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