HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.144 2024-2026From: Lauren Veiga
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Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2025 10:30 PM
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To: Council Testimony
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Subject: HONOLULU LANDING
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To: County Legislative Approval &Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: Lauren Christine Veiga
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Date: August 23, 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'dina, he kauwd 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 complexwith 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 foryour dedication and for consideringthis urgent matter. I am available at 808-796-
8444 or laurenveiga222@gmail.com, should you require additional information or personal
testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Lauren Veiga. Holualoa/ Hawai'i resident. Please, let us not sell more sacred land to those who do
not care for the islands native peoples. What would Jesus do.
ALOHA
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