HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.128 2024-2026To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committes(LAAC)
From: Stacie L. Sanbom-Imai
Date: August 25, 2025
CDC)
Re: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
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Testimony in Strong Support of Hi County Acquisition
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Re: Parcels 1-4-003:020 & 1-4-003:619 (Honolulu Ahupua'a, Puna, Hawaii)
Aloha Chair and Committee Members,
My name is Stacie L. Sanbom-Imai, and I submit this testimony in strong support of the
County's acquisition of parcels 1-4-003:020 and 14-003:019 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 wahl 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'! Kuamo'o Keliipto, 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 makat 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 year's later, the
need for protection is urgent as Honolulu 'ahupua'a recently went on the market. Further delay
places this sacred 'Mna 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 Hawal'i Island, our Ifihui, and future generations.
Mahalo nut for your time, consideration, and dedication to protecting Hawaii`s cultural and
natural heritage.
Me ke aloha,
Comm. NP.JiM•'iD
Ref. To:
Ref. Date SER - 2 2025
Sta a L. Sanbom-lmai
P.O. Sox 139
Papalkou, HI 96781-0139
oli.lehua@gmall.com
Lineal descendant of Honolulu, Puna
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