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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1008.001 2016-2018HAWAII 003 Bishop S` Honolulu H T: 808 52- F., 808. S" tpl.org ADVISORY COUNCIL American Savings Bank Vice Chair Hawaiian Electric vreyg H. lakara Morgan Stanley Dr_ Noa Emmett Alull Molokai General Hospital Stnnfnrrl S (;ar- Stanford Carr Development Pono Pacific and KUPU Kurt lvlatsurnotc. Pulama Lanai Edmund C_ Olson Farmer, Rancher, Landowner (-,r(r?nry C. Piptcrh Pietsch Properties LLC 7,�r, r?[�_ Conservationist Michael Spalding Realty Sharron Stanbre Retired Educator, Farmer 'nn tr►, 11� nstrow Forest City Carol Wilcox A uthor COUNTY CLERK PROUWCf. COUNTY OF HAWAI' I'WMIA. 1008 RECEIVED / Time The Trust for Public Land's Testimony6SjUporting Res. 650-18�'O1t3Au4 22 Relating to the conservation of Waikapuna, - - in the ahupua`a of Kahilipali`iki and Kahilipalinui, Ka`u Hawaii County Council Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 9:OOAM West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Aloha Chairwoman Poindexter, Vice Chair Eoff, and Committee Members, The Trust for Public Land strongly supports Resolution 650-18, which authorizes the Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of land or a conservation easement for all or a portion of the property identified as Tax Map Key: 9- 5-007:016 in the ahupua`a of Kahilipali`iki and Kahilipalinui, District of Ka`u, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42, Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended). This resolution forwards the opportunity to purchase or place a conservation easement on over 2,000 acres of land makai of Na`alehu, which includes the historic fishing village of Waikapuna, and is listed as the highest priority for purchase in the 2017 Annual Report of the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Lineal descendants of Kahilipali`iki and Kahilipalinui requested The Trust for Public Land and the Hawaii 501(c)3 nonprofit Ala Kahakai Trail Association's assistance in exploring a potential voluntary purchase and conservation easement of these lands with the landowner. The Trust for Public is honored and humbled to assist the lineal descendants, the Ka`u community, and the County of Hawaii in this important, community -driven, and collaborative effort. The Trust for Public Land is a national non-profit organization that creates parks and conserves land for people, ensuring healthy livable communities for generations to come. We believe that equity and fairness matter, and that a relationship between people and nature is critical for healthy people and a healthy landscape. Since 1972, TPL has helped acquire and conserve more than 3.5 million acres of park and open space resources, as well as a broad array of landscape -scale recreation, wilderness, forest and agricultural lands in 47 states, valued at over $8 billion. In Hawaii, health is the foundation of our work. We focus on meaningfully connecting people to the land and each other, and support the empowerment of underserved and Native Hawaiian communities. Our vision is that the people of Hawaii are thriving and healthy, and meaningfully connected to the land, each other, and a living Hawaiian culture. We have helped to conserve over 43,500 acres and 34 significant places across the islands. We are a true partnership organization as we do not own land ourselves, but assist government agencies and local nonprofits to protect and purchase lands with significant public benefit. We are grateful to have partnered with the County to protect places such as Kawa, Honu`apo fishpond, and Pao`o. Our Hawaii priorities include protecting lands that provide us with clean drinking water, produce local food, and perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and connect and empower Comm. No. 1 () ' Ref. To:100- for ' Ref. Date 2 2 201_ r communities through the creation of trails and parks. The Waikapuna protection effort meets all of our priorities. The, natural. and- cultural resources of Kahilipali `iki and Kahilipalinui are irreplaceable, and the lands have immense historical and cultural value of importance to all of Hawaii. The land includes Waikapuna village; three heiau, habitation caves, burials, Keonepoko agricultural complex, Kahuwai canoe sheds, petroglyphs, a striking segment of the alaloa, a spring, a massive sea cave and cliffs home to endangered 'Ua'u (petrel), Federal -candidate 'Ake'ake (band-rumped storm petrel), indigenous Noio (noddies), 'Ulili (tattler), and Koa'e Kea (tropic birds), extensive and varied native coastal groundcover, mauka pockets of native trees wiliwili, alahe'e, lama, and naio, pasture land that supports Ka`u's rural paniolo culture and agricultural economy, and an intertidal pool complex that is a significant nursery area for nearshore marine life. Noted historian and author Mary Kawena Pukui spent her summers at Waikapuna with her tutu, and much of what we still know of Hawaiian culture comes from her documentation and memories of this special place. The Trust for Public Land has signed a voluntary conservation purchase agreement with the private owner, and is grateful for their willingness to work towards a solution for these lands that would be a win -win-win - for the community, the environment, the landowner, and Hawaiian culture. The State Legacy Land Conservation Program under the Department of Land and Natural Resources has awarded $2,000,000 toward a conservation purchase by Ala Kahakai Trail Association. The Hawaii nonprofit Ala Kahakai Trail Association would own the land, and steward the land in true partnership with the Ka` u community, including the ranchers on the land, lineal descendants, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, educators, and Ka`u nonprofits and civic groups. We envision the County holding a conservation easement over the land, which would restrict subdivision and development, and support managed community access, and protection of all of the biocultural resources. We ask you to please support this resolution, and the permanent protection of Kahilipali`iki and Kahilipalinui, including the ancient fishing village of Waikapuna. The timing is critical to protect Waikapuna. The property has 22 lots of record, and the landowner will move forward with a subdivision plan if not protected through a purchase and conservation easement. Subdivision and development could destroy both fragile native habitat and cultural sites, open property to inappropriate and excessive access, severely impact marine environment through sedimentation, encourage invasive species, and catalyze a domino effect of subdivision and development of nearby lands - extinguishing the local community's passionate efforts toward an entirely protected Ka`u coast, and continued ranching/farming. Many community groups, and Ka`u families and individuals have provided testimony in support of this Waikapuna protection effort to the State Legacy Land Conservation Commission and the County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Attached, please see a map, and multiple support letters. Mahalo piha for the opportunity to work together to protect Waikapuna in perpetuity, Laura H. E. Kaakua Aloha `Aina Program Manager The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 740 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone: (808)524-8562 Email: laura.kaakua@tpl.org www.tpl.org/hawaii El Waikapuna, Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali'M Ahup ua'a KA'U, HAWAII ISLANDAIR&MA A L A K A H A K A I September 27, 2016. Copyright © The Trust for Public Land, The Tiust for Public Land and The Trust foi Public Land logo are federally registered marks of The Trust for Public Land Information on this map is provided for purposes of discussion and visualization only www tpl org lAttachment C i The Mary Kawena Pfiku i Cultural Preservation Society December 4, 2016 Laura Kaakua The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Ste. 740 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 `Ano'ai Ms. Kaakua,, The Mary Kawena PfIku'i Cultural Preservation Society fully supports the efforts of The Trust for Public Land and Ala Kahakai Trail Association to purchase, preserve and protect Waikapuna, Kaundmano, Ka'ii, Hawaii from development. Cultural preservation and education being our focus. I would like provide some information that would be helpful in realizing the importance of the area and also the familial ties with this particular area. Mary Kawena Piiku'i was born in her grandmother's home, Hale Ola, in Hdniumalu, just above Na'alehu, in Ka'u, Hawaii. Her grandmother, Nali'ipo'aimoku, who delivered her, asked the newly born infant's parents, Pa'ahana and Henry Wiggin, to allow her to raise Kawena, and they agreed. Nali'ipo'aimoku was born in 1830 in Puna, then her parents moved to Waikapuna. She was a well-known kahuna la'au lapa'au (medicinal kahuna) and kahuna pale keiki (midwife). She was also very close to, and a court dancer and chanter for Queen Emma, traveling with the Queen when summoned. Her father, Keli'ikanaka'oleolmakakoloa, was a cousin of Boki, who didn't care for court life and lived in Ka'u as plain Kanaka'ole. He died when Nali'ipo'aimoku was a year old and she was raised by her stepfather Kanekuhia, a Lono priest, trained in the temple of Lono at Kealakekua, where Captain Cook landed and was thought to be Lono. He raised her as his own and passed to her the rituals of the Lono priesthood. Her mother, Keli'ipa'ahana, was a noted midwife and beautiful dancer, who taught Nali'ipo'aimoku the chants and dances of Pele. The home, Hale 01a, where Kawena was born, was originally built at Waikapuna, near Poninau, where Nali'ipo'aimoku and her mother Keli'ipa'ahana lived and raised goats whose hides were exported. in the 1860's. Nali'ipo'aimoku's husband (Kawena's grandfather), Kanaka'ole (Keli'ikanaka'oleoHaililani) was a Kahuna La'au Lapa'au, who was noted as such by Kalakaua in the king's book in the Bishop Museum. He was also a noted kahuna ho'oulu i'a (expert concerning fish habits). At Waikapuna stood a stone named Kanoa. It was here that 835 Ahufvale St., Honolulu, Hawai 7 96821 ph. (808)377-5611 * fx.(808)3'177-5612 * inarykawenapukuLcom page 2 Kanaka` ole would stand, praying with his 'apu 'awa (coconut cup for 'awa ceremonies) before him on the stone, which was used only to lay offerings upon, to free the kapu he had imposed earlier in the year. Once the kapu was freed, the first five days' catches went to the chiefs, the next three days to the konohiki and the people fished freely thereafter. Even after Ka`ahumanu abolished the old kapu system after the death of Kamehameha, Kanaka`ole continued to follow the old ways, remembering the ali `i and konohiki in his catches. After both Nali`ipo`aimoku and her mother, Keli`ipa`ahana, were widowed, Dale Ola was moved to Hdniumalu, where Kawena was born. Each summer, Nali `ipo `aimoku would take Kawena with her to Waikapuna, her favorite place to fish and gather pa`akai (salt). Nali `ipo `aimoku and little Kawena were inseparable and the grandmother taught her mo `opuna punahele all that she could of the culture and traditions of her people. Waikapuna has a rich history and must be preserved for the people to continue its historic traditlons.and protect its pristine conditions. Aloha, 0 P � L. La`akea Suganuma President/Director December 7, 2016 Laura Kaakua The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 740 Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813 Re: Conservation Purchase of Waikapuna, Kahilipali Nui and Kahilipali 'Iki, Ka'u, Hawai'i Island, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 Dear Laura: On behalf of the Keanu 'Ohana of Ka'u, we strongly support the acquisition of Waikapuna and its surrounding lands by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and the Trust for Public Land in an effort to preserve and protect this natural and cultural treasure. As native descendants with genealogical ties to the ahupua'a of Kahilipali and its neighbors, we believe that the purchase of these lands will allow for perpetual protection of this wahi pana or storied place of our ancestors. Waikapuna was once a thriving coastal community and its freshwater springs and abundant marine resources supported families who would exchange fish with relatives who farmed kalo and other goods in the fertile mauka communities of Naalehu and Waiohinu. In an interview with Mary Kawena Pukui in 1960, my great-grandfather's brother, Uncle Herbert Ku'umi Kin In, described this unique relationship between extended 'ohana in the Ka'u uplands and lowlands, "Ina he nui kau ukana a lawe mai ana, aha ho'i no 'oe me ka ukana. If you come down with a big bundle (from the mountains), you are going home with a big bundle (from the sea)." My great-grandfather, Alfred Kalama Kahakua and his brother spoke fondly of Waikapuna and other wahi pana of Ka'u. Both were interviewed many times and their words often express sadness about the loss of our culture, our language, our birds, plants and sacred places. It is for this reason that our family became deeply concerned after the closure of Ka'u Agribusiness and the sale of its properties. For the last twenty years, many properties such as Waikapuna have been purchased by land speculators who propose new developments that threaten the rural nature and open view planes which are greatly cherished in Ka'u. Our family actively supports initiatives to protect natural and cultural resources along the 80 miles of Ka'u coastline from the impacts of development and urban sprawl. Throughout history, the people of Ka'u have practiced a lifestyle of subsistence. For many generations, the Keanu 'Ohana has fished and gathered at Waikapuna, sometimes walking for miles along mauka-makai trails and coastal trails of the ala kahakai. We continue these traditions today. As children, it was here where we learned how to pick limu and 'opihi. We were taught to ask permission before we gather and to take only what was needed. These were important lessons in resource protection, sustainability and humility. When camping on Waikapuna's sandy shores, we marvel at the many bright stars and constellations clearly visible at night from a coastline far from city lights. Together, we would wander through the village in awe of the expansive walled remains of where our ancestors lived, worked and played. For me, Waikapuna has always felt like home and it is this deep spiritual connection with my kupuna which I hope to perpetuate for the next generation. For the Keanu 'Ohana, we believe that this acquisition will honor our kupuna, their history, their values and their legacy by protecting the entire cultural and natural landscape. There are few opportunities today where such large scale preservation of pristine lands is even possible. The purchase will help to safeguard our family's many sacred sites including the iwi kupuna. The effort will also allow for the protection of Waikapuna's dryland forest and extensive native coastal plant habitat which includes seabird nesting areas along the sea cliffs. Furthermore, the scenic shores of Waikapuna are known as a place where fish and other marine life spawn and its protected tide pools serve as nature's nursery. Waikapuna presents an opportunity for research and education on many levels. As native descendants, we hope to continue our traditional cultural and educational practices on the land and in its waters. Our family is committed to assisting the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and other community organizations with the stewardship of the property. We are very excited about this opportunity to protect Waikapuna. Mahalo for your consideration. William Keoni Fox 48-472 Kamehameha Hwy Waikane, HI 96744 (808) 351-6279 mobile foxwOOI@hawaii.rr.com i-ia wa Him Civic Ou h of Ya `6 PO BOX 7021, ocfm ri View, IWI 1 9G7,37 0011 1t�( of Hawaa. i PI_rbl is Access, 0 pen .Space ate. -d' N �turra I Resources. PIrese rv.atkoii Comm issfon CIO 25 ALPIN.Il i Street, Surto 7 LL)J,,. ,Ibl0,r Fga%°j.aro'i °x'57 20 0� S"IJppon few " aikLp,ma i TPAK K j 3 ji 9-5-007: 016 2417 ;POMC Fundi ilg Rerr ,ue-st. A.Io h.. Member, inf th �F! Publ in A r.ri=ss,, Open Sp -we and Hatur31 Re -source PrE!sa rv.atfn n Comm imf nr,u, 1+1 :3 a iave ar i n CiVic :lubof Ka"Co i %%rriH inin gtr nR S.�uppofl of Ala iia haka i Trai I Associati �r� ,1-h� n 1for l ubf,ii_ Land .and the Pz"Fj, Fronini u n i t -(s efforts to purchase, a rl.d pro tett L e ma ka i portions of Xa f7 iiri p iiut a nd ka h ilii pall idi Iii a h'u p ua 'ar incl.0 J inn. "uva i kapuna fi ;hi ng village iiii Ka" U-, H,a%wa Ili I�;Ia rid . The m -,-:5iru n ata Zeme ~t rif fhe Ra-wai:ia ri CM,L Chl - Of K;a,'Ci F-5. tui ,raga'o.n r,',i"I[a f ip rotec a iu u r natU rajl and cultu ral; reSOI ices and assets, to ho rbrriju Oer petu ate,I the trail, tiona I practices spe. c[f . to K.a' O. to ho bb,,i 7 a, prom ote j v3M;;wes a n,d pract cos tba,t enhances our ca m murtity a rid to n iericarom- � preserve � the We (k n o 4 .�I f o ui r ►' u; o .��~. basod in tho spirrit of ��s��"a�i� l;unity) , '��'Pa i�kapmria a rl d ilia h if i �� I W0 VQV,.V pe `ia I pla cp-1 tha k uirl_ riche with cu Itura I silks spa: -.h a S Lhc- alijIloo I; tree h,1 Rkiur houscr° si Les uftc_ .as we�l as the m. rrir rat � �.� plan -I'S ryt_ that►th ri "cI61 r I Ire a, r��I . � �� ��I u iJ i�I •M.1 fi fr�i rl ; AIR `0 Ll-lQi,��f ua r� LhQ mw ru- rc.Lsource5 ;fir u a lso aburi'd :. n _ As uur b.la rids buccirum- rriur u 'aud rn u cl-i-, elu F. ed it ini i sipm-tu nt P,1? r r° the,: P ,,po .:ia:I ��Car: s I'��� C Lir fLSCura re ra1:i:a�r7�: C � r:rt rrar'. f�' !J111 --r)'. S01"F�-2d2li [hiP 4_i�l rari4 s t��: J Roy the RaTi P, FSI :Jr:;t5 i7M Li Id I;,® pre5er ed 3 Rd US"d a 5 i rlass room fa r ddlrimrr to learn a hi:-rtit �pur rich H;i,.tine Han herivi ge—. H rPA: 0 0,r pe ce ale vi,, ked a nd ffv, ed s i:i: �ain,3hibr in h,armn ny %vi,a h n u r e.nv rg,n ni a nt- WV aftj11ijrr�F:sFacart [ [; iet C, f fr,r i' I• ,l'If" TU -U S•C f�3r V ubl is Land, tfie .Aga Kaha ka i T� a it Associzp io, ilia ME! tf^Ie .9<@'Li m m m urri r:►j".i f cart to ptirl :tl i-3� a rl i iarr� C t h� rna k.ai P0,rCAbnS ref! Iii lipa'.li i- u i .a d dic.. ka h i i Nal i'i ki B' yup Ja' , includ ing 'd da ikzi, pu n:-,� fisher—isg vi Dago in ;Ka' u., Haveai" i.. Uh h u 1p .a n u i I ma,. F u.rk e.Ico,� 'r sh!ida Presl.d.e nt �iawali,c r5, 001C C ILlb O'f K.206 PI O.%'r (800) 59d-1 FAX 186 m mays STATE OF HAWAN OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS 560 N. HIMITZ HWY., SUITE 200 HONOLULU. HAWAH M117 April 13, 2018 The Hawai `i County Council c/o Office of the County Clerk 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 HRD 18-8511 Re: Letter of Support for the Protection of Waikapuna, County ofHawai `i Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission's No. 1 Ranked 2017 Project Resolution to be heard by the Hawai `i County Council. Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali `iki Ahupua `a, Ka `u Moku, Hawai `i Mokupuni Tax Map Key: (3) 9-5-007:016 Aloha e Chair Poindexter, Vice Chair Eoff, and Councilmembers: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is writing in strong support of the Ka`u community, Ala Kahakai Trail Association, and the Trust for Public Land's efforts to purchase and protection of the makai portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali`iki Ahupua`a, including Waikapuna fishing village in Ka`u, Hawaii Island, in partnership with the County of Hawaii and the State. OHA is the constitutionally established body responsible for protecting and promoting the rights of Native Hawaiians. Hawai' i law mandates OHA to "[s]erve as the principle public agency in the State of Hawai` i responsible for the performance, development, and coordination of programs and activities relating to native Hawaiians and Hawaiians; ... and [t]o assess the policies and practices of other agencies impacting on native Hawaiians and Hawaiians, and conducting advocacy efforts for native Hawaiians and Hawaiians." Hawaii Revised Statutes § 10-3. As the principle state agency tasked with serving Native Hawaiians, one of OHA's six strategic priorities is Mo `omeheu (Culture), focusing on strengthening Native Hawaiian identity through preservation, practice, and perpetuity of our culture. In the 2012 reorganization of OHA, Mo `omeheu was elevated to a top priority of our agency. It is for this reason, that OHA writes today in strong support of the preservation of Waikapuna. Chair Poindexter, Vice Chair Eoff, and Councilmembers April 13, 2018 Page 2 The lands of Waikapuna contain innumerable cultural resources important to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. The ancient fishing village of Waikapuna contains a cultural landscape imbued with ancestral features including heiau, habitation sites, and the ancient coastal trail, which empowers our lahui to walk in footsteps of ancestors. The uplands of Kahilipali contain numerous cultural sites as well. Waikapuna's sandy bay and tidepools contain near shore and intertidal resources used for sustenance. Large strands of native coastal plants exist along its coast and the uplands provide habitat for native trees and shrubs such as alahe`e and wiliwili. Waikapuna's sea cliffs provide habitat for endangered birds important in Hawaiian culture and history. Mo`olelo of Waikapuna tells us of the symbiotic relationships between Hawaiians and sharks and that resources were shared and protected by the inter -species relationships developed historically in this place. Waikapuna was once the beloved home of renown Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui, who was raised in Waikapuna by her maternal grandmother, Nali`ipo`aimoku from Waikapuna who was a kahuna la`au lapa`au, midwife, and hula dancer in the court of Queen Emma. Much of what we know today about past Hawaiian traditions comes from this beloved kupuna and many of her contributions contributed to the rebirth of Hawaiian culture in the 20th century. What better way to honor her contributions and memory than to preserve the area associated with the traditions and resources she taught us of. In combination with Waikapuna's cultural richness is the proximity to other tracts of preservation land. Quite possibly, there is nowhere else in the Hawaiian archipelago that we have the possibility to preserve and protect such a combined large acreage of undeveloped and rural lands that still serve as the "icebox" for our lawai `a, still provide resources for gatherers; and allow Hawaiians to connect with ancestral places. These elements are intrinsic to maintaining a Hawaiian cultural identity and are harder and harder to come by in our rapidly developing state. Our young people need places such as Waikapuna to nourish their spirit, to teach of possibilities and to perpetuate traditions that will endure for the future generations to experience. Not only is Waikapuna important as a Hawaiian Traditional Cultural Property but also as a model of community stewardship, that could potentially be shared by other stewardship organizations. The model that is emerging of a community based stewardship empowers our people to protect their cherished resources, to be involved in their care and preservation and to truly protect them for the benefit of all. It is OHA's wish to see Waikapuna protected and preserved so that these lands may both physically and spiritually nourish many in the generations to come and to allow for the cultural traditions of this place to continue in perpetuity. OHA understands that the resolution would authorize the County of Hawai `i Director of Finance to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of property interests in the Waikapuna parcel, and that a possible outcome is that the County would hold a conservation easement over the Waikapuna parcel rather than holding fee simple title. This structure has been beneficial to OHA, which holds a conservation easement over Kuamo`o Battlefield and Burial Grounds. In the Kuamo `o land protection effort, a local 501(c)3 nonprofit Aloha Kuamo `o `Rina purchased the land with primarily State funds. OHA contributed partial funds, and was granted a conservation easement. The Kuamo `o conservation easement restricts future land use and permanently protects the significant burials and cultural sites, thereby benefitting the interests of our beneficiaries. Chair Poindexter, Vice Chair Eoff, and Councilmembers April 13, 2018 Page 3 Contributing funds to acquire a conservation easement furthers the County's Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission's purposes, and leverages non -County funding to achieve the permanent protection of one of Hawai `i Island's most unique and special places. OHA again reasserts our strong support for the Ka`u community, Ala Kahakai Trail Association, and the Trust for Public Land's efforts to purchase and protect the Makai portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali `iki Ahupua `a, including Waikapuna fishing village in Ka `u, Hawai `i Island. This acquisition is. perfectly aligned with OHA's goals and priorities and would serve our beneficiaries well. We hope that you consider this effort as a top priority for the people of Hawai `i, as we believe it should be. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact Lauren Morawski, Compliance Archaeologist, at 808-594-1997 or laurenm@oha.org of our Kia`i Kanawai (Compliance Enforcement) division. `O wau iho no me ka `oia `i `o, Kamana`opono M. rabbe, Ph.D. Ka Pouhana, Chief Executive Officer KC;lm C: Robert K. Lindsey Jr.-OHA Chairman and Trustee, Hawaii Island Walter Andrade Q9 i • z i Naalehu, Hawaii 96772 Re: Conservation Purchase of Waikapuna fishing village in Ka`u, Hawaii Island, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 Aloha, I, Walter Andrade, and MJ Ranch, strongly support Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land's efforts to help the Ka`u community purchase and forever protect the makai lands of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali`iki, including the Waikapuna fishing village in Ka`u, Hawaii Island. Our family ranch has leased the upper portion of this property for many years for our cattle ranch, and we have also camped and fished at Waikapuna beach over the years. It is important that Ka'u's rural character and especially its agricultural lands be preserved for future generations. Thank you for your consideration of this request to preserve Waikapuna. Mahal o, Michelle Galimba Kuahiwi Ranch PO Box 24 Naalehu HI 96772 (808)430-4927 cc: Conservation Purchase of Waikapuna fishing village in Ka'u, Hawaii Island, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 01 Aloha, I would like to share my perspective about why the purchase of Waikapuna by the State of Hawaii for preservation will benefit future generations and the present community. One of the most important reasons is to preserve the coastline of Waikapuna is to protect the wildlife that lives under the water off -shore from the environmental degradation - chemical run- off, light pollution, and soil erosion - that follows from development for residential or commercial uses. There are also many rare and endangered plant and animal species that live on the coastline. A second reason is archeological and cultural preservation. There are innumerable cultural sites scattered throughout the property - house -sites, cave -shelters, burial -sites, as well as well- preserved fishing village. These cultural sites are a precious resource for understanding the life ways of the ancient Hawaiians. Last but not least, Waikapuna should be preserved because this place is part of the heart and soul of the community. Waikapuna is a beloved spot for the community of Ka'u. Like many in my community, I have been going to Waikapuna since I was toddler. Because the road is rough, it is not a place that you go to very often, maybe once a year, or even less. And yet the experience of being at Waikapuna shines bright in memory, as something pure and vivid. Some people come to fish from the cliffs, some to pick `opihi, or catch crabs or lobsters in the tide pools. Some just come to be in this quiet place where the presence of the ancestors is so strong. My family has ranched at Waikapuna for just over twenty years now. It is a rough, rocky, often dry and windblown place that we nevertheless love very much. Although it is very drought - prone and must be managed to prevent over -grazing, it is rich pasture -land when the rains come, and makes for grass-fed beef of incomparable flavor. We hope that through the conservation and agricultural easements these lands will continue to provide locally -grown beef for our communities for many years to come. Waikapuna, as part of the Ka'u coastline, is a place that should be preserved for the people of the State of Hawaii. This wild coastline is a treasure that we can steward and a gift that we can pass on to future generations. Mahalo, la -I. lip it Ka'u Hawaiian o Lands • PO BOX 153, Naalehu, Hawaii 96772 The Hawaii County Council c/o Office of the County Clerk 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 RE: Letter of Support for the Protection of'Waikapuna, PONC9s #1 Ranked 2017 Project, Resolution 650-16 Aloha Chair Poindexter, Vice Chair Eoff, and Councilmembers, The Ka'u Hawaiian Home Lands Association is writing in strong support of the' Ka`O community, Ala Kahakai Trail Association, and The Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect the makai portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali`iki ahupua`a, including Waikapuna fishing village in Ka'u, Hawaii Island, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016, in partnership with the County of Hawaii and the State. The Ka'u Hawaiian Home Lands Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Naalehu. Founded in 2014 by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries in our region. The Ka'u Homestead Region includes 11,312 acres of Homestead Lands within the ahupua'a of Kamaoa Pu'u'eo, Waiohinu, and Wailau. A total of 25 leases have been awarded which include residential homesteads in Discovery Harbor and farm/ranch homesteads in Kamaoa Pu'u'eo. A significant portion of the lands in Kamaoa Pu'u'eo include the area known as South Point or Ka Lae. This is a spdcial and unique place for the people of Ka'u as it was one of the earliest Hawaiian settlements. With an area of approximately 710 acres, Ka Lae has been designated as a National Historic Landmark because it provides "the longest and most complete record of human occupation in the Hawaiian Islands." In addition to its long history, Ka Lae is rich with cultural and natural resources. The marine resources are valued by many Ka'u 'ohana who still rely on subsistence fishing, gathering and hunting to sustain their families. Unregulated vehicular access throughout Ka Lae has compromised the integrity of its heritage sites and delicate coastal ecosystems. Our organization is currently working with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands -to implement the Resources Management Plan which will guide future actions to steward the land and resources at Ka Lae. Only a few miles north of Ka Lae is Waikapuna, another important settlement for early Hawaiians connected by the ala kahakai. Like the area of Ka Lae, Waikapuna is also known for its wealth of cultural and natural resources. Many beneficiaries visit I Waikapuna to fish and to engage in cultural practices. We believe that preservation and careful management of these lands underline the importance of protecting the entire Ka'u coastline including Ka Lae. Mahalo, Jeffrey Kekoa President Ka' u Hawaiian Home Lands Association (808) 928-0320 j kekoa1956Ca-hotmail.com August 6, 2018 Laura Kaakua The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Suite 740 Honolulu, Hawai`I 96813 Re: Conservation Purchase of Waikapuna fishing village in Ka'u, Hawaii Island, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 Aloha Laura, On behalf of the Ka'awa `Ghana of Ka`u, we wholeheartedly support the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Lands efforts to help the Ka'u community purchase and forever protect the Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali'iki Ahupua`a inclusive of the fishing village of Waikapuna in Ka`u, Hawaii Island. As `Ohana `6iwi with genealogical origins to Ka'u, we strongly feel that the purchase and protection of these lands will secure us by ensuring that our practices and our relationship to this sacred place and space can continue to grow who we are. What is the definition of sacred? As understood and taught by our Ka`u Kupuna, sacred is something that cannot be replaced therefore; we wish to see that this place stays pristine and undeveloped. Waikapuna, from the time our `Ghana arrived in Ka`u, has and continues to feed multiple generations. Not just a physical type of feed for example, the fresh tasting Paku'iku`i who grow so big there that they are blue, or the lobster who is so abundant, they can be found during daylight or the Wana, so momona and sweet it has a distinct taste unlike anywhere else, Waikapuna feeds us spiritually and mentally. Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali'iki is the home of our'Iwi Kupuna. Their bodies are embedded in that particular `Aina so... that specific `Aina is `Ohana. The land and everything from the native birds to the native plants have function and is Family! We sustainably continue to give and receive from Waikapuna, we have a well balanced relationship and kuleana to this place and my `Ghana and I are here to support the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and The Trust for Public Land in anyway we can to steward this wahi pana. Our `Aina dictates our actions thus; we stand here before you today to support this acquisition. Me ka ha`aha`a, Nohealani Ka'awa `Ohana Ka`awa P.O. Box 1001 Na`alehu, Hi 96772 (808) 333-7497 Kaawa.nohea@gmail.com December 6, 2016 Legacy Land Conservation Program Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 RE: Letter of Support for Waikapuna; TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 FY2017 Legacy Land Conservation Program Aloha Members of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission: The Nature Conservancy supports the efforts of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association, The Trust for Public Land and the Ka`u community to purchase and protect the makai portions of Kdhilipalinui and Kdhilipali`iki ahupua`a, including the Waikapuna fishing village in Ka`u on Hawaii island. The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii is a private non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of the lands and waters upon which life depends. The Conservancy has helped to protect nearly 200,000 acres of natural lands in Hawaii. We .manage 40,000 acres in 14 preserves and work in 19 coastal communities to help protect the near -shore reefs and waters of the main Hawaiian Islands. The coastal area of Waikapuna has excellent coastal vegetation, including naupaka and kaunaoa- covered sand dunes. Large colonies of black and brown noddies, tattlers, white-tailed tropicbirds, band-rumped storm petrels, and Hawaiian petrels inhabit the sea cliffs. Many of the coastal plant species within the State's Kamilo Forest Reserve are also found along this area's coastline, and the large colony of kupe' e at the lagoon is one of the largest known, in Ka'u. Additionally, the marine .biomass surveys done by NOAA in the area show nearshore resources as good as those found in the northwestern Hawaiian islands. The acquisition of this parcel will protect the area from development for the benefit and permanent protection of native birds, coastal strands of endangered plants, and significant archaeological sites. Further, it ensures that two miles of nearshore marine habitat will remain free of disruption to biological processes caused by artificial lights. Mahalo for your consideration and the opportunity to share our support Sincerely, 1�� t_z_� Shalan Crysdale - Director, Hawai' i Island Program The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii www.nature.org/hawaii Legacy Land Conservation Program Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 December 7, 2016 RE: Letter of Support for Purchase of Waikapuna, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 FY2017 Legacy Land Conservation Program Aloha Members of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Our organization, Hawai' i Wildlife Fund (HWF), strongly supports the Ala Kahakai Trail Association, The Trust for Public Land and the Ka`u community's effort to purchase and protect the makai portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali`iki ahupua`a, including the Waikapuna fishing village in Ka`u, Hawaii Island. HWF is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protection of the native wildlife of Hawai' i through conservation research, education, and advocacy. In 2005, HWF began working with the State Lands Division and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to get the coastal portion of the Wai`6hinu lands (adjoining Kahilipalinui) transferred from grazing lease to Forest Reserve. The Wai`6hinu coastal strand has three dozen species of native coastal plants, anchialine pool ecosystems and numerous petroglyphs and other Hawaiian archeological sites. With DOFAW permits, HWF has been conducting habitat restoration work on this property since 2009. We believe the native coastal plants, ecosystems, and Hawaiian sites of this unique coast, including the makai portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipalinui ahupua' a must be protected from development and any further degradation. HWF has demonstrated its commitment to protection and conservation management of an important piece of the Ka`u coast and could use this experience to assist in management of the Kahilipalinui lands as well. This property, coupled with the adjacent Wai`6hinu coast would, we believe, provide and protect a unique collection of Hawaiian natural and cultural resources — and, potentially, a great educational platform. Mahalo for considering our support for this important purchase. William G. Gilmartin President, Hawai' i Wildlife Fund P.O. Box 70 Volcano, HI 96785 wildhawaii.org ®hi a iehua ;f i Ho'omalu C a 5®1(03 P g nonprofit organization Legacy Land Conservation Program Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Doom 325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 December 7, 2016 Lehua Lopez -Mau RE: Letter of Support for Waikapuna, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 President FY2017 Legacy Land Conservation Program Wendy Scott -Vance Aloha Members_of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Secretary/Treasurer Ho` omalu Ka"u, (HK), a community-based nonprofit located in Na` alehu, Ka'u, Zachary DeBernardi Hawai' i Island, is writing in strong support of the Ala Kahakai Trail Director Association's, The Trust for Public Land's and the Ka'u community's efforts to purchase and protect the makai portions of the Kahilipalinui and the Blossom DeSilva Kahilipali`iki ahupua`a, including Waikapuna fishing village in Ka'u, Hawaii Director Island. William laukea Ho'omalu's mission to is "to perpetuate, protect and conserve the lands, health, Director knowledge, cultures and history of Ka'u and its people." Our primary long-term goal is to build and manage The Ka'u Heritage Center, an archival and meeting Charmaine Keanu center to house the cultural, historical, Director environmental, and traditional knowledge of Ka'u and its land and people. We are also committed to protecting the archaeological, cultural, and historical treasures of the Ka'u District, as well as the pristine environmental ecosystems contained within Ka' u's 922 square miles that are now largely undeveloped. This is an opportunity to preserve large tracts of native plant and animal species, open space with unparalleled views, access to" the coastline and the sea cave at Waikapuna, native marine plant and animal_ species, as well as numerous cultural sites. There are cultural and spiritual connections to places throughout the proposed purchase area that are still important to Native Hawaiians and local families throughout the state, especially to those who live here. These connections link native plant and animal species to ancestral spiritual concepts like lokahi (unity of humans, deities, and the earth) and wahi pana (storied places). Unlike O' ahu, the Ka'u District (almost twice the size of Oahu) retains the natural resources, both terrestrial and marine, that supported thousands of natives for more than 2,000 years. Ka'u, the largest district in the state with one of the smallest populations (less than 9,000 residents) is a "land and sea bank" of cultural and natural values that can sustain generations to come. The purchase of these POST OFFICE PDX 384 - NA`ALEHU, HI 96772 - PHONE (8o8) 929-8526 lands, together with the protection of hundreds of thousands of acres in Ka' u now held by federal, state, and county governments, will ensure the continuation of native ecosystems and cultural practices. For instance, Native Hawaiians still collect salt at Waikapuna (when they are allowed access to this private property), salt that has tremendous spiritual and healing properties to many families (both native and non-native). Food substances from seaweed, marine invertebrates, and fish are still harvested and consumed by local residents. Hula practices still honor ancestral deities personified by species like turtles and sharks that can still be found in near -shore waters. With this purchase, Ho'omalu Ka'u proposes to begin planning for a baseline recordation of the cultural sites and natural resources in digital documents and video for storage and access in our future heritage center. Geologic, climate, sea -rise, and land -use changes in the environment can be marked over time and made available for research. Because these areas have the "seeds" for future population sustainability (food, medicine, tools, building materials, etc.), the preservation of existing land and shoreline assets is a vision of sustainability for our grandchildren well into the next century. The purchase of portions of the ahupua' a of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali' iki, protected in perpetuity, is very important for our people and the future of our Hawaii Nei. Please make this purchase a priority. We cannot let this opportunity pass! Malama Ka'u, Lehua Lopez -Mau, ]President .1, Post Office Box 903 N5'51ehu, HI 96772 kaohanaohonuapo@gmai l.com December 8, 2016 Legacy Land Conservation Program Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 RE: Letter of Support for Waikapuna, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016 FY2017 Legacy Land Conservation Program Aloha Chair Menard and Members of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Ka 'Ohana 0 Honu'apo ("Ka 'Ghana" or the family of Honu'apo) is pleased to express our support for the purchase of the coastal parcel at Kahilipali, Ka'u, Hawaii Island, which includes the ancient fishing village of Waikapuna. Kahilipali is located south of Honu'apo Bay, and just north of Kamilo. Ka 'Ohana is a community-based, non-profit, and tax-exempt organization whose mission is to, "Care for, restore, and protect the natural and cultural resources of Honu'apo Park" in Ka'u (www.wildhawaii.org). Ka `Ohana members have been activity working within the community and with County, State, Federal and NGO partners since our foundation in 2005. Our organization is a model example of how a concerned group of community members can work together with the government agencies to help manage their properties in perpetuity, with little ongoing costs to taxpayers. With county and private funding, Ka 'Ohana has been hosting large community events, and smaller'6pio (youth) and keiki (children) workshops at Honu'apo continually since our founding in 2005. With the purchase of this large tract of land at Kahilipali, we hope to expand our work with youth groups around the island into this property, and help sharing our mana'o (beliefs, ideas) and knowledge regarding the wealth of cultural and natural resources that exist along this sacred stretch of coastline (including the robust marine ecosystem adjacent to these shores). We sincerely believe that the purchase of this parcel would protect irreplaceable natural resources, provide long term opportunities for education, and ensure preservation of the rich cultural history in this area; we are committed to help Ala Kahakai Trail Association in their stewardship of these lands. This unique parcel allows for the combined success of adding recreational opportunities, cultural practices, and natural resource management for the populace of this island. Acquiring these lands would help ensure the protection of countless archeological sites, and therefore help perpetuate both Hawaiian values and cultural practices via the living history abundant in this region. Furthermore, maintaining and conserving of wilderness areas like Waikapuna, would protect myriad native wildlife species that inhabit its coastal strand, anchialine pool, and nearshore marine ecosystems. Use of State funds to help purchase this stretch of Ka'u coastline is critical and would be significant to our community and the maintenance of a shoreline wilderness area in our rural district. Ka'u maintains the largest portion of undeveloped coastline in the State, and we behoove you to invest in the protection of Waikapuna which sits in the middle of the coastline and is incredibly threatened with development. The future of Waikapuna will largely determine the future of other threatened coastal parcels along the irreplaceable Ka'u coast. Ka 'Ohana 0 Honu'apo is firm in our commitment to "Ku'e Kau" (to stand tall) and we will be a part of future efforts to malama Waikapuna. To that respect, we urge you to fund this purchase and this vital opportunity for Hawaii Island to pursue long-term natural resource and community conservation in our district. If we can help in any way with your efforts to protect and preserve the Ka'u coastline, please contact us directly for assistance. Me ka mahalo (with gratitude) for your time and consideration, Megan R. Lamson Ka 'Ohana 0 Honu'apo, President Ka 'Ohana O Honu'apo Board of Directors: Megan Lamson, President Kenneth Sugai, Vice President/Treasurer Nohealani Ka'awa, Secretary Donna Ambrose, Director Lauren Kurpita, Director Chris Manfredi, Director John Replogle, Director and Co-founder ti ` NT OF T,y N p United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 4'ggC� 3 ,s"9 Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail 73-4786 Kanalani St., Suite 14 W REPLY REFER TO: Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 September 27, 2016 Legacy Land Conservation Commission Department of Land and Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Subject: Waikapuna, Ka`u, Hawaii Island Aloha Members of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail under the National Park Service (NPS) wholeheartedly supports the protection of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali `iki including the ancient fishing village of Waikapuna in Ka`u. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail would support this effort in many ways as it aligns with our Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). NPS support of Ala Kahakai Trail Association in this preservation effort could include assistance with the creation of a management plan, providing cultural and natural resource expertise and other NPS resources, assisting with archaeological site preservation, restoration, and stewardship of the trail and associated cultural sites as determined by the management plan, and potentially holding a conservation easement over the property. Congress established the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail in 2000 to preserve, protect, and where necessary reestablish a large portion of the ancient coastal ala loa (long trail) on Hawaii Island. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail unit of the National Park Service is focused on preserving and interpreting a 175 -mile trail corridor from `Upolu Point on Hawaii Island's northern tip down the Kona Coast and around South Point to the eastern boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Puna. The trail links four National Park Service units, and numerous wahi pana (sacred or storied places) significant to Hawai`i's history and to perpetuate Native Hawaiian culture. It appears that the Waikapuna property has many sites, associated cultural practices and history that would qualify for the National Register of Historic Places, and that may combine to constitute a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP). A traditional cultural property (TCP) is a site or a place, that is eligible for inclusion on the national register because of its association with cultural practices and beliefs that are (1) rooted in the history of a community and passed down through the generations in oral literature or history, and (2) important to maintaining the continuity of the community's traditional beliefs and practices. The vast majority of the Ka`u coast is still undeveloped and presents the State of Hawaii, the County of Hawaii, the Federal government, and local communities with the amazing opportunity to invest in the protection of this coastline now for the benefit of all current and future generations. Mahalo for your past support for the purchase and protection of Kaiholena by the 501(c)3 nonprofit Ala Kahakai Trail Association. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is partnered with Ala Kahakai Trail Association to help plan for and manage the Kaiholena property. Partnering on descendant -led community-based protection and management of the trail and the storied places the trail goes through, it is possible to accomplish together what is not possible alone. Sincerely, Aric Arakaki Superintendent Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail cc: NPS Pacific West Region Ala Kahakai Trail Association 2 i 1 6 Legacy Land Conservation Commission Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Aloha e Members of the Legacy Land Conservation Commission, Dennis Hart, President Alan Brown, Vice President Kalco Paik, Secretary Ray Broggini, Treasurer Ulu Ching Kconi Fox Linda Galano WaiTnakalani Iona Kalani Souza Aric Arakal-,4 Ex -officio and NPS Partner September 23, 2016 Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA) is willing to take on the kuleana to own and steward the property comprised of portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali'iki, including Waikapuna fishin,@r, village in Ka'u, Hawaii, TIVIK: (3)9-5-007:016. ATA, a non-profit Native Hawaiian organization, was established to ensure that the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is well connected to the community, that Hawaiian values are practiced to foster collaborative partnerships, and to provide guidance for the work of managing and sustaining the trail in perpetuity. Our Board Members are Native Hawaiian► and local representatives of each moku (large land division) on the island, and often are part of the old Hawaiian families of the area that they represent. Large coastal subdivisions are being approved and constructed every year on our island, often cutting off or decreasing shoreline access for the local community, and disturbing, destroying, or segmenting off cultural sites. Ranching and farming are difficult businesses, and are more frequently being replaced by residential subdivisions. In partnership with The Trust for Public Land, we would like to help the Ka'U community preserve both their amazing bio -cultural resources as well as their paniolo lifestyle. The purchase and permanent protection of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali'iki, including Waikapuna, furthers the Ka'ii community's goals of preserving Ka'fi's coast, cultural sites, and agricultural way of life. ATA currently owns and stewards a property at Kaiholena, also with significant cultural sites. We are prepared for and welcome the kuleana of ownership and stewardship, and look forward to engaging the Ka'a community, scientists, other community organizations, and Hawaiian cultural practitioners to join us in caring for this irreplaceable wahi pang. ATA, in fulfilling its mission, envisions the lands of Kahilipatinui and Kahilipali'iki, including Waikapuna as a safe guard to protect a section of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail that traverse within its borders. Mahalo for your consideration,, Linda Kaleo Palk Secretary Mission: To support and guide a community -managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuate for those who follow, with respect for Hawaii's past, present and future, P.O. Box 2338, Karnuela, HI 96743 Phone 808-354-7765 Resource Land Holdings, LLC 1530 16'h Street, Suite 300 Denver, CO 80202 To Whom It May Concern, September 21, 2016 Ka'u Mahi, LLC, a subsidiary of Resource Land Fund V, LP, is the landowner of Tax Map Key number (3) 9-5-007:016, a 2,209.307 -acre property in Ka'u on the Big Island of Hawaii which includes the ancient fishing village of Waikapuna. Resource Land Holdings, LLC is the general partner of Resource Land Fund V, LP. We are in discussions with The Trust for Public Land about a sale of the property for conservation, cultural preservation, and agricultural purposes. The Trust for Public Land has ordered an appraisal of the property, and if we can reach agreement as to purchase price and closing terms, we would be willing to sell the property. We are voluntarily moving forward with a potential sale to The Trust for Public Land. Name: Byron L`evkulich Title: Principal Resource Land Holdings, LLC Cc: Laura H. E. Kaakua The Trust for Public Land 1003 Bishop Street, Ste. 740 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 laura.kaakua@tpl.org Na Mamo O Kawa P.O. Box 45, Pahala HI 96777 The Hawaii County Council c/o Office of the County Clerk 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 RE: Letter of Support for the Protection of Waikapuna, PONC's #1 Ranked 2017 Project, Resolution 650-18 Aloha Chair Poindexter, Vice Chair Eoff, and Councilmembers, Nd Mamo O Kawa is writing in strong support of the Ka`u community, Ala Kahakai Trail Association, and The Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect the makai portions of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipali`iki ahupua`a, including Waikapuna fishing village in Ka`u, Hawaii Island, TMK (3) 9-5-007: 016, in partnership with the County of Hawaii and the State. Na Mamo o Kawd (NMOK) is made up of life-long Ka`u residents, cultural practitioners, scientists, and resource managers that share a deep appreciation for Kawa. NMOK was created in 2012 in response to the burgeoning management needs, and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2014. The County of Hawaii has formally recognized the role of NMOK in the ongoing stewardship of Kawd. Kawa represents one of the few areas in Ka`u to feature a diversity of cultural and natural resources reasonably accessible to the public. There has continued to be a collaborative effort between NMOK members, cultural practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, educators, lineal descendants, and government agencies to ensure these resources are protected for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The protection and care of the many ecological and cultural features of Waikapuna will greatly benefit the Ka'u community, and maintain the spirit of what makes Ka'u so unique. The protection of Waikapuna, like Kawa, will ensure that the natural resources will continue to provide materials to produce cultural artifacts utilized in many facets of Hawaiian culture. As a member of Halau Ohi`a, a professional development program geared toward fostering a working knowledge of Native Hawaiian perspectives on resources and resource management, I was able to participate in a huaka`i to Waikapuna to celebrate its history through story, to visit the lauded Waikapuna Spring, and bear witness to its natural and sublime beauties. The Ka`u coast has long been regarded as one of the last remaining gems of wild, unadulterated coastline in Hawai'i. Waikapuna was recognized by the community as a pristine area integral to the preservation of the Ka`u coast; for that reason, in 2017 it was ranked at the top of the list of PONC properties by the County of Hawaii. The purchase of Waikapuna will safeguard this wahi pana from development to preserve and secure the continuity of the alanui/alaloa along the Ka`u coast, the notable Waikapuna spring, heiau, and other significant cultural features. The protection of the natural resources of this recognized wahi pana will ensure that one of the last remaining wild coastlines in the State can be preserved for the benefit of kama'aina and malihini in perpetuity. This property is one of premier examples of Hawaii's natural resources featuring remnant individuals of wiliwili along the Kahilipali cliff face, rare nohu plants along the sandy coastline, and sea caves that inhabited by native shore birds like the noio and koa' e kea. The biodiversity and biomass of the marine environment along this portion of the Ka`u coast is second only to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Waikapuna provides not a only a safe haven for Hawaii's unique marine life and ideal setting for marine research, but also acts as a source of replenishment for adjacent areas frequented by subsistence fisherman. We hope that Waikapuna will be used as a place to foster a sense of identity in our community, and that it will be forever protected and set aside as a place of practice for cultural practioners, a space for inquiry and investigation for scientist, and a place of refuge and reconnection for kama`aina and lineal descendants. We hope to contribute to the stewardship efforts of this place to honor the past, provide for the present, and to protect for the future generations to come. Mahalo piha James J. Akau Executive Director Nd Mamo O Kawa (808) 561-9111 jakau@nmok.org