HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.007 2024-2026From:
Kathy Blajerski-Barber
Sent:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:48 AM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Testimony in Strong Support of HI County Acquisition of Parcels 1-4-003:020 &
1-4-003:019 (Honolulu Ahupua'a, Puna)
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To: County Legislative Approval
& Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Jonathan Barber
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Date: August 28, 2025
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Re: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
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Testimony in Strong Support of HI County Acquisition of Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019 (Hono`li]lu
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Ahupua'a, Puna)
Aloha Council Chair and LAAC Committee Members,
"He ali`i ka 'aina, he kauwa ke kanaka."
The land is chief, and we are its servants.
I submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of parcels 1-4-003:020 and 1-4-003:019
through the PONC program OR LAAC/Mayoral Approval. Together, these parcels comprise the entire
ahupua'a of Honolulu in Puna —a wahi pana of profound cultural, historical, and ecological significance.
Importantly, these parcels were approved for acquisition by PONC in 2007, yet there was no follow
through on purchase negotiations. Nearly two decades later, this oversight leaves Honolulu vulnerable to
further desecration and loss. The time to act is now.
• Cultural & Archaeological Importance: Parcel 140030200000 contains an extensive traditional village
complex with house sites, agricultural features, and numerous burials, offering irreplaceable insight into
the lifeways of our kupuna.
• Ocean Access & Subsistence Practice: Parcel 140030190000 provides critical shoreline access that
continues to sustain subsistence fishing practices for the Puna district.
• Alignment with PONC Mission: This acquisition fulfills PONC's mandate to protect HawaiTs unique
cultural and natural resources, while also creating opportunities for cultural practice, education, and
community -based stewardship.
I respectfully urge Mayor Alameda, the Council, LAAC, and the PONC Commission to reaffirm and
complete the purchase acquisition that was already approved in 2007. Protecting the ahupua'a of
Honolulu will ensure this wahi pana is preserved and cared for in perpetuity.
Mahalo nui for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at [your phone number]
or [your email address] should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Jonathan Barber, Hawaiian Shores, Pahoa
Comm. *#�'2
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