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Comm. 25-010 ;n Ho'oulu Lahui r March 3, 2025 Aloha PONC Commissioners, I am honored to submit this letter of unconditional support for the application to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) regarding the consolidation and acquisition of 14 properties in Kumukahi, within the Ahupua`a of Kula. This vital initiative, known as Kumukahi, represents a significant opportunity to protect and steward one of Hawai`i's most sacred and ecologically significant landscapes. Ho`oulu Lahui, a nonprofit organization based in Puna, Hawaii, has dedicated the past 30 years to cultural and educational initiatives that have laid the foundation for Kua O Ka La Charter School, our affiliate. We have successfully raised and managed over $20 million in funding, secured permits, and developed an entire school campus. Our experience demonstrates our deep commitment to cultural preservation, education, and community stewardship. This proposal seeks to acquire and unify multiple adjoining parcels within Kumukahi to establish a comprehensive land management and stewardship plan. The public acquisition of these lands will ensure the long-term protection of one of Hawai`i's most historically, culturally, and ecologically treasured wahi pana, preserving its legacy for future generations. Kumukahi holds profound importance in Hawaiian traditions and mo`olelo. As the easternmost point of Hawaii, it is revered as the first place where the rising sun touches the islands and is intrinsically tied to the arrival of Pele. It is also recognized as a llina, a sacred place of transition where spirits pass into the next realm, making it a site of immense spiritual and cultural significance. Additionally, Kumukahi is a wahi ilina (burial site), with multiple identified burial locations. This further underscores the urgency of protecting the land to ensure responsible stewardship and cultural preservation. Many `ohana continue to honor their kupuna through ceremonies at Kumukahi, passing this kuleana on to their kamah`i and mo`opuna. The acquisition of these lands would provide the necessary framework for implementing an approved burial treatment plan, ensuring the respectful care of iwi kupuna. Kumukahi and the greater Kula Ahupua`a are home to diverse native flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian petrel (`Ua`u) and the Hawaiian hoary bat(`Ope`ape`a). The area also supports vital marine ecosystems that contribute to the biodiversity and sustainability of our island's natural resources. Public acquisition and stewardship of these lands will ensure the protection of these fragile ecosystems from future development and degradation.