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Comm. 25-011 <br /> HERITAGE SERVICES LLC <br /> March 3, 2025 <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> Department of Finance <br /> Property Management Division <br /> 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Sent via email:t�oncC�7hawaiicountY, ov <br /> Letter of Support for the County's Acquisition of Land in Kumukahi,Kula Ahupua`a,Puna,Hawaii <br /> It is with great pleasure that I write in full support of the County's acquisition of approximately 1,967 <br /> acres in the Kumukahi region of Kula Ahupua`a, Puna, Hawaii.This initiative represents a significant <br /> step toward the proper stewardship of a culturally and historically important landscape. <br /> Between 2021 and 2023, while employed by ASM Affiliates, a Hilo-based archaeological consulting <br /> firm, I had the privilege and kuleana of conducting archaeological surveys on a portion of the <br /> 58-acre parcel currently owned by the University of Hawaii at Hilo. During this work, we carefully <br /> documented portions of an extensive ilina(cemetery)in the area historically known as"Homelani" <br /> Through our surveys, it became evident that burials extend beyond the boundaries of the area we <br /> assessed. In collaboration with lineal descendants, we developed a burial treatment plan, which <br /> received approval from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, State Historic Preservation <br /> Division, in February 2023. Alongside these burials, we identified numerous other culturally and <br /> historically significant sites. Research and community outreach confirmed that Kumukahi is and <br /> continues to be revered as a wahi pana. However, the effective stewardship of these sacred places <br /> has been complicated by modern property boundaries that segment the landscape. <br /> The growing cooperation among landowners with a shared commitment to the care of Kumukahi is <br /> an encouraging and essential development. I am particularly excited by the prospect of two lead <br /> organizations taking on the responsibility of improved management and stewardship for this area. <br /> For these reasons, I strongly support the County's acquisition and consolidation of these lands.This <br /> effort will help ensure that Kumukahi and its sacred sites receive the thoughtful care and protection <br /> they deserve. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Lokelani Brandt, M.A. <br /> Hoa`aina Heritage Services,Owner <br /> lbrandt@hoaainaheritage.com <br />