HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.014 2024-2026From: Kelli Bond
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2025 7:20 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25 Testimony in Strong Support of HI County Acquisition
Re:
Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019 (Honolulu Ahupua'a, Puna, Hawaii)
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Aloha LAAC Chair and Committee Members, cam,
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I, Kelli Bond, submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of parcels 1-4-
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003:020 and 1-4-003:019 under the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Presiervallop,
Commission (PONC) program. These parcels comprise the entire ahupua'a of Honolulu in Ana
wahi pana of deep cultural, historical, o
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and ecological importance.
Moreover, I am a lineal descendant of Honolulu, as our'ohana has already documented through official
birth certificates submitted to the Mayor's office. My Tutu, Mary Kau'i Kuamo'o Keliipio, was born in
Honolulu in 1880 and raised there as a child. Although she eventually moved to Hilo, Honolulu remained
her cherished'aina hanau. She returned often with our'ohana to fish, camp, and be nourished by the
land and sea of her birthplace. These memories and practices continue to guide our'ohana today.
Within the mauka parcel exists an extensive traditional village complex with house sites,
agricultural features, and kupuna burials. The makai parcel provides shoreline access vital to
subsistence fishing, sustaining generations of Puna families, including ours. To us, this is not just land —
it is the living foundation of our genealogy, identity, and our kuleana.
It is also important to note that these very parcels were approved for PONC purchase in
2007. Despite that approval, negotiations were never carried out. Now, nearly 20 years later, the need for
protection is urgent as Honolulu'ahupua'a recently went on the market. Further delay places this sacred
'aina and its irreplaceable resources at greater risk.
I respectfully urge Mayor Alameda, the Commission, the Council, and this Committee to honor that
2007 commitment and move forward with the acquisition of the Honolulu ahupua'a. This action will
ensure that the land is preserved, protected, and cared for in perpetuity —for the
benefit of Hawai'i Island, our lahui, and future generations.
Mahalo nui for your time, consideration, and dedication to protecting Hawai'i's cultural and natural
heritage.
Me ke aloha,
Kelli Bond
Ph: 714.906.3304
Email: kelli.bond@gmail.com
Lineal descendant of Honolulu, Puna S
Comm.
Ref. To:
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