HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.075 2024-2026Kailapa Community
Association
61-4016 Kai'Opae Place
Kamuela, Hawai'i 96743
808-769-4046
Mission
To empower Native
Hawaiians living in
Kohala, specifically the
Kailapa Community,
supporting physical,
mental, spiritual, and
cultural health of people
and place.
Vision
Ehuehu i Ka Pono
Thrive in balance
Board of Directors
Shawna Kaulukukui
Brandie Oye
H. Tommy Silva
Ona Hinds
Gilbert Fallau
Tiga Kailimai
Contact
board@kailaoa.or¢
office@kailaoa.ore
COUNTY Y CLERK
To: County Legislative Approval & AcquisItroPVaffmit{e'W (iA %4I i
From: Kailapa Community Association
Date: August 29, 2025 2025 AUG 29 AM 9: 44
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
I submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of parcels 1-4-
003:020 & 1-4-003:019 through the PONC program OR LAAC/Mayoral Approval.
i
Together, these parcels comprise the entire ahupua'a of Honolulu in Puna- a wahi {
pana of profound cultural, historical, and ecological significance. Importantly, these 1
parcels were approved for acquisition by PONC in 2007, yet there was no follow- j
through on purchase negotiations. Nearly two decades later, the oversight leaves )
Honolulu vulnerable to further desecration and loss. The time to act in now. 1
Culture & Archaeological Importance:
Parcel 14003020000 contains an extensive traditional village complex with house
sites, agricultural features, and numerous burials, offering irreplaceable insights into,
the lifeways of our kupuna.
Ocean Access & Subsistence Practices:
Parcel 140030190000 provides critical shoreline access that continues to sustain #r
subsistence fishing practices for the Puna district. #
Alignment with PONC Mission: i
This acquisition fulfilled PONC's mandate to protect Hawaii 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 toj
reaffirm and complete the purchase acquisition that was already approved in 2007. t
Protecting the ahupua'a of Honolulu will ensure this wahi pana is preserved and ,
cared for in perpetuity. f
Mahalo nui for your dedication and for consideration of this urgent matter. I am i
available at skaulukukuiCakailaoa.or¢ should you require more information.
Shawna Kaulukukui- President
Kailapa Community Association
Ehuehu i ka Pono!
*Shawn Kaulukukui *Brandie Oye *Tiga Kailimai
"Tommy Silva *Myron Perreira *0na Hinds *GilbertFallua
Kailapa Community Association — Board of Directors
COMM.4e�
Ref. Tr ef. D— 2025.