc,,f. ' To
Ref. DUia-
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 relations h ips.Th e 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 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 'Aina in the whole moku of Hilo and we would like to see that trend
changed. Please help preserve Kawainui for the generations to come as a piko (a center) for our
community.
ZF- MIN no
Nick, Melanie, Piimauna, Leialoha, and Makahanaloa Frazier
Pepeekeo
Nick Frazier - VP of Makahanaloa Fishing Association