HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.150 2024-2026From: jc williams
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 4:14 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC) in favor of RESOLUTION
NO: 286-25
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To: County Legislative Approval & Acquisition Committee (LAAC)
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From: JC Williams
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Date: 28 August 2025
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Re: RESOLUTION NO: 286-25
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Testimony in strong support of HI County Acquisition of
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Parcels 140030200000 & 140030190000 (Honolulu ahupua'a, Puna moku)
Aloha Council Chair and LAAC Committee Members,
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Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono
He ali'i ka `aina, he kauwa ke kanaka
I submit this testimony in strong support of the County's acquisition of parcels 140030200000 [334.41
acres] and 140030190000 [30.0 acres] through the PONC program or LAAC/Mayoral Approval. Together,
these parcels comprise the entire ahupua'a of Honolulu in Puna moku—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. Why was nothing done? 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 culture, customs, and practices of our kupuna.
• Ocean Access & Subsistence Practice: Parcel 140030190000 provides critical shoreline access
that continues to sustain fishing practices for the Puna district. Fishermen on a daily basis are
gathering their traditional subsistence along these beautiful cliffs. Families walk along the makai
side to enjoy a truly natural ocean environment. The mauka acres are a haven for indigenous
vegetation, including the fragrant hala:
"Puna, kai nehe i ka ulu hala"
"Puna paia'ala i ka hala"
"Ma'ema'e Puna i ka hala me ka lehua"
• Alignment with PONC Mission: This acquisition fulfills PONC's mandate to protect HawaiTs 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. 'A'ole lohil Protecting the
ahupua'a of Honolulu will ensure this wahi pana is preserved and cared for in perpetuity.
Mahalo for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at 808 825-7322
or icwilliams2006Ccilvahoo.com should you require additional information or personal testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
JC Williams
Kamuela HI 96743
J.C. Williams Comm. A0
icwiltiams2006@yahoo.com Ref. To:
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I don't believe in higher walls, I believe in longer tables."
Chef Jose Andres, World Central Kitchen