HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP LAAC 038 2026-04-07 2024-2026REPORT OF THE
LEGISLATIVE APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: April 7, 2026 Re: Comm. No. 815/Res. No. 513-26
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 10:55 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions, to which was referred Resolution
No. 513-26, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 513-26, transmitted by Council Member James E. Hustace, via Communication
No. 815, dated March 20, 2026, authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for
the acquisition of conservation easements for all or a portion of the properties identified as
Tax Map Keys: 5-2-009:025 and 026, also known as the Kealoha Family Lo`i, situated in the
Ahupua`a of Niuli`i, District of North Kohala, utilizing the Public Access, Open Space, and
Natural Resources Preservation Fund.
The County seeks to acquire approximately 2.39 acres of land to protect and preserve cultural
and natural resources and open certain areas of the property for education, gathering, and cultural
practices. The parcel is listed as priority number two in the 2025 Annual Report of the Public
Access, Open Space, and Natural Preservation Commission.
Committee Member James E. Hustace thanked both the representative of Hawaii Land Trust and
Uncle Beldon Kealoha for sharing the history relating to the Kealoha Lo`i and the heritage of the
Niuli`i area. Mr. Hustace added that the property scored 91 percent by meeting a lot of the criteria
of the commission, including having matching funds for such a conservation easement and of the
water rights, which the family has in place. He also shared that he is grateful for the partnership
with Hawaii Land Trust as there is not much lo`i available today, and how its preservation in
perpetuity is critical to ensure its future for the Kohala region.
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas expressed her gratitude to Mr. Hustace as she had lived in
Makapala in the past. She noted the importance of the perpetuation of the practices and resources
to support the lineal descendants of that time and place, especially with all the flood issues.
Ms. Villegas further added that utilizing the historical knowledge to support the restoration and
regeneration is key as we learn to manage our critical resources better for the future. She concluded
thanking all involved for this opportunity as these are steppingstones to a great path forward.
Mr. Hustace encouraged County Property Manager Shannon Arquitola, the Finance Department,
and the Kealoha `ohana to work quickly on this acquisition. Ms. Arquitola shared that she had not
had any in-depth conversations yet, but when the resolution passes, she will be open to
conversations with the Mayor and Finance going forward on timeframes. Mr. Hustace further
noted that this matter has received the Mayor's support and that Deputy Managing Director
Merrick Nishimoto is aware as well.
LAAC Report No. 38
LAAC-38 Page 2 April 7, 2026
Your Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Resolution No. 513-26, and recommends its adoption.
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
x
KAGIWADA
x
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
x
KIERKIEWICZ
x
KIMBALL
x
ONISHI
x
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE
APPROVALS AND ACQUISITIONS
AA TH R kiMBALL, CHAIR
LAAC REPORT NO.: 38
ADOPTED: APR 2 2 202fi