HomeMy WebLinkAboutSugg. 25-05 Revised—12-08-2024
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COUNTY OF HAWAI`1 Reserved for office use:
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission
Sugg.#25-05
SUGGESTION FORM Rec'd 1/31/25 via email at
`.o For Lands and/or Property Entitlements for Acquisition 3:13 pm
The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is accepting suggestions
for sites or projects to improve upon public access, open space, and natural resources preservation, pursuant to
Chapter 2, Article 42, of the Hawaii County Code. Please use this form to tell the Commission about a property
that you would like to see protected.The Commission welcomes re-submission of previously submitted properties.
Please use one form per suggestion and limit total application size to less than 10 MB(megabytes)or 20 pages max-
imum (including photos, maps, and figures. If adjacent or nearby areas are protected and/or public areas, include
regional maps as well). Additional public testimony may be submitted to exceed the 20 page maximum. The
Commission's ranking of the suggestion is based on the information provided in this suggestion form and how it meets
the PONC scoring criteria and not solely on the expression of public support or opposition.
Name of Site or Project: Kealoha Family Lo'i
Ahupua`a,Council District,and Location Within: Makapala&NUN, Kohala/District 9
Tax Map Key(TMK)Number(s): (3)5-2-009:025 and(3)5-2-009:026 Land Area(Acreage): 2.39
Property Owner Information:
The Revocable Trust Agreement of Beldon K. Kealoha
Name(s): Email:
Address: Phone: 49NNNMMM ■lt
To your knowledge,is the property owner aware of this nomination? ®yes []No ❑Unsure
Suggested Purchase Method: ®Conservation Easement ❑Fee Simple ❑Other
Nominators Contact Information:
Name(s): Shaelene Kamakaala, Hawaii Land Trust Email:
Address: Phone: �
Reason for nomination of property(please check all boxes that apply)
® Public outdoor recreation and education,including access to beaches and mountains
ID Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites
® Protection of natural resources,significant habitat or ecosystems,including buffer zones
® Preservation of forests,including beaches,coastal areas,natural beauty,and agricultural lands
® Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 1 of 3
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED INFORMATION
Please provide the information requested below. The information shall be attached to this form and appropriately labeled
with the name of the identifying attachment.
➢ Attachment A: Provide a Tax Map Key Plat map and a property map with the property boundaries and/or proposed
access outlined or highlighted. Confirm the council district by contacting the County Clerk's Office at: (808)961-8277
or visit https://www.elections.hawaiicounty.gov/resources/maps.
➢ Attachment B: Provide a clear statement detailing how public acquisition would fulfill one or more of the above
resource values. Explain the intent, long-term vision, and/or strategy of this proposed acquisition or project.
➢ Attachment C: If available, provide community letters of support or endorsements for this proposed acquisition o r
project.
➢ Attachment D: Identify and provide contact information of community organizations, land trusts, or individuals will-
ing to be part of this property's long-term management/maintenance.
➢ Attachment E: Please answer the following ten points by providing summaries and/or abstracts (rather than full re-
ports). Include, if necessary, citations or links to reference the documentation related to the suggested site or project.
Do not send original documents or pictures as they will not be returned.
1) How would this proposed acquisition or project benefit the general public?
2) Describe any significant historic, cultural, or natural resources on the property. Please be as specific as possible
and include only a summary of documentation (i.e., archaeological reports,flora/fauna surveys, etc.).
3) Describe (and include maps if available) any significant relationship to larger historical, cultural, and/or natural
landscape (i.e., corridors, complexes, agricultural field systems, conservation strategies etc.)
4) Describe the level of urgency(i.e.,the property is currently on the open market or for sale and if so, for how
long, there are current development plans, the property has an active filed application for re-zoning/subdivi-
sion, is an area of high public use, etc.).
5) Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that presently exist(special funding available, etc.).
6) Have partnerships with other government agencies or private or nonprofit entities been identified to leverage
resources(funding,grants, managing partnerships)?El Yes ❑ No El Unknown. If yes, please describe.
7) Is/Are the property(s) or property easement(s) available for acquisition? ❑Yes El No El Unknown.
If yes, please describe.
8) Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions (i.e., association or maintenance), or easements on the
property? ❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown If yes, please describe.
9) Describe any known hazards on the property (i.e., flood zone, lava hazard zone, mudslides, pollution, etc.).
Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 2 of 3
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
The Suggestion form and attachments may be submitted via email to PONC@hawaiicountV.gov, or you may mail (USPS,
Fed Ex, UPS, etc.) it to:
County of Hawai'i
Property Management-PONC
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 1101
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720—4252
All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2025, as evidenced by the County of Hawaii
time clock, PST. The Commission will not review any submissions received after the deadline.
We are not responsible for forms lost in the mail.
For further information,contact Property Management Division at (808)961-8069 or PONC@hawaiicounty.gov
Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 3 of 3
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
Kealoha Family Lo'i
2025 PONC Suggestion Form - Additional Required Information
Attachment A. Provide a Tax Map Key Plat map and a property map with the
Property boundaries and/or proposed access outlined or highlighted. Confirm
the Council District.
The properties are within Council District 9. Provided are a Tax Map Key Plat map as well as a
project map, both showing the property boundaries (see two attachments titled "Attachment
A").
Attachment B. Provide a clear statement detailing how public acquisition would
fulfill one or more of the above resource values. Explain the intent, long-term
vision, and/or strategy of this proposed acquisition.
• Education &Access: This property serves as a location for cultural 'aina (land which
feeds) based education and connection (impactful access) which we understand has a
strong impact in providing opportunities for physical, spiritual and emotional wellbeing
and healing. Here is a link to a video made by Kohala High School students and their
mentor during a visit to the Properties: 1ht;tpsoyi ,.can irn g!l eos ;..., ;' , ng , ; � .
• Historica & Cultural Importance: The site features intact stone walls from historic lo'i
kalo (traditional wetland agricultural system for taro) that have been put back into
production by the family. Per the archeologist this is a rare site where the plantation did
not destroy the lo'i. This Properties are also culturally important for the family's
contribution to the perpetuation of hula.
• Preservation of Natural Resources, Significant Ecosystems and Buffer Zones; and
Protection of Watershed lands to Preserve Water Quality and Water Supply: The
Properties sit at a critical location for the health of Niuli'i and Wakani Streams forming
its boundaries, which the land use on the subject Properties have an ultimate affect on
the health and wellbeing of the waters and river ecosystem and biocultural resources, as
well as the shoreline and nearshore ecosystems as the Niuli'i Stream enters into Keokea
Bay at the location of a County park used by the community as a gathering and ocean
recreation spot. Perservation of the lo'i kalo are also in a way designed and engineered
to serve as important buffer zones for streams. Lo'i kalo also function to provide more
opportunities and higher rates of surface water to ground water recharge, in all helping
to preserve water quality and water supply.
• Preservation of Agricultural Lands: The conservation easement is intended to protect in
perpetuity lands that had been used for traditional Hawaiian agriculture for generations.
Long Term Vision & Strategy: The Kealoha family has stewarded these Properties for
generations. In recent years a family member together with other young men in the Kohala
community laboriously cleared invasive species and returned the lo'i kalo to health. This
Page 1 of 7
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
conservation easement would ensure that no future owner or generation disturbs the
continuation of centuries of traditional agricultural practices that feed the community. Because
of its accessible location, the Kealoha Family Lo'i offers the perfect site for teaching cultural and
agricultural practices, both for the Kohala schools and more broadly for the interested local and
island community.
There is a bigger vision for restoring the landscape of what was once an area of thriving lo'i kalo.
The opportunity became clear during the pandemic, because the Niuli'i Makapala village
residents were home and not off working other jobs and could reopen and cultivate their lo'i
kalo (see photo of the Properties below, under restoration and stewardship). During the
pandemic, many Kohala families were sustained on local access to kalo, lu'au, 'ulu and ho'io
that is grown by the families
Now, being back at their regular 9-5 jobs, these Kohala families again find it hard to sustain
their traditional agricultural production. The Niuli'i Makapala village have successfully organized
around development and tourism at Pololu, and water rights and access in Kohala. Building on
these efforts, the Kohala Loko families have begun discussions on how to organize in support of
their lo'i kalo practices that face challenges as one generation looks to pass on practice and
places to another generation. Local genealogy and traditions hold stories of Haloa's birth in the
valleys that these families descend from, Kohala once being the food bank for Kamehameha's
nation. This nomination is part of the greater vision for Kohala Loko to grow kalo as a main
staple and again become a source of sustenance for the Kohala community and beyond.
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Page 2 of 7
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
The strategy and unique opportunity here is the current landowner's willingness to place
permanent restrictions on their property, coupled with their commitment to culturally informed
and community and 'ohana (family) centered stewardship of the land. The market demand for
such Properties are not for culture and agriculture, it is for maximizing the development
potential of the residential use of the Properties. While housing is a need, we understand what
the market realities are here in Hawai'i and Kohala—the County zoning is R-15 and with the
Properties totaling over 2 acres, leaving potential for multiple homes to be built. This
conservation easement opportunity allow us to ensure culture and agriculture maintain priorty
values of the land forever.
It is Hawaiian Islands Land Trust dba Hawaii Land Trust ("HILT") and the landowner's intention to
have a conservation in perpetuity that carves out limited rights for a site steward/farm worker
housing and minimal infrastructure to support the ongoing maintenance and educational
programs on the property. HILT sees this as a defining keystone project for the kind of impact
these PONC funds can provide while at the same time allowing the County to align itself to
proactively meet its State Constitutional obligations for Native Hawaiian culture, subsistence
and religious practices and Public Trust Resources—all through a unique and community drivin
public private partnership.
Attachment C. Provide additional community endorsements, and community
organizations, land trusts, or individuals that can be contacted for further
information about this proposed project.
Provided are letters of support from (see additional attachments titled "Attachment C"):
• Kohala Hawaiian Civic Club
• Protect Pololu
• North Kohala Culture and History Advisory Group
• Ka Makani o Kohala Ohana
• Kahua Pa'a Mua
• Joseph Carvalho
Attachment D. Provide verification of community organizations, land trusts, or
individuals who are willing to be part of the long-term
management/maintenance of this property.
Provided are commitment letters from (see additional attachments titled "Attachment D"):
• Hawaii Land Trust (willing CE holder/co-holder)
• United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Science
(confirms supporting CE acquisition funds)
• Landowner (willingness to sale a CE in perpetuity)
Page 3 of 7
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
In addition, other Kohala organizations and individuals are committed to supporting the larger
vision of cultivating a new era of traditional Hawaiian agriculture and 'aina stewardship across
this ahupua'a and moku (district). The Kealoha Family Lo'i is the most centrally located and
easiest to access being accessible from Akoni Pule Highway. Because of the proximity of the
Kealoha Family Lo'i to the 'ohana (families) in the village, this taro patch will serve as a piko
(center) for the producer groups and continue to be available for community work days and
group meetings.
Attachment E. Please answer the following ten points by providing summaries
and/or abstracts (rather than full reports). Include, if necessary, citations or links
to reference the documentation related to the suggested site or project. Do not
send original documents or pictures as they will not be returned.
1) How would this proposed acquisition or project benefit the general public?
The Kohala Community, and the villages of Makapala and Niuli'i in particular, have for
generations benefited from this property as a location for agricultural production and
preservation of history and Hawaiian culture. Maps drawn in the late 19th century show
abundant lo'i in the entire Makapala-Niuli'i area that fed the district's population, but
most of these lands were acquired by outsiders and lost to sugar production. This is a
very accessible property to demonstrate cultivation of kalo, to continue this family's
legacy in cultural education for the Kohala community, and to serve as a cornerstone for
an effort to restore and expand kalo production in the entire ahupua'a.
In 2021, Civil Beat's Article "Fewer Farmers Are Growing Hawai'i"s ' iracle Food'Taro
Despite gL2m y n Demand" provided evidence in testimony and statistical data explaining
the decline of taro production in Hawai'i in recent years. Placing a conservation
easement across this cornerstone property made up majority of lo'i kalo, will help the
Kohala community fulfill a vision to improve food security for North Kohala and Kohala
Loko families and perhaps beyond. The other benefit is the post stewardship of this
acquisition project inspiring the community to restore and expand kalo cultivation on
other properties, providing a viable future in agriculture for young local people to
remain in Kohala.
An additional benefit is the ecosystem services that a protected and functioning lo'i kalo
system provide. (Shae can pull in the scientific article that talks about this).
2) Describe any significant historic, cultural, or natural resources on the property.
The properties are primarly made up of ancient lo'i kalo terraces which hold significant
cultural and agricultural value for the community and general public. The landowner
worked with archaeologist, Dr Michael Graves, Professor of Archeology at the University
of New Mexico and previously at the University of Hawai'i, who conducted LIDAR
mapping of the lo'i kalo terraces in June 2023. After visiting the property in 2023,
archeologist Graves shared that these are some of"the most desirable lands in the []
Page 4 of 7
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
ahupua'a with abundant lo'i and access to water on both sides. Amazing they stayed in
private hands given how [the] Niuli'i Plantation bought up (or acquired the titles) to
most of the privately held lands in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries."
In addition to taro cultivation, this property has a legacy of hula and other related
cultural practice. The Kohala Reunion is a three-day event held every five years since it
was initiated in 2000 by a small group of Kohala kupuna (elders) including Fred Cachola
to celebrate the rich history of Kohala. On the first day of the 2022 Reunion, kupuna who
had been students of Aunty Margaret Tablit presented their hula. Aunty Margaret taught
generations of Kohala residents hula and received other kumu hula and noted Hawaiian
musicians on this property. Some of her students —the Lim family of Kohala - went on to
win the 2006 Merrie Monarch competition as Halau Lei o Kaholoku.
Finally, this Properties are riprarian and located at the junction of two important
streams, Waikane and Niuli'i Streams. Both hold important cultural and ecological
function as they merge and then feed into the ocean at Keokea. The more the lo'i on
these parcels are protected and stewarded, the greater the cultural and ecosystem
function of the property as well as the two riprarian streams, particularly as the
nutrients from lo'i kalo feed back into the streams, which feed the stream ecosystems,
estuary and near shore fishery. (Shae pull in references if time allows).
3) Describe (and include maps if available) showing any significant relationship to larger
historical,cultural,and/or natural landscape.
The Properties are
primarily made up of lo'i
kalo that you can see are
part of a much larger lo'i
kalo system, as depicted
in a Lydgate map from
the 1880s (see map
here, to the right). This
map shows the extensive
lo'i kalo (depicted by
cross hatch marks with
dots) that were once �y
r
thriving along the Niuli'i If
and Waikani Streams
(the streams centered at
the bottom of the map).
The golden star
identifies the location of
the Properties, at the
convergance of the Niuli'i and Wakani Streams.
Page 5 of 7
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
Other active restoration efforts for historic lo'i in the area include: (1) the Lama Kuku'i
Garden Restoration, makai of the Properties, a sponsored project of the North Kohala
Community Resource Center, which has allowed Nani Svendsen to "to restore old family
lands to serve children and adults needing to reconnect to the earth, to spirit, to their
culture, and ultimately to themselves;" (2) Waikani Lo'i - Ralph Galan maintains the
Waikani Lo'i ma uka of the Properties and a one lane bridge going through Makapala;
(3) Pakolea and Pu'u Mimi Lo'i -the Dircks Ah Sam 'Ohana currently holds three leases
to taro patches in Makapala uka. Lehua and Ashton Dircks Ah Sam inherited the kuleana
of the three patches from their grandfather Henry Ah Sam who inherited the leases
from his Aunty Rose Maeda and her father Hune Pilipi. All of these efforts to maintain,
restore, and steward ancient lo'i lands are a community effort and provide ecosystem
services from native species habitat restoration and stewardship, flood control and
mitigation; community resilience against the effects of climate change as well as
growing healthy and native foods for local families and the social impact when
connecting local families with 'aina, cultural practices, and cultural identity.
4) Describe the level of urgency.
See below, the response for#6 and pg. 3, first two paragraphs.
5) Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that currently exist.
See below, the response for#6.
6) Have partnerships with other government agencies or private or nonprofit entities
been identified to leverage resources?
Response to (4), (5) and (6): The Properties were listed for sale in November 2022 due to
financial circumstances of the 'ohana in caring for the family matriarch who was the
then owner of the Properties. HILT had been working with the legal representative of the
family and their real estate agent to identify solutions, with the last resort solution of
having a conservation easement protecting the property in the event it was sold on the
market. Upon the matriarch's sudden passing, she passed the property ownership to her
son, Beldon Kealoha, the current property owner who chose to follow his mom's wishes
and not sell the properties and continue to work with HILT to purchase a conservation
easement. The listing was withdrawn in August 2023 pending a successful outcome
working with HILT to purchase a conservation easement. The PONC request is for
additional funding support to supplement that which has been secured by HILT and
USDA NRCS in 2024 (see Attachment D2).
Without a successful completion of the conservation easement, the property will
continue to be at risk of a market sale. This a rare opportunity to work with a Hawaiian
family who continues to maintain ownership and stewardship of ancient lo'i lands. For
HILT, this is opportunity showcases a huge priorities and values alignment project we are
humbled to support and put forth for PONC and the County's consideration.
7) Is/are the property(s) or property easement(s) available for acquisition.
Page 6 of 7
Kealoha Family Lo'i 2025 PONC Suggestion Form
Yes. An agreement of sale for the easement has been entered into between HILT and the
landowner, who has cooperated with HILT's successful application for the NRCS funding.
Both HILT and the landowner are willing to amend such agreement to include the
County of Hawai'i. See the three letters provided via Attachment D. In addition, the
landowner and HILT have coordinated and hosted site visits for the USDA NRCS process
and looks forward to hosting PONC Commissioners.
8) Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions (i.e.,association or maintenance),
or easements on the property?
No.There are no covenants, encumbrances, restrictions or easements that burden the
property.
9) Describe any known hazards on the property (i.e.flood zone, lava hazard zone,
mudslides, pollution, etc).
The property lies in Flood Zone X and Lava Hazard Zone 9, both indicating low levels of
hazard. There are no other known or identified hazards on the property and none are
suspected in understanding the history of the Properties.
Page 7 of 7
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Joseph A. Carvalho
January 30, 2025
Jodie Rosam, Chair
Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space,
And Natural Resources Preservation Commission
Dear Chair Rosam and Commissioners,
I strongly support the nomination submitted by Hawaii Land Trust to the Hawaii County PONC
priority list for funding of a conservation easement to protect the Kealoha Family Lo'I —TMKs
(3) 5-2-009:0025 and (3) 5-2-009:0026.
1 have been an active member of the Community Access Committee of the North Kohala
Community Development Plan since its implementation in 2008. 1 was hired by the County for
the initial planning and data gathering in the community and worked with Jane Testa at that
time Director of Research. The Community Access committee has been instrumental in
acquiring lands for preservation in North Kohala via the PONC process with lands located at
Hapu'u, Kapanai'a, Kahailena, Pao'o to name a few. The community currently has a PONC
application in for the preservation of 88 acres property located East of Upolu Airport.
I strongly support this very accessible property and the continued Kealoha family's legacy in
cultural education for the Kohala Community. I hope it leads to further efforts to restore and
expand kalo production in the entire district.
Thank you for your continued focus on protecting the lands important to the people of Hawaii.
Aloha and Mahalo
cTisAepk A. Caw�
Joseph A. Carvalho
Halaula, Kohala
Kai Makani 0 Kohatia, Ohana
Jarmary 281, 20,25
Ji,)die Rosam, Chair
�Iiuvifli Courit, IPuwbUc Access, Open Spacei,
and NahAs"al Resiources, Pil"liana eirualtion ComniAssim't
25 Alupun! Stree( Sit, 1!101
Hilo Hi 9-6720
Dear Chair �Ros,am arid Cornmissioners,
We y aw strionx ysuppoirt Cive i rto n"xit"witio n subirnitted, b Hafl L and T it t h r'uso te Hauwi'f
Countli"' IRC p0oirity list for Winding i,'Aa cClinsle6vation easieffient to protielcIthie
Klealoha Fairrwll�j Loil -I'MKs 1(3) 51-2-0019:00,25 and (3) 5-2-0019010126
Ka Makarvi 01 kohala Ghana u a u.'orpioirafioirw established lin '19915 to (:arrl on Glee woo
of setpleira" I exi stlrvq colimimu nit V argainizatioins t Ipirotect the CUI : h,istairic
resoUrces of the 4ort19i Kohala &irld,, We ha" ue wior'ked since thert w4lt othleir Kuhaia
giroups and rion- roifits, tio, seicur(,," putflic alciciess ito the coast and niountai,i,is,, ,,�!c)i�rit,ltj,,
ue SUCC ", 9' I'My rlwrni nati('W and secured coastal liands f or preservation through
we ha' 'W'
the PONC and tlie $tate Legiact Land Clonseruatiolin Progs ain i sirtice 200191, We halue
stippoirted the desigslatingarii��s,teivar,ds,hil�) of trads an'a
Selcurin this P1.01j),eirt flag t igris uitti itlu! n iission, lo�f PONC and cont rtbutes, tic) t1w w ell-
being ( Pthe entire KXaU people IKohala, including Miakap gal ia and
NUH In I�mrtictiliari, haue fic"n, i9einieratioins benefiled from t1fls propeirty, ivsa Iluwwwafiwi
f'or aqw I ltural proidLmition ai i(I preseiruaxtion of Iij arid 14aiwaliairl, culture. Maps
drawin in the late '190'i certitury stiow ablundant lol'i 41 the i Makapala-Mululu area
that fed the district"'s, PUPAA�aflcni,
IKa IMakani 01 Kohatia 011'iana slupplorts this twryi accessiblie property and thei continued
Keallulta Gunily*s legacy in cluRtiral education flor tkse Koillivala corruniunity. We I'io e It
�eads tc) furthireffoirts to restore and exlp,mrwd ka,lo productiori in the i. dis rlct,,
Tflan k you for lualur confinued foicus on protectingthe lands important'lo the pelopIe
,Df Hatuiat'L
Miflama Uhikai (LKohalanei,
Toini'Mthington
President
David Fuertes, Executive Director
Kahua Pa'a Mua Inc non profit 5010
K PX ANUA P 01 Box 896 Kapaiau, HI 96755
_ .. Email n..B.KFu;E�r� I" ���6i7�.a�G �c:m
Building ag as h:°,°r�r� Foundation�ad,`a,r Website, www.kahuapaamua.org
January 29, 2025
Jodie Rosam, Chairperson
Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space
And Natural Resources Preservation Commission
25 Aupuni St Ste 1101
Hilo, Hll 96720
Dear Chair Rosarn and Cwornniissioners„
We are writing to express our support fior the nomination by Q Iawaii Land Trust to the
Ilawaii County PONC° priority list l'br funding, of conservation easement to Protect
the Kealoha Family Lo'l —TIw'MK ( ) 5-2-009-0025 and (3) 5-2-009-0026.
We are David Fuertes, Executive Director and Carol Fuertes, Sec/Treas. of Kahua Pa'a
Mua, Inc., nonprofit 5010 (founded in 2010). KPM has been bringing sustainable agriculture
practices applied locally in North Kohala, island-wide, and state-wide.
Kahua Pa'a Mua, which means "to build a strong foundation", and we do this by working
with youth and adults to build resilient communities through agriculture..
Over the years, we have been enhancing communities through economic, conservation,
preservation, social and educational programs for youth and adults. Our Learning Lab farm
KAPA is located in Halawa Ahupua'a, just 2 miles from this property. This historicail property
being recommended hats been in the Kealoha Ghana for generations. We have worked with
propagation of Kato in aina best practices with members of the Kealoha phana. We believe the
North Kohala community would benefit greatly with this Conservation Easement.
Mahalo for considering this letter of support, and, we look forward to the positive impact the
acquisition of this property will have on the Kohala Community.
Sin
cerely. e.
David Fuertes, Executive Director
Kahua Pa.a Mua, Inc. nonprofit 501C3
Carol Fuertes, Programs Mgr.
Kahua Pa'a Mua, Inc. nonprofit 5010
""gym 1,It
K 0 H A L A
R
Jodie Rosain,Chair
Hawaii County access,Open Space
An(]Natural Resources Preservation Commission
25 Atiipz>ni Street,St. 1.101.
Hilo HI 96720
Dear Chair Ros nuan and Commissioners:
On behalf"of The Kolnala Hawaiian Civic Club, we strongly support the nomination
submitted by Hawaii Land Trust to the.Hawvai'i County PONC priority list for funding of a
conservation easement to protect the Kealoha Fannily Lo`i -TIC Ks (3) 5-2-00 :0025 and( )
-2-00 :002 .
Tire, Kohala Hawaiian Civic! Club is a dedicated connnunuunnity based advocacy non-profit
organization under the Association of The Hawaiian Civic Club. The 1-lawvaiianu.Civic Club was
founded on December Via, 1918 by Prince Jonah Kahio Kalanialiaole to empower Native
Hawaiian people within their connnnnuurnities to instill, perpetuate anal..strengthen Hawaii's
econorruc advancement. We believe that preserving this property aligns with the vision of Prince
Kuhno, the mission of PONC", and contributes to North Kohala"as historical cultural preservation
and well-being of the, entire North Kohala connnnunity by building a space for food suustainability.
In the earliest recordings, nnalns drawn in the late 1 tln century showy abundant loci in the
entire Makapala-N'iulii area that feat the district's population, but most of these lanais were
acquired by outsiders and were lost to sugar production. TM Ks (3) 5- -00 : 2 and(. )
-2-0 :0026 played a significant role in providing sustainable provisions for c:onnnnuuauity
innennnbers through the taro batches, and holds a rich history of lntnla, farininng, and family for: the
surrounding Giuli`i village..
Please consider this nomination, it will serve as a cornerstone for an effort to restore a
historical site and expand l to production in the entire alutpua`a. This is a very accessible
property to demonstrate cultivation ofkalo and to continue a,generational agriculture legacy that
will benefit the North Kohala counnnunO, and f ttuure kalo fainers.
We thank you for youtr time and we look fon-wvard to the vision of production o1:food
sustainnability within the North Kohala C'onuniuunnit .
Mahal ,
, f KOHALA
haylen n aomia
w ma q«ucvurt
t'al N Q
ayTUPM, January 29, 2025
Welina Mai Me Ke Aloha,
,M;ISOR),GROUP Greetings Chair Rossam and Commissioners,
The North Kohala Culture& History Advisory Group is writing IN FULL
SUPPORT of Hawai'i Land Trust's nomination to the PONC priority list for
funding of a conservation easement to protect the Kealoha Family lo'i(TMKs
(3) 5-2-009:0025 and (3) 5-2-009:0026).
North Kohala Culture&History
Advisory Group As an advisory group our mission is to protect, preserve,and perpetuate
P.O. Box 659 historic and cultural resources in Kohala for today and future generations-
Kapaau, HI 96755 this means forefronting traditional agriculture.
kohalaculturehistoryadvisory@
gmail.com The Kealoha 'Ghana includes generations of passionate stewards embodying
Aloha 'Aina,who perpetuate Hawaiian practices, while taking care of and
loving the land.
The Kohala Community,and the villages of Makapala and Niuli'i in particular,
have for generations benefited from their property as a location for
agricultural production and preservation of history and Hawaiian culture.
Maps drawn in the late 19th century show abundant Io'i in the entire
Makapala-Niuli'i area that fed the district's population, until most of these
lands were acquired by outsiders and lost to sugar production.This
conservation easement will help support the Kealoha 'ohana's deep legacy of
cultural education for the community as well as support the much-needed
expansion and restoration of kalo production in the entire ahupua'a.
Mahalo for considering this letter of support,and we look forward to the
positive impact the acquisition of this property will have on our Kohala
community.
`Olelo No`eau: Ho`omoe wai kahi ke kao`o, Let's all travel together, like
water flowing in one direction.
Sincerely,
The North Kohala Culture and History and History Advisory Group
7
"i.
Jodie Rosam, Chair
Hawaii County Public Access, Open Space
And Natural Resources Preservation Commission
25 Aupuni Street, St. 1101
Hilo HI 96720
Dear Chair Rosam and Commissioners:
We, the members of Protect Pololu Project, fully support Hawaii Land Trust's endeavor.
We hope you strongly consider the nomination submitted by Hawaii Land Trust to the Hawaii
County PONC priority list to fund a conservation easement to preserve the Kealoha Family Lo'i-
TMKs (3) 5-2-009:0025 and (3) 5-2-009:0026.
The Protect Pololu Project is an approved community project under the fiscal sponsorship
of North Kohala Community Resource Center, a 501(c)3 non profit organization in North
Kohala. The Protect Pololu Project consists of lineal descendants, cultural practitioners and the
extended Kohala Community. Our mission of preserving and restoring a historical cultural space
aligns with Hawaii Land Trust's vision. We also understand that preserving this property aligns
with PONC and the State of Hawaii's mission on preservation and building community food
sustainability.
The Kealoha Family Lo'i, TMKs (3) 5-2-009:0025 and (3) 5-2-009:0026 holds a
significant genealogical history and value in cultivating taro in a lineal ancestral space.
Restoration of this space will impact and revive the ecological environment in the vicinity that
once thrived. Preserving this space will contribute to the rich history of North Kohala and be of
historical value to native practitioners, scholars, kalo farmers, and future generations.
Thank you for considering this letter of support, and we look forward to the positive impact the
acquisition of this property will have on preserving a historical lo'i.
Mahalo,
Kaylen Taomia
Way&Twmia
Treasurer-Protect Pololu Project
PO BOX 951
Kapaau, HI96755
I ' ll D T R
January 22, 2025
RE: WILLING CONSERVATION EASEMENT HOLDER LETTER FOR KEALOHA LO`I
Aloha mai kakou,
Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, d/b/a Hawaii Land Trust("HILT")is Hawai`i's islands-wide land
trust that is both a Hawai'i 501(c)3 nonprofit, and a nationally accredited land trust. Our mission is to
protect and steward the lands that sustain Hawai'i, and to perpetuate Hawaiian values by connecting
people with `a—ma. HILT has protected over 22,000 acres throughout Hawai'i, owns and stewards 8
preserves throughout the islands, and holds 54 conservation easements permanently protecting
conservation values of private lands across Hawaii. HILT prioritizes the protection of Hawaiian
cultural landscapes, coastlines, and lands that grow healthy food for Hawai`i's people.
HILT confirms its willing to co-hold an agricultural conservation easement("CE") restricting
and protecting approximately 2.39 acres consisting of TMKs 5-2-009:025 and 5-2-009:026 in
the Niuli`i, Kohala,Hawaii Island.
HILT wholeheartedly supports the permanent protection of the Kealoha Lo`i through a CE proposed
to be co-held by HILT and the County of Hawaii. The storied and once abundant lands of Niuli`i
offer this unique opportunity to permanently protect ancient lo`i lands still in cultivation today,
reconnecting the community back to the lands and lifestyles that sustain us.
Thus far, HILT has secured U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Agricultural
Conservation Easement Program(ACEP)funding support and has closed several agricultural
conservation easement projects with NRCS ACEP funding. HILT is committed to working in
partnership with NRCS ACEP and the County of Hawaii to complete this Kealoha Lo`i CE project.
HILT monitors all of the conservation easements it holds and co-holds annually (54 conservation
easements at the time of this letter) and takes appropriate steps to bring conservation easements back
into compliance in the event that any term of a conservation easement is not followed in the future.
As an accredited land trust, Hawaii Land Trust follows best standards and practices in conservation
easement drafting, monitoring, and violation correction. Mahalo for the opportunity to share HILT's
support and enthusiastic willingness to serve as conservation easement co-holder.
Malama pono (take care),
Gaa—g��
Shaelene Kamakaala
Director of`Aina Protection
Hawaii Land Trust
r'i"ind I rus[ 1 1108 Queen Street,Suite 306,Honolulu,Hawaii,96813 1 808.744.AINA I I Ili. I oi'(j
USDA
Ulnited States Department of Agriculture
January 28, 2025
Hawaiian Islands Land'Trust (Hawaii Land Truest)
1108 Fort Street Mall, Suite 4
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
SUBJECT.- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program—Agricultural Land Easel uent
(ACEP-ALE),Parcel Contract 5492 5124,01 H
Dear Hawaiian Islands LanclTrust:
This letter confunis that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) has
executed ACEP"-.ALE parcel CODt14,RCt 5492512401 H with Hawaiian Islands Land Trust
cotninitting ACEP-ALE ftinds in the aniourit of$150,00O towards the purchase of an agricultural
land easellient (conservation easement) oil tile following lands-
Tax Map Key (TMK) (3) 5-2-9-025 and(3) 5-2-9:026 oil the Island of Hawaii, parcels
owned by The Revocable Trust Agreement of Beldon K. Kealoha dated Sept, 30, 2019,
The ACEP-ALE parcel contract 54,925124,011-1 was flilly executed oil August 12, 2024 and
expires March 31, 2027. The Hawaiian Islands Land'Tnist must acquire the agricultural land
easement tinder the terms of the parcel contract and the AC E,P-ALE funds must Lv dispersed by
the March 31, 202 7 expiration. The NRCS comirtitted amount of S 150,000 is sub�ject to appraisal
of the easement—NRCS is limited by Federal statute to a contribution of tip to 5Mo of the
appro,%,,ed appraised value of the easement.
NRCS appreciates the partnership and C01111DItinent of Hawaiian Islands Land Truest to
conserving our Nation's natural resources and looks forward to working with you oil this
particular ACEP-ALE acquisition.
Sincerely,
X
MICHAEL IBILANCIONE
Easernent Acquisitions Branch Realty Speba list
signed by MICHAEL BILANCIOINE
Natural Resources Conservatim Service
An Equal Opportunity Provider,Employer,and Lender
January 27, 2025
County of Hawaii — Department of Finance
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource
Preservation Commission
25 Aupuni St, Hilo HI 96740
RE: TMKs (3) 5-2-009:025 and (3) 5-2-009:026 located in Makapala & Niuli`i, Kohala
District
I represent the current landowner of the subject properties, which have been in my
family for over 100 years. I write to affirm my willingness to sell a conservation
easement to Hawaii Land Trust and the County of Hawaii to place restrictions on the
land to ensure its permanent protection.
The properties were recently passed down to me by my mother upon her passing and I
almost saw generations of lineal ownership and stewardship lost as my `ohana (family)
was forced to put the properties on the market in November 2022 due to financial
circumstances in caring for our 'ohana matriarch, my mom. Given my mom's wishes to
not sell the properties, I chose to continue the work with Hawaii Land Trust to purchase
a conservation easement which allowed my `ohana to withdraw the properties' listing
from the market in 2023, until such conservation easement purchase can be secured.
My `ohana and I also wish to preserve this propertys' historic and cultural significance
for the Kohala community as a place where many Kohala residents, including Merrie
Monarch winning kumu hula, learned hula from my grandmother. Our 'ohana kuleana to
maintain the health of both Niuli`i and Waikani Streams that connect at the end of the
properties, is uniquely important to the ahupua'a in restoring the health and flow of our
waterways and greater lo`i kalo system mauka to makai (from the mountains to the sea).
Hawaii Land Trust has secured partial funding support for the purchase of the
conservation easement from the USDA NRCS and is submitting this nomination to
PONC for additional funding support.
On behalf of myself and my `ohana, as well as the larger Niuli`i, Makapala and Kohala
community, I wish to thank the Commissioners and County in advance for their
consideration of HILT's nomination.
Sincerely,
1/ f M Ihy siit PI i
d 01/30/202 210451 UTC