HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.074 2024-2026From:
Marena Kahanamoku
Sent:
Thursday, August 28, 2025 7:15 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC) in favor of RESOLUTION
NO: 286-25
From:
Subject: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC) in favor
of RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
Date: August 28, 2025 at 7:10 PM HST
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To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Marena Kahanamoku
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Date: 28 August 2025
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Re: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
Testimony in strong support of HI County Acquisition of
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Parcels 140030200000 & 140030190000 (Honolulu ahupua'a, Puna moku)
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Aloha Council Chair and LAAC Committee Members,
Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono
He ali'i ka 'aina, he kauwa ke kanaka
I submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of
parcels 140030200000 [334.41 acres] and 140030190000 [30.0 acres] through the PONC
program or LAAC/Mayoral Approval. Together, these parcels comprise the entire ahupua`a of
Honolulu in Puna moku—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. Why was nothing done? 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 culture, customs, and
practices of our kupuna.
• Ocean Access & Subsistence Practice: Parcel 140030190000 provides critical
shoreline access that continues to sustain fishing practices for the Puna district.
Fishermen on a daily basis are gathering their traditional subsistence along these
beautiful cliffs. Families walk along the makai side to enjoy a truly natural ocean
environment. The mauka acres are a haven for indigenous vegetation, including
the fragrant hala:
"Puna, kai nehe i ka ulu hala"
"Puna paia 'ala i ka hala"
"Ma'ema'e Puna i ka hale me ka lehua" Comm.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date P -
• 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. `A'ole lohil Protecting the ahupua'a of Honolulu will ensure this wahi pana is preserved
and cared for in perpetuity.
Mahalo for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at 808 333-
4088 or marenakahanamoku(o)gmail.com should you require additional information or
personal testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Marena Kahanamoku
Kamuela HI 96743
Marena Kahanamoku