HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.124 2024-2026From: Laurie Ann Rocha
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 7:37 PM
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To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Resolution NO. 286-25 SUPPORT
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To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Laurie Ann Rocha
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Date: Tuesday August 26`h, 2025
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 Importance: Parcel 140030200000 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. 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.
Mahalo nui for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter.
I am available at (808) 557-2352 or kohalarose63@Rmail.com should you require additional information or
personal testimony.
Comm. o
Me ka ha'aha'a, Ref. To:
Ref. Date SEP " 2 2025
Laurie Ann Rocha
Hawi, Hawai'i / Affiliation - Keli'ipio Kuamo'o