HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.090 2024-2026From: Kalea Hinau
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 5:06 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Re: RESOULUTION NO: 286-25
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To: County Legislative Approval Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Sharon Leong Moraes
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Date: August 26, 2025
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Re: RESOULTION NO: 286-25
Testimony in Strong Support of HI County Acquisition
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Re: Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:019 (Honolulu Ahupua'a, Puna, Hawai'i)
Aloha Chair and Committee Members,
My name is Sharon Leong Moraes, and I submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of
parcels 1-4-003:020 and 1-4-003:019 under the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Preservation Commission (PONC) program. These parcels comprise the entire ahupua'a of Honolulu in Puna,
a wahi pana of deep cultural, historical, and ecological importance.
I am a lineal descendant of Honolulu, as our'ohana has already documented through official birth certificates
submitted to the Mayor's office. My Tutu Mary Kau'i Kuamo'o Keliipio, was born in Honolulu in 1880 and
raised there as a child. Although she eventually moved to Hilo, Honolulu remained her cherished'aina
hanau. She returned often with our ohana to fish, camp, and be nourished by the land and sea of
her birthplace. These memories and practices continue to guide our 'ohana today.`
Within the mauka parcel exists an extensive traditional village complex with house sites,
agricultural features, and kupuna burials. The makai parcel provides shoreline access
vital to subsistence fishing, sustaining generations of Puna families, including
ours. To us, this is not just land —it is the living foundation of our genealogy,
identity, and our kuleana.
It is also important to note that these very parcels were approved for PONC purchase in
2007. Despite that approval, negotiations were never carried out. Nearly twenty years later, the need for
protection is urgent as Honolulu auhpua' a recently went on the market. Further delay places
this sacred 'aina and its irreplaceable resources at greater risk.
I respectfully urge Mayor Alameda, the Commission, the Council, and this Committee to
honor that 2007 commitment and move forward with the acquisition of the Honolulu ahupua'a. This action
will ensure that the land is preserved, protected, and cared for in perpetuity —for the benefit of Hawaii Island,
our lahui, and future generations.
Mahalo nui for your time, consideration, and dedication to protecting Hawai'i's cultural and natural heritage.
Me ke aloha, Comm. O
1 Ref. To:
Ref. Date EK-2025
Sharon Leong Moraes
19-4184 Kawailehua Road
Volcano, HI 96785-0612
Lineal descendant of Honolulu, Puna