HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.044 2024-2026From:
Cory
Sent:
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 9:41 AM
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To:
Council Testimony
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Subject:
RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
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To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Cory Edging
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Date:8/21/25
Re: RESOLUTION NO:
286-25
Testimony in Strong Support of HI County Acquisition of Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019 (Honolulu
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, & Ecological 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. This parcel is adjacent to the Nanawale Forest
Reserve, which hosts a critically endangered plant species, Ha'iwale (Cyrtandra nanawaliensis). This
parcel may also host this species.
• 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 [808-855-5402] or
fmalalaauhawaiiO,gmail.coml should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Cory Edging [Wa'awa'a Ahupua'a]
Kawai'ula Member
Comm. �.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date P - 2 2025