HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.063 2024-2026From: Erica Hoapili
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 6:12 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25 Testimony in Strong Support of
HI County Acquisition
of
Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019
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To: County Legislative Approval &Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Erica Hoapili
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Date:8/27/2025
Re: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
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Testimony in Strong Support of HI CountyAcquisition of Parcels 1-4-003:020
& 1-4-003to19 y
(Honolulu Ahupua'a, Puna)
Aloha Council Chair and LAAC Committee Members,
"He ali'i ka'dina, he kauwd 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 Importance: Parcel 140030200000contains 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 140030190000provides 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 pane is preserved and cared for in perpetuity.
Mahalo nui for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at 808-330-
2809 or kookieslz@gmail.com should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Erica Ku'uipo Yuk Lan Hoapili
Native Hawaiian of O'ahu
Comm. VNqS.q • �`�Ref. To:
Ref. Da- 2 202