HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1064.010 2004-2006
SEP--18-2006 MON 04:56 PM CofH County Clerk Office FAX NO, 80A 961 8912 P. 04
Shelley Stephens
PO Box 5547
Milo, HL 96720
Dated Sept. I8'h, 2006
County Finance Committee
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RE: Public Conmient for RESO 452 06 Acquisition of Punalu'u arid adjaceru-jands
preservation, Royal Patent/LCA, and Fledgling Historic Preservation Officers
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1 am submitting written testimony concerning the acquisition of Punalu'u and adjae'erht
lands. I believe it is very admirable that Bob Jacobsen has sought to preserve the
beautiful coastline of Majestic Ka'u. C_'
The Hawaiians that I have spoken with, are in support of the conservation of Punalu'e
without development. The RP/LCA heirs have expressed their concern over repeated
attempts to buy and sell parcels of Punalr'u. Also they have told me that they arc greatly
concerned that the County will bypass their rightful claim to their Royal Patent/LCA
lands. At the same time they are in support of conservation of Ka'u and working with
Bob Jacobsen.
It is my opinion that the facts and suggestions of this Public Testimony will save the
County money if the Royal Patent Lands and their heirs are acknowledged who are
willing to work with the County and must be contacted under NH PA. Rather than buy
land that has a history of clouded title, the County can adapt an alternative for monies
toward preservation by establishing a Preservation Fund for the care ofPunalu'u, to
help the local residents, and so that the Hawaiian people do not diminish.
Also, besides saving the County money: I also believe that an integrated Preservation
Plan that includes working with the Royal Patent Heirs of Lt Kamchameha, and others
with LCA awards. Cultural relief may be found by honoring the Hawaiians rightful
claim to their original source of title for the Fee lauds ofPunalu'u..
This public testimony is part of a larger Cultural Resource Management Report called
the "Blue Book Report" by.Molemele Punahele Ha'I. 1 believo tlrat the implementation
of this typo of Preservation Plan will also:
A. Resolve cultural conflicts by working with RP/LCA heirs for preservation rather
than an outright purchase of Lands that the Heirs consider not for sale
B, Reduce the risk of the County of Hawaii's Clouded Title problems
C. Comply with National Historic Preservation Section 106 (see Federal
Undertaking" turtle studies etc.)
D. Greatly assure the Hawaiian People and existing heirs, that are themselves
living treasures and the RP lands, traditional cultural places, and Wahi Pana are
preserved for all their future bencrations
E. Provide jobs for people in the community through the "fledgling" Hawaiian
Iistorc Preservation Officer Program and other associated Programs
F. Establish a Cultural School in honor of the late Keola and Ka'u Preservation
Comm. No._ /064-8/0
Ref. To:• ..rrf
Ref. Date SEP 19 Z99-
SEP-18-2006 MON 04:57 PM CofH County Clerk Office FAX NO. 80R 961 8912 P, 05
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Allotment for funds could be re-allocated to better snit the cultural needs of the
Iawaiian people who have Royal Patent Lands and Land Commission Awards
within the defined area of aguisition. The funds for acquisition could be called rather a
"Preservation Fund" with allotment towards the following:
The possibility of the Hawaiian Historic Preservation Officer training and
outpost are for Traditional Cultural Places, etc. of Prmalu'u. The Hawaiians
meet the criteria (see NATHPO: Tribal Historic Preservation Officers with
Historic Preservation Section 106 NOTE: Hawaiians separated from
American Tndians and are federally recognized according to letter from DLNR
Peter Young,
***Please call NATHPO President Bambi Krauss who would like
telecommunication conference.W_4ee also report including letter transmittal
from Mr. Lindsey re uestin information on Hawaiian Preservation Officer
Program and the respgnding letter from DLNR Peter Youn ..support of
1awaiians Fledgling Program and with suggestions for contact with National
Park Service which includes the Hawaiian Volcano Advisory Committee ask
Pele Hanoa] Also. Pres. Krauss of NATHPO would like to establish a
working "BUDGF T" which part of the Preservation fund could be allocated in
matching fiords or at least partial funding Cunty.
1. Funding for native Hawaiian plants and other species & other issues under
`Habitats of Particular Concern' (See also Opelu feeding grounds-a TCP
called a Ko'a {ask Pali Kapu Dedman: Marine Duty Officers Program
for the Ahupua'a LCA 7715 which extends into the ocean)
2. Work toward the reopening of Stream/Rivers and other waterways
diverted by the sugarcane water fluke
3. Construction of desirable structure as designated for public and
preservation, approved by the Konohiki and RP/LCA heirs.
4. Other concerns not voiced here by the Konohiki, Kubina Nui, Alii Nui, et
at
References and appendix for this Public Testimony are available, including copies of
letter transmittals and other supporting documents.
Most sincccrely, 7
Shelley 3ilepd~n s ~a-r~~a.~(,~,~'~/?~a~._..---
Maka'ala Nakoa