HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0459.152 2024-2026COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAII
To: County Legislative Approval &Acquisition Committee (LAAC7g15 AUG 28 PI[ 2, 51
From: No'eau Woo -O'Brien
Date: 8/28/2025
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 aIN 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 kOpuna.
• 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
Hawaii'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 nut for your dedication and for considering this urgent matter. I am available at (808)
465-0309 or noeau91@gmail.com should you require additional information or personal
testimony.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
No'eau Woo -O'Brien [Waiakahi'ula, Puna, Hawai'i / Director of Kawai'ula
'N j'VI SyAh--
Comm. o M. 7L
Ref. To:
Ref. Date E - 2 O225