HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.028 2024-2026From: joe.carvalho-
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 4:33 PM
To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Testimony Support for Resolution NO. 286-25
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Please see my testimony in support of Resolution NO. 286-25
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To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
From: Joseph Carvalho
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Date: August 28, 2025
Re: RESOLUTIONNO: 286-25
Testimony in Strong Support of Hawaii County Acquisition of Parcels1-4-003:020&1-4-003:019
(Honolulu Ahupua'a, Puna)
Aloha Council Chair and LAAC Committee Members,
I submit this testimony in strong support of the Hawaii County 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.
Although I am from Kohala, I have been an active member of Kohala Lihikai a non profit that
have used PONC funds to acquire Kohala properties for preservation in Kapanaia, Hapu'u,
Kaiholena, Pa'ao to name a few. We currently have an active PONC request for an Upolu
parcel of 88 acres. I completely support these Pahoa properties for preservation.
These properties as pointed out by the Pahoa community is extremely important because of:
• Cultural & Archaeological Importance: Parcel 140030200000 contains an extensive
traditional village complex with housesites,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
Hawaii's unique cultural and natural resources, while also creating opportunities for
cultural practice, education and community -based stewardship.
I respectfully urge MayorAlameda, theCouncil, LAAC, and the PONC Commission to reaffirm
and complete the purchase acquisition that was already 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.] am available at 808-987-
5366 or kohala1@yahoo.com should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Joseph Carvalho, Kohala
Comm.
Ref. To: _ 2 2025
1 Ref. Date
President, Kohala Lihikai