HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0204.003 2024-2026M
Hawai'i Wildlife Puna
j'r 1 ��,. � .,�i.l;�•:l,l�<�k��:3 t11 Aso
14 April 2025
Re: SUPPORT for Resolution 120-25 (COH LAAC hearing 4/15 @ 2:30PM)
Aloha Chair Kimball, Vice Chair Onishi and Councilmembers in the LAAC Committee,
We are in FULL support of this Resolution (120-25) that would authorize the Director of Finance to enter into
negotiations for the acquisition of lands and / or conservation easements for all or a portion of any property
identified in the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC)'s 2024
Prioritized List using the PONC funds, including the two parcels at Honu'apo Bay that we have previously
testified in support of (to the Mayor's Commission on PONC in 2021 and again in 2024), and all the others
selected on the 2024 list, including but not limited to Kapalaoa, Kawainui, Nani Kai Hoku Farm, and the Joseph
Rock Arboretum. Furthermore, we would like to share our continued and wholehearted support of this
program and encourage the current administration to prioritize acquisitions with the expertise and guidance
from long-time COH staff, including Hamana Ventura and Jean Campbell, and to express our deep MAHALO to
the PONC commissioners for their hard work in making these rankings possible.
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a small nonprofit organization that has been working to conserve native species
in Hawai'i since 1996. During that time, we have been actively involved in research, education, restoration and
advocacy projects related to the protection of coastal and nearshore ecosystems. Based on Hawai'i Island and
Maui, the majority of our coastal restoration efforts on Hawaii Island are focused on the remote Ka'u coastline,
including along the coastline and within the estuaries at Honu'apo (on this 2024 Prioritized List) and Kawa
(previously purchased with PONC funding).
Please let us know if you have any further questions or feel free to call / email if you'd like to discuss more.
Many thanks for your time and consideration on this important matter!
Me ko maholo pumehana,
Megan R. Lamson, M.S.
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund — Kealakekua
President & Hawai'i Program Director
megan@wildhawaii.org 1 808-217-5777
Comm.
Ref. To:.
Hannah Bernard Ref, Damp
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund — Paia
Co-founder & Executive Director
hannah@wildhawaii.org
www.wild6wair.org