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Comm. 25-009 <br /> NA ALA HELE <br /> Hawaii Trail & Access System <br /> January 31", 2025 <br /> TO: Hawai'i County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation <br /> Commission <br /> UJ <br /> FROM: Jackson Bauer awai'i Island Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program Manager <br /> Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of Land and Natural Resources <br /> SUBJECT: Na Ala Hele Support for PONC Acquisition of 77 Acres in Kuamo'o Ahupua'a <br /> The Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program within the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Department of <br /> Land and Natural Resources, thanks you for the opportunity to provide our support regarding the <br /> nomination for the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission (PONC) <br /> acquisition of 77 acres in the Kuamo'o Ahupua'a. <br /> The five adjacent parcels (totaling 77 acres) that are up for nomination have rich oral cultural history <br /> and archeological resources, notably two heiau (Lonohelemoa and Pio'a), and the site of the 1819 Battle <br /> of Kuamo'o and subsequent burials in lava tubes and mounds.The preservation of these parcels, a large <br /> portion of the Kuamo'o ahupua'a, ensure the protection of Hawaiian heritage and offer equitable <br /> educational access.The proximity to existing historic trails and areas (a portion of which is crossed by <br /> the Ala Kahakai Historic Trail alignment) offer the potential for enhancing public access,trail <br /> connectivity, and engagement with the cultural and natural significance of the land.The parcels also <br /> include natural features, such as lava tubes, coastal landscapes, and native flora/fauna habitats, and <br /> should be safeguarded to prevent further environmental degradation. <br /> The current opportunity to acquire these parcels is urgent, as development could result in the loss of <br /> these invaluable resources. Na Ala Hele strongly urges immediate action to secure the parcels and fulfill <br /> their potential for preservation, public benefit, and education. <br /> Thank you again for your consideration of our support for the PONC acquisition of the 77 acres in <br /> Kuamo'o Ahupua'a. I welcome you to contact me directly if you have any questions:Jackson Bauer, <br /> Hawai'i Island Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program Manager, 808-657-8041, <br /> 9ackson.m.bauer@hawaii.gov. <br /> Division of Forestry and Wildlife Department of Land and Natural Resources 19 E.Kawili Street,Hilo,HI 96720 <br />