HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.076 2024-2026KELI`IPIO-KUAMO`O FOUNDATION, INC.
P.O. BOX 38-5653
WAIKOLOA, HI. 96738
FOUNDED 2010
hgps://www.kuamoofoundation.org AND hiips://www.k-ukuipahu.com
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TO: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC) c CDC)
FR: James Kanani Kaulukukui, Jr.
RE: Resolution No. 286-25 fir,
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Date: August 24, 2025 Y
Testimony in strong support of HI County Acquisition re: Parcels 1-4-003:019 and 1-4-
003:020, Honolulu Ahupua`a, Puna, Hawaii
Aloha,
My name is James K. Kaulukukui, Jr. Born in Hilo, Hawaii and raised in South Kona,
Honaunau. Family on my father's side is from North Kohala. My mother's side is from
Ka`awaloa, Kona. I also tie in to the Kuamo`o Mo`okini and Keli`ipio family lines who are the
lineal descendants of Honolulu, Puna.
Background:
• I have an AS degree in Architectual Drafting
• Engineering Aid from Hawaii Community College —I have drawn residential plans for
about 15 years
• Geography/Urban Planning from UH Hilo
• 5 years with the Hawai `i County Police Department
• Approximately 13 years, Conservation Enforcement Officer with DLNR-DOCARE
I share this so that you understand where I come from and the lens through which I view this
matter.
Comm.
Ref. To:
I Ref. Date 1 — 2 2025
I am in strong support of the County acquisition as I have seen, first-hand, how our lands are
too often exchanged for monetary gain.
Our Kupuna never "owned" land in the Western sense. They understood themselves only as
stewards.
With the overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom and the imposed concept of land ownership, our
kupuna were left at a severe loss. Today, it is through you — the Council, LAAC, Mayor
Alameda, that we can help ensure that our lands remain in Hawaiian hands.
I recently walked a section of the property. What I saw and felt affirmed to me that these parcels
must be protected.
When I was in recruit training with the Police Department, Prosecutor Jon Ono once asked our
class: "What is your primary job?" After many guesses, he answered, "Your primary job is to
seek justice."
Thatlesson remains with me till today. And so I ask: Can this Committee and the County
Council, finally and once and for all, deliver justice for our ancestors and descendants by
approving the protection of Honolulu, Puna into perpetuity —ensuring it will never fall into
outside hands for personal gain or development? Listen to the voice that comes from your na`au
and the answer is clear.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
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James K. Kaulukukui, Jr., jkkalaikii@gmail.com
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