HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0377.410 2024-2026From: mele do
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2025 9:34 PM
To: Council Testimony is a
Cc: Kimball, Heather; Onishi, Dennis; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Kierkiewicz, Ashley; HqWace,.o
James; Galimba, Michelle M.
Subject: Testimony for my Land Pohakuloa m ��
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Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the County Council,
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My name is Kumelewaioluopaliuli Tioganco, and I come before you as a proud Hawaiian deeply rooted in
these islands. My grandmother, Elizabeth Akamu-Ma'ele, was 100% Hawaiian and instilled in our family a
great respect and love for our 'aina. Carrying for her legacy, and caring deeply about the future of Hawai'i, I am
writing in strong support of Resolution 234-25 and respectfully urge the Council to end the military lease and
bombing practices at Pohakuloa Training Area.
We have already seen the heavy consequences of military negligence at Red Hill on O'ahu, where massive
fuel leaks contaminated the island's drinking water, endangered countless families, and caused irreparable
harm to sacred 'aina. This disaster should be a wake-up call for all of us. We do not want our beloved Moku O
Keawe to become another O'ahu or Kaho'olawe suffering from the same careless actions and lasting pollution.
The continued contamination and destruction at Pohakuloa pose a threat to our health, culture, and future. The
military's actions show disregard for the sacredness of this 'aina and the rights of Native Hawaiians.
I urge you to stand with our communities —protect Moku O Keawe from becoming another Red Hill. Reject
future leases, land swaps, and military occupation at Pohakuloa. Our land deserves restoration, respect, and
true stewardship.
You know what's right! Don't be corrupted and consider my testimony standing with the po'e o Hawai'i.
Kumelewaioluopaliuli Tioganco
Comm.
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