HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.123 2024-2026From: Christian Ricks
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 9:59 AM a
To: Council Testimony ace
Subject: Petition c c CD
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To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC) ,-ic-;
_.. From: Christian Ricks >M
Address: PO Box 912, Pahoa, HI 96778 _ y
Date:8/21/25 b
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 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.
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, & Ecological Importance: Parcel 1-4-003:020 contains an extensive traditional village complex
with house sites, agricultural features, and numerous burials, offering irreplaceable insight into the lifeways of our
kupuna. This parcel is adjacent to the Nanawale Forest Reserve, which hosts a critically endangered plant species,
Ha'iwale (Cyrtandra nanawaliensis). This parcel may also host this species.
Ocean Access & Subsistence Practice: Parcel 1-4-003:019 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.
Furthermore, I would like to express my additional concerns regarding the necessity of facilitating historic preservation
and conservation for generations to come. The development of real estate and other means of private ownership often
leads to the loss of our invaluable historic sites. It is imperative that we prioritize and implement measures to combat
this erosion of our cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the history
embedded in our land.
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. Protecting the ahupua'a of Honolulu will ensure this wahi pana is
preserved and cared for in perpetuity.
Comm. qSq. 1 J
Ref. To:
Ref. DateFP - a -20-2ar
Mahalo nui for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at 808-443-9222 or
christian.dyer.ricks@gmail.com 0(mailto:christian.dyecricks@gmail.com) should you require additional information or
personal testimony. _
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Christian Ricks
(Wa'awa'a Ahupua'a]
Kawai'ula Member
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