HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.040 2024-2026Theresa K. Donham
F.O. Box 4340
Hilo, HI 96720
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August 27, 2025
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Hawaii County Council
Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee
counatestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
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Subject: Resolution No. 286-25 Urging the Acquisition of Honolulu, Puna District
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I am writing to express my fervent support for the acquisition of the land parcels referred to
as Honolulu Landing, but perhaps more accurately described as Honolulu Village (TMKs 1-4-
003:019 and 020). This 364.4-acre ahupua`a encompasses a minimally disturbed Hawaiian
village that was documented by early foreign travelers such as William Ellis (1822-23). The
Honolulu Landing Habitation Complex was documented by Bishop Museum in 1932 and by
the Hawaii Historic Preservation Division in the 1970's. The site was designated as
"valuable" and determined eligible for listing in the Hawaii Register (SIRP Site 50-10-45-4221
record on file at SHPD). In 2004, Mike and Irene Kubica conducted a survey of approximately
50 acres at the northwestern corner of the property. During their survey, 32 sites with well
over 100 features were identified. These included four "large village" complexes, two heiau,
four burial areas, eleven house platforms, twelve rock walls, eight trails, four ahu, and
multiple planting and activity areas. It is very likely that the density of cultural features in
their sample area (1/7th of the total acreage) extends throughout much of the property. Their
findings underline the fact that this area is still an undisturbed cultural landscape that
merits preservation and restorative maintenance.
Honolulu also has profound cultural value by providing shoreline access to Puna residents
for fishing, resource gathering and interaction with the beloved ocean. This access has been
significantly limited since the 2018 lava flow and has affected the lives of many people. As a
Puna resident of `Ola`a, I can attest to the healing value of going makai to experience the
sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. We need to cherish these places of ocean access, they
bring us more than words can describe.
This land has been approved for PONC purchase since 2007; please do not let this state of
limbo continue, time is running out. Community support is strong - nonprofits, volunteers and
lineal descendants are working together to ensure that Honolulu will get the malama it
deserves. Pen to paper, lets do this!
Me Z
oha,
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Theresa K. Donham
(tkdonham@outlook.com)
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