HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.070 2024-2026From: Susan jamerson
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 9:38 AM
To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Resolution# 286-25 and the LAAC
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PLEASE PRINTAND INCLUDE IN COUNCIL PACKETS
To the Honorable Mayor Kimo Alameda & Hawaii County Council Members,
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I live in the neighborhood and this is one of the few places my family and I can rest and
enjoy the ocean close to our home. We ask you to urgently prioritize the acquisition
of Honolulu Landing (TMKs 1-4-3:19 & 1-4-3:20) by using Public Access, Open Space and
Natural Resource (PONC) funds to purchase it before this area goes to a commercial buyer
who will close access. Together these two lots comprise 364 acres and include almost 3/4 of
a mile of exceptionally beautiful ocean front.
The historic importance of these lands was recognized by 1974 when the site was found
eligible for listing in the Hawaii Register of Historic Places. The property is part of, and will
build upon other recently recognized and preserved remains of what was Waiakahi'ula
Village working with lineal descendants to ensure its protection. The property includes
historic Hawaiian house platforms, heiaus, terracing, rock walls and raised trails.
These parcels were identified as important to acquire in 2005 in Hawaii County's general
plan. They were put forth as very important to acquire by the PONC commission in 2006. In
2007, the County Council authorized the Director of Finance to negotiate for their
acquisition. In other words, acquisition is now nearly 20 years in process and I'm not sure
why the sale was never completed but we urge you not to wait a minute longer.
The owner wants to sell. An appraisal indicates a total value of $3.9 million. PONC has $30
million available from the 1/2% of our tax dollars that go into PONC funding. This is a good
use of our funds and a lot of acreage for the price.
The are where we live in Puna receives little in County services (we have no access to
power, water, sewer, continue to have poor internet and phone connectivity, no mail
delivery, no road,maintenance, etc.) so having a section of shore line to enjoy is critical to
our sense of place and well-being.
PLEASE buy this property for future generations to enjoy before it goes to a developer who
will turn it into a subdivision.
Mahalo,
Comm. N "�'�
Ref. To:
Ref. Date P - 2 2025
Susan Jamerson,14-382 Papaya Farms Road, Pahoa, HI 96778