HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.099 2024-2026From:
Stephanie N Naihe Laxton
Sent:
Friday, August 29, 2025 1:25 PM
To:
Council Testimony
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Subject:
RESOLUTION NO:286-25
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To: County Legislative App
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From: Maika'i Kamakani'o
Kohala, Inc a 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofit
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Date: 08.29.2025
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 submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of parcels 1-4-003:020 and 1-4-
003:019 through the PONC program OR LAAC/Mayoral Approval. Together, these parcels comprise the
entire ahupua'a of Honolulu in Puna —a wahi pana of profound cultural, historical, and ecological
significance. I
Importantly, these parcels were approved for acquisition by PONC in 2007, yet there was no follow
through on purchase negotiations. Nearly two decades later, this oversight leaves Honolulu vulnerable to
further desecration and loss. The time to act is now.
Cultural&Archaeological Importance: Parcel140030200000 contains an extensive traditional village
complex with house sites, agricultural features, and numerous burials, offering irreplaceable insight into
the lifeways of our kupuna.
Ocean Access & Subsistence Practice: Parcel 140030190000 provides critical shoreline access that
continues to sustain subsistence fishing practices for the Puna district.
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.
1 respectfully urge Mayor Alameda, the Council, LAAC, and the PONC Commission to reaffirm and
complete the purchase acquisition that was already approved in 2007.
Protecting the ahupua'a of Honolulu will ensure this wahi pana is preserved and cared for in perpetuity.
Mahalo nut for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at [your phone
number] or [your email address] should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Comm.
1 Ref. To:
Ref. Date S - 2 2025
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Maika'i Kamakani'O Kohala, Inc
P.O. Box 40, Kapaau, Hi 96755-0040
Stephanie N Naihe Laxton, CEO/Founder
13701 Pinnacle Circle W #1322
Euless, Texas 76040