HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm. 25-004 Comm.25-004
From: Kaleiolani Pasciuta
To: PONC
Cc: Ventura. Hamann
Subject: Re:Additional Information Requested for the 2025 PONC Stewardship Grant Application-Kupa Aina O Keauhou
(25-03)
Date: Monday,December 9,2024 10:00:33 AM
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide clarification. Below is our response to the questions
outlined in your previous email.
MINA Assessi,nerit MII II leo^ ro^ Wr�,':d I rlior to arty liiinpr000^ii,nonrits ori tIlie I rolpert „
ridu6rig ^ir.noliirigI irnaJjor deaiJrig acrid p Ilairiflri oll' vegetafloiriI etc Wio Mll leo^
coi,npIeflrig tIlie MINA Assessi,nerit acrid Ilion
The property underwent clearing prior to its PONC acquisition, and archaeological
surveys have also been conducted with no findings. These documents should be in
ownership of the county as part of the land sale. If not, Eduard Repoza (previous
owner) can be contacted for these documents. At this time, we do not anticipate
major clearing involving heavy equipment. However, the gap in stewardship since
the property turnover in October of 2023 has resulted in overgrowth. To create
usable space for the community, we propose using weed whackers and hand tools
for selective clearing.
Our long-term vision includes working with botanists and the community to
repopulate the area with native vegetation. Additionally, we hope to collaborate with
master gardeners to educate on native foods and support food security initiatives, a
goal we anticipate pursuing over the next 2-5 years.
For 2025, our immediate priority is creating a space where lineal descendants and
the community can gather, rebuild pilina with the `aina, and strengthen connections
with each other. This foundational step will allow us to incorporate kupuna `ike
(ancestral knowledge) as we move forward with thoughtful and informed
stewardship.
"IIease I rooii o^ liu°0:oriliiaflori ori tIIie SyiiiilDro§a Il::ouridaflori Nio ar�:D the aril Wiat
are tIl16ii' ualllill'lioaflouis? Nso, I rooiido^ us Mtli a copy oll' tIl16ii'scolpe oll' woill� airs
esflirnates :or tIlie cost oll' tIl16i' seroiioo^o.
The Symbrosia Foundation is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that fosters
environmental sustainability and restorative career pathways in Hawai'i. They focus
on creating partnerships, engaging in educational initiatives, and contributing to
projects that uplift our local communities. At this time, the Foundation does not
provide services that require payment, nor do they charge for their contributions.
Their work emphasizes collaboration and enhancing community resilience. You can
find more about their community projects at,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,;;, ,ymllrosiia„ora.
As someone who has collaborated with, contributed to, and participated in
numerous community groups, I have witnessed the positive benefits of any well-
intentioned community support. Organizations like the Symbrosia Foundation
exemplify this spirit by offering their time, expertise, and resources to further shared
goals.
It is essential that we approach all enthusiastic offers of support with aloha, as they
are born out of a genuine desire to contribute and uplift. By welcoming well-
intentioned organizations like the Symbrosia Foundation, we strengthen our
community and create opportunities for meaningful impact.
Miat I iiJor aID�DrovaIs aridDeriiiilts are re ured aridII'rsu,n MNislli nricy(li ^s) IP r tIIle
rslss ^ I i,nu restoraflori arid estaIDIIIsIii,nerit U:: aquacuture systei,ns?”
The Symbrosia Foundation received a NOAA grant to perform limn restoration
activities at sites across the Pa'aina. DAR has reviewed the grant and notified us that
no permits are required as we are working with Native limn. The NOAA Stalston-
Kennedy grant is in partnership with the University of Hawai'i Sea Grant, Kua`aina
Ulu `Auamo (KUA), Pacific American Foundation, Waieanae High School, and Nomilo
Fish Pond. None of the grant activities require permit from DAR.
Regarding the importance of limn restoration: It's important to acknowledge that no
one has yet successfully restored limn habitats in the wild. Our efforts are focused
on creating conversations, fostering education, and raising awareness to preserve
the environment. This work prepares the community to malama their limn beds when
the opportunity arises, and the necessary resources and readiness are in place.
In Keauhou specifically, I have documented conversations with lineal descendants
who have shared invaluable insights into the history of this wahi papa, including the
significant decline—or, in some areas, the complete absence—of what used to be
abundant limn. These discussions highlight the urgency of preserving the
knowledge and environment needed for future restoration efforts.
With that being said, no formal restoration efforts are currently planned for 2025.
However, the education and cultural significance of limn remain a key focus. For
instance, it is noteworthy that Hawaii Island was the only island without a limn
festival in 2024, an event that celebrates the importance of limn in our ecosystems
and cultural practices. Bringing such opportunities for education and celebration
back to the island will be a critical step in building awareness and preparing for
future restoration initiatives.
Should formal restoration or aquaculture projects be undertaken in the years ahead,
these efforts would be approached thoughtfully and collaboratively with DAR,
cultural practitioners, scientists, and the broader community.
�.. II II ..�..II II..�..IIII: states tha t tIlie xllaljecflxxn unaliiiiteiin u,.nxxn
sxllax^ ua e" wIHI lax^ 1ri 14° lir.n " wINle � aIlDlle N IL...S requests ests $10,000 U::
rarit .Iluair.n6iri :or Mal menu°iaricen Sdiedue Il:::)xIVE'flxlaulaxnu,.nt :�Il1e se exlall lire fllNs
6scre^Ia ricy
The apparent discrepancy between Table E and Table H arises from the distinction
between the planning and execution phases of the maintenance schedule.
In Table H, the request for $10,000 in grant funding under "Maintenance Schedule
Development" was intended to cover the materials and resources necessary for
implementing maintenance activities. This includes essential items such as hand
tools, protective equipment, and temporary storage to ensure that the work can be
carried out effectively and safely. These are tangible needs required to support the
practical execution of the maintenance schedule.
Conversely, Table E refers specifically to the management and planning aspects of
the maintenance schedule, which are considered "In-Kind" contributions. This phase
involves community kupuna who will generously contribute their time and expertise
to develop the plan, guide its implementation, and teach community members how to
use the tools and work efficiently. Their involvement represents a valuable in-kind
contribution, as their knowledge and leadership are critical to ensuring the success
and cultural alignment of the project.
By delineating these aspects in Tables E and H, we aimed to distinguish between the
planning efforts supported by community contributions and the material resources
needed to carry out the maintenance work effectively. We hope this explanation
clarifies the intent and resolves any concerns regarding the funding request.
0
Ccu°°nsuallt a°°nts/CcIIII Il cii tciis Illisste i lire � abIe II: lu°°ncllu de ei,npllc ces c11' tIlie II floc°n II II " u11
cnuclice arid State Il:::)c^Iat c11' II. grid &. II to ii' Il Il: c^scuau'ces II...l ccn agericy Iac^ii'sor.nir.ncnll
u'ecc^lived ppu'cc 11 IPiioii,n tIl16i' ei,nplloyeu's to teadi losses, do u'clla c^cllc lic 11
ssessi,nerits/su ii'veys, Ilau iiJli Il t1'11 Ellu°nt Iall inns, etc. IPcii II° ualpa Nrla
Kupa `Aina has not sought financial support from government agencies such as,
National Park Service (NPS) and the State Department of Land & Natural Resources
(DLNR). However, we recognize that the interests of these agencies often align with
our mission to educate and support the community, especially considering the
unique potential of this specific property to create a positive community impact.
Individuals from NPS and DLNR who have expressed a desire to support Kupa
`Aina's programs would, of course, need to follow their internal protocols and obtain
any necessary approvals from their employers for activities involving their official
roles. This is a standard process for any project and ensures transparency and
compliance with their agency policies.
That said, some of these individuals have already shared their mana`o (knowledge)
and expertise during their personal time, entirely outside of their work obligations. If
they choose to volunteer their skills and knowledge outside of designated working
hours or unrelated to their current work projects, we believe this is their right to do
so. Such voluntary contributions not only benefit Kupa `Aina but also foster broader
collaboration and mutual respect between community organizations and public
servants.
We deeply value their willingness to support initiatives that align with both their
professional expertise and our shared goals. We remain committed to adhering to all
necessary protocols while respecting the autonomy of individuals who wish to
contribute their time and knowledge.
Aloha No,
Kalei Ha'anio Pasciuta
On Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 2:37 PM PONC <ponc c�hawaiicountov>wrote:
Aloha,
After reviewing your application and the information provided, the Public Access, Open
Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) noted that a representative
from your organization did not attend the November 18 meeting as requested to answer
questions from the commission. As a result, the commission has additional questions they
would like you to address.
Please find below a list of questions, comments, and/or requests from the commission
members. Besides providing written and/or 3-minute testimony at the upcoming commission
meeting on January 13, 2025, this is your final opportunity to submit additional information
to support their decision regarding your 2025 Maintenance Fund Stewardship Grant
application.
• A SMA Assessment will be required prior to any improvements on the property,
including fencing, major clearing and planting of vegetation, etc. Who will be
completing the SMA Assessment and when?
• Please provide information on the Symbrosia Foundation. Who are they and what are
their qualifications? Also,provide us with a copy of their scope of work and estimates
for the cost of their services.
• What prior approvals and permits are required and from which agency(ies) for the
proposed "limu restoration and establishment of aquaculture systems?"
• Table E. PROJECT ACTIVITIES states that the objective "Establish a maintenance
schedule"will be "In-Kind"while Table H. BUDGET DETAILS requests $10,000 of
grant funding for"Maintenance Schedule Development."Please explain this
discrepancy.
• Consultants/Collaborators listed in Table E include employees of the National Park
Service and State Dept. of Land& Natural Resources. Have agency personnel
received approval from their employers to teach classes, do archaeological
assessments/surveys, burial treatment plans, etc. for Kupa`Rina?
• Table H. BUDGET DETAILS: Please provide details re: how you calculated the grant
amount requests for each project activity. Please also specify whether any of the
expenses include salaries, administrative expenses, refreshments, insurance, &travel.
• Please provide a more detailed budget breakdown for all project activities.
• Perhaps a management plan (including arch and flora/fauna services) may be a
priority before conducting management activities -please give some thought into
whether or not you think this is pertinent.
It is important that you carefully review the questions and provide detailed and thorough
responses to help the commission make an informed decision.
Key deadlines and details:
• Deadline for Submission: All responses must be emailed to
PONC ,hawaiicountv.gov and received by our office no later than 4:30 PM on
December 20, 2024.
• Late Submissions: Any information received after this deadline will not be
forwarded to the commission, and they will proceed with their decision based on the
information currently available.
Please note: Information submitted should only address the commission's questions.
This is not an opportunity to revise or increase funding requests or make significant
changes to your application.
We sincerely appreciate your dedication to the care and stewardship of these special
properties and your cooperation in this process. If you have any questions or require further
clarification,please don't hesitate to contact us.
Mahalo,
&M K1. b4Gl,V1m t
Property Management Technician
PONC Secretary
County of Hawaii,Department of Finance
Property Management Division
25 Aupuni Street Suite#1101
Hilo,HI 96720-4245
P. (808)961-8069
E.Eva.Biaman(ajiawaiicount rev