HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.059 2024-2026From: Paul Hardy
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 2:01 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Strong Support of HI County Acquisition of Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019
To whom it may concern
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Testimony in Strong Support of HI County Acquisition of Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019 (Honolula
Ahupua'a, Puna) 00
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Aloha Council Chair and LAAC Committee Members,
"He ah'i ka 'aina, he kauw8 ke konaka."
The land is chief, and we are its servants.
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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 Hawai'i's 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 808-437-3204 or
pmgtwo@hotmail.com, should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Paul H. Hardy 6TH Ave. / HPP
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date 2025