HomeMy WebLinkAboutSugg. 25-06 Revised—12-08-2024
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Public Access, Open Space, and fees I"III Reserved for office use.
dI t Resource Preservation Commission
SUGGESTION FORM
r. For Lands and/or property Entitlements for Acquisition
The public Access, Open Space, and INatuural Resources Preservation Commission (P01NC) is accepting suggestions
for sites or projects to improve ulpon public access, open space, and natural resources, preservation, pursuant to
Chapter 2, Article 42, of the Hale ai"lii Coulnty, Code. Please use this foam to tell the Commission about a (property
that YOU Would) like to see protected', The Commission welcomes re-submission of prevricuusly submitted) properties,.
please use one form per suggestion and limit total application size to less than 10 NAB(megabytes)or 20 pages max-
!mum (inlclulding (photos, maps, and figures.. If adjacent or nearby areas are protected and/or pulbllic areas, include
regional (maps as well). Adlditiolnall public testimony may be submitted to exceed the 20 page Imaximum. The
Commission's ranking of the suggestion is based on the information provided in this suggestion form and Ilhow it meets
the PO,NIC scoring clriiteriia and not solely on the expression of Ipubliic support or opposition.
Name of Site or Iplroject: Kakua Ke lakek i
AIhupua"a,Council) District,and LocationWithin: awal a, South Kona, District 6
Tara Map Key(TMK)Nurmber(s): - - ,09-1007 & 0108 Land Area('Acreage): 1 .26
Property Ow rnelr llnforrmatlion:
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Narne(s): Email:
Address: Phone.
To your knowledge, is the property owner aware of this nomination? Nyes ONlo OUnsure
Suggested purchase Method: WIConservatioln Easement 0Fee Simple 0I0thelr
Nominators Contact Information:
Nlarr"r�e(s):
l eyina F amlolllete Hlayashi (Trust for Public .and Lmalll:
) e +lna xamolete t 1.or
Address:drlress:
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512, Honoluil Cu u, HI ' 1 ��.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Phone:
Reason for nomination of property(please check all(boxes that apply)
Public outdoor recreation and edlucation, incluclung access to beaches and mountains
®I Preservation of historic or culturally important land)areas and sites
NI Protection of niatulral resources, significant hiabitat or ecosystems, including,buffer zones
Preservation of forests, inciculdlinp;,beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty, and a ricu.ulltural hands
Protection of vratershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply
Hawai"lil County is an Equal Opportunity ProOder and Employelr
Page'I of
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 S.
➢ 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)?0 Yes ❑ No El Unknown. If yes, please describe.
7) Is/Are the property(s) or property easement(s) available for acquisition? DYes ❑No ❑Unknown.
If yes, please describe.
8) Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions (i.e., association or maintenance), or easements on the
property? ❑ Yes 0 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.P0NL,@-LqwaiiC0ULt_V.f
.9y,_or you may mail CUSPS,
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 Iby w3 Ili.m. oinJainuairy 31, 2025, as evidenced Illy the County of I lawaili
time clock, PS l l he 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.EQN.0 hawaoocount n ov
Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
Page 3 of 3
AttachmentA
Provide a Tax Map Key Plat and a property map with the property boundaries and/or proposed
access outline or highlighted.
Al.Tax Map Key Plat
A2. Kokua Kealakekua-property
A3. Ka`awaloa/Kealakekua
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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.
Public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains
The property sits at the popular Ka'awaloa trailhead,a critical access to the 537-acre Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Both Ka'awaloa trail and the Park face severe challenges of unmanaged
access, overuse,and extractive tourism. In 2024, Kealakekua Bay,visited by over 50,000 people a
year engaged in all kinds of recreation (e.g. hiking,swimming,snorkeling,diving, kayaking, boating).
Ka'awaloa trail was accessed by over 17,000 people in 2023 and has climbed to over 53,000 in
2024.There are no restroom facilities or water at Ka'awaloa and many visitors are ill-prepared for
the rigorous,steep,4 mile round trip hike.About 30 rescues occur annually by the Captain Cook
Fire Station.
Back in 2022, HKN partnered with community, NGOs, and government agencies to develop the
Kealakekua Bay Community Action Plan (CAP), a model for community co-management of the
Park. HKN holds a Curatorship Agreement with State Parks which began as an Adopt A Park
Agreement in 2016. In 2023,State Parks adopted the CAP in its Master Plan and is now partnering
with HKN to implement it.
Protecting this property is critical to CAP implementation because it will become a managed
gateway to Ka'awaloa trail and the Bay, a kipuka for restoration and cultural, and educational
programs. Establishing a cultural stewardship center at the trailhead will implement carrying
capacity limits, reduce recreational overuse, and establish cultural codes of conduct ensuring
pono and safe cultural and recreational access to Ka'awaloa. In the long term community-based,
culturally grounded stewardship and management will encourage regenerative tourism, empower
residents and visitors to malama `aina,create green jobs, and protect this cherished wahi pans.
Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites
The property is in the ahupua`a of Ka'awaloa (distant`awa) in two wahi pans, Kuapehu (swollen
back)and Manua (piled, accumulated)and part of the Kona agricultural field system. It was once
owned by Chief Naihe and his wife famed Chiefess Kapiolani. In a ka`ao about Kamiki, he harvests
ceremonial'awa hiwa in the gardens of Manua, dangling from`iliahi trees, never touching the
ground.Another mo`olelo of Kani'aukani speaks of Kamehameha seeing his people suffering
famine because they are too busy harvesting sandalwood to plant food and tend to the fields.
Kamehameha visits his uncle Chief Naihe in Ka'awaloa begging to collect huli to restore his fields.
Naihe sends Kamehameha to Kuapehu to gather huli and hapu`u to plant an area over 5 miles
Long,alongside his subjects.This speaks to the abundance of Kuapehu at the time. (see
attachment for ka`ao and mo`olelo)
The property is situated on the cusp of Kuapehu and Manua, both wahi pans and for many
centuries served as an agricultural field system.The property could potentially offer beautiful views
of Ka'awaloa, N5p6'opo`o, Ke'ei, Honaunau.The property's ocean views will enable the sharing of
the rich ka'ao such as Kua and how the name Kealakekua (the path of Kua) honors an older name of
the Bay, Kapukapu. Kua was a chief from Ka'u and shark god who through expert kilo helped teach
farmers and fishers of Kapukapu how to plant using maka`ili and construct ko`a to increase fish
populations. Proper kilo,essential to pono land and resource management, is only possible with
unobstructed view planes from mauka to makai. Maintaining the property in open space will create
opportunities to perpetuate the cultural practices and mo`olelo of Kealakekua.
The property is a portion of Royal Patent 4386&7532, Land Commission Award 8452 Apana 10 to A.
Keohokalole in 1881. State Historic Site#7253 appears to be on the property.
The propertywill enable community stewardship of Kealakekua Baywhich is a significant wahi
pana (storied place,) home to the historic Kona Field System,two fishing villages, Hikiau Heiau,
Helehelekalani Heiau,trails,dry stack walls, anchialine pools, ponds, birthing sites, house sites,
and burial grounds. It was selected by the ali`i (chiefs, monarchs)as one of 7 royal centers of Kona
in the 1700s because of its sheltered bay and abundance of natural resources.The Hikiau Heiau
complex made up of a luakini heiau,Wailokoali`i pond,and other heiau, played an important
political role amongali`i, including the birth of Lonoikamakahiki.
Kealakekua was also the site of the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Europeans when
Captain James Cook anchored there in January 1779. Cook was subsequently killed there after
kidnapping Kalani`opu`u,the ruling chief of the island.A controversial monument to Cook, built by
the British in 1874, still stands at the Ka`awaloa side of the Bay.The region surrounding the Baywas
designated a National Register Historic District in 1973(Site#73000651).
Protection of natural resources,significant habitat or ecosystems, including buffer zones
Kealakekua Bay is a MLCD and one of the most sheltered bays on the island. Ka`awaloa is a flat
peninsula near sea level that rises gradually to the north edge of the pali. Its shoreline is a levy
ledge with some sand and coral beaches.The steep 600 ft high, 1.5 mi. long Pali Kapu o Keoua (cliff)
shelters the Bay.The northern portion of the pali has numerous lava tube caves.Above the pali
(where the property is located)the land slopes up toward the summit of Mauna Loa. N5p6'opo`o is
relatively flat and slightly elevated above sea level. It used to be fronted by a sand beach which was
covered in boulders after Hurricane Iniki in 1992.A shallow sand bar still fronts the beach.
The property itself is overgrown with invasive vegetation including monsters, koa haole,golden
pathos and epipremnum aureum,to name a few.These species are quickly taking over many of the
canoe plants, including`ulu (breadfruit)and ki(ti).
Kealakekua Bay is dominated by non-native species, but native plants include: ilie`e,`uhaloa, pili
and manienie grass,`ali`ala wai nui, pua kala, maiapilo,and ma`o.The Park's native birds include:
`ulili (Wandering tattler), koa`e kea (White-tailed tropicbird),and`auku`u (Black-crowned night-
heron).8 Federal and State endangered or threatened species occur in the Kealakekua Bay region
including:ae`o(Hawaiian stilt),`alae ke`oke`o(Hawaiian coot),`ak6'ake(Band rumped storm
petrel),`u`au (Hawaiian petrel), `ua`u kani (Newell's shearwater), `io(Hawaiian Hawk), `Ope`ape`a
(Hawaiian hoary bat), and Blackburn's sphinx moth.
Preservation of forests, including beaches,coastal areas, natural beauty,and agricultural
lands
Beaches and Coastal Lands: Protection of the propertywill enable community co-stewardship of
Kealakekua Bay.The Bay(which measures 1 mi. long and'/z mi.wide) is one of the most sheltered
natural bays on the island, known for its clear waters and underwater visibility.The 315 acre Bay is a
Marine Life Conservation District(MLCD)which includes a shallow coral reef ecosystem and
habitat for diverse coral,fish (akule, `opelu, kole), shellfish (`opihi: ko`ele, `alinalina, makaiauli),and
limn (seaweed) Limu kohu is currently present,while limn pahe`e, limu wawa`iole,and limn lipoa
were previously present and HKN hopes to bring them back. Over 100 fish species live in the Bay
and their abundance was among the highest recorded in Hawaii.The Bay is also home to a pod of
resident nai`a (spinner dolphins)and is one of the few available resting areas for nai`a on the island.
The pod ranges from 5 to 110 nai`a.The Bay's abrupt nearshore dropoff made it ideal for anchoring
canoes and ships.The local community still relies on the Bay for cultural practice,fishing, and
gathering.
Agricultural Lands: In pre-contact Hawaii Kealakekua was home to fishing villages along the
shoreline with an extensive agricultural field system on the slopes above the pali (cliff). `Ulu
(breadfruit)groves hugged the edge of the pali and kalo (taro)and`uala (sweet potato)fields
separated by low walls stretched up the inland slopes. Some remnants of the old Kona filed system
can still be found inside the Park.While ranchingwas the prominent in the late 1800s and early
1900s, farming of coffee and pineapple and other agricultural activities became more prevalent in
the 20th Century.
Protecting the property will allow HKN to plant a mala (garden)on a portion of the property with
native and canoe plants for food, la`au (medicine), lei,and traditional crafts and implements.The
mala will be used for educational and cultural programs and gathering by cultural practitioners.
Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply
The property lies in the 44-acre Kealakekua Watershed and Aquifer which has a sustainable yield of
38 MGD.The name of the rain here is Haleu`ole.The area surrounding the Bay is a wetter coastal
area, receiving as much as 50 inches of rain annually. Preventing development of the property and
restoring native vegetation will prevent runoff, erosion, and pollution into the coastal area.
The property will enable community stewardship of the Park's water resources. Groundwater
plumes emanate from the coastline surrounding Kealakekua Bay at brackish springs along the
shore.Wailokoali`i is a muliwai (brackish water pond)at Napo`opo`o beach that has a rock bottom
from ancient times but is becoming filled with sediment.The pond is home to wetland insects,
including the native blue darner, globe skimmer, orange black damselfly,and was previously home
to`opae`ula.The Ka`awaloa wetland is overgrown with invasive vegetation.
Attachment C—Letters of Support
If available,provide community letters of support or endorsements for this proposed acquisition or
project.
1. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, National Park Service (Aric Arakaki)
2. Conservation International Hawaii (Moans Ulu Ching)
3. Councilmember Michelle M. Galimba (Hawai`i County Council, District 6)
4. DLNR Division of State Parks (Curt Cottrell)
5. Hawai`i Wildlife Fund (Megan Lamson Leatherman, Bill Gilmartin, Hannah Bernard)
6. Hokuli`a Park&Cultural Sites Association (Mike Vitousek)
7. Kahalu`u Kuahewa (Jesse Kekoa Kaho`onei)
8. Kai Kuleana Network
a. Kalanihale(Ka`imi Kaupiko)
b. Kohanaiki (Reggie Lee)
c. Puako Community Association
d. Conservation International(Moans Ulu Ching)
e. Moana `Ohana (Mike Nakachi)
f. Hui Aloha Kiholo (Charles Wiggins)
g. KUPA Friends of Ho`okena Beach Park(Charles Young)
h. Kipapa `Ohana (Malia Kipapa)
i. Jeffery K. Coakley(Kauhola, North Kohala)
j. Isabel Kalaau-Catrett(Kailapa community member)
k. Diane and Roger Kanealii Jr. (Kawaihae)
9. Kona Historical Society(Lisa Greenwell Hummel)
10. Kulaiwi Archaeology, LLC (Solomon H. Kailihiwa)
11. Lomi Pono (Momi Nobriga)
12. Na Hoa Ulula`au o Kalamawai`awa`awa (Dernie Waikiki)
13. Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center(Scott Laursen)
14. Protect Kaho`olawe`Ohana (Davianna Pomaika`i McGregor)
15. Protect Pololu Project(Kaylen Taomia)
16. Senator Dru Mamo Kanuha (Senator. 3rd Senatorial District)
17. Terraformation (Becky Hary)
18. The Healy Foundation (Usha Kilpatrick)
19. The Nature Conservancy(Emily Fielding)
20. University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program (Darren T. Lerner)
21. Amber Datta
22. Dennis and Anne Klimke
23. Dr. Kaliko Baker(Mo`o Lono, Kanaloha Kaho`olawe)
24. Keoki George Schattauer Jr.
� United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
73-4786 Kanalani St., #14
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
Tel: (808) 217-0307
Fax: (808) 329-2597
January 15, 2025
Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawai'i 96750
Subject: Support for Acquisition in Fee of TMK (3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008)
at Ka'awaloa, South Kona, Hawai'i Island
Aloha,
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, NPS strongly supports Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui's, and Trust for
Public Land's efforts to purchase "Kokua Kealakekua", composed of a total of 1.26 acres at
Ka'awaloa, South Kona, Hawai'i Island.
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail's (NHT) 175-mile corridor was designated in 2000 to
administer the management, preservation, protection and interpretation of a system of ancient
and historic trails from Upolu Point around South Point and into Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park. It is the policy of this NHT to support and build capacity for descendant-led, community
based/driven trail management based on traditional ahupua'a land and marine management
and values in a manner that is inclusive of all members of the community.
Ala Kahakai staff has been in close collaboration with the Kealakekua community and
associated organizations, including State Parks, on several initiatives consistent with the above
stated policy. Being aware of the carrying capacity issue at Ka'awaloa, we have deployed trail
user counters on the trail and provide this data monthly to HKN and other government and
NGO collaborators. The Ka'awaloa trail remains unmanaged. Most trail users enter
unprepared for the elevation change, heat, lack of hydration, and proper PPE attire. Parking at
trail head is inadequate and not managed.
Working is close collaboration with State Parks, we are poised to initiate the stabilization and
restoration of a causeway, on a section of the Ka'awaloa trail. The collapse was caused by the
2006 earthquake. Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui and another Kealakekua non-profit, Ike Lawai'a are
involved in the planning and will be partnering with us on community engagement and
education for this project. This project will begin in June of this year.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka'awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
NPS LOS Kokua Kealakekua
January 15, 2025
Page 2 of 2
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawai'i, Kealakekua faces severe
challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit Ho'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and
natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an
interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of
the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active management,
outreach and education.
The acquisition of the subject property will provide an opportunity to properly manage the
above cited carrying capacity and trail user safety issues. It will also provide opportunities for
trail and community-based co-management of the state park; opportunities for interpretive
displays, guided hikes, etc.; and a means to build community resiliency around the celebration
of the history, culture and residents of Kealakekua and adjacent ahupua'a.
We remain committed to supporting and offering Ala Kahakai NHT's technical services and
resources (i.e. trail head planning, cultural and natural resources management, GIS mapping,
and project funding) to the Kealakekua community, specifically Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui at the
Ka'awaloa trailhead. We humbly request your support for this land acquisition effort.
Sincerely,
Superintendent
�III�I r'
CONSERVATION
r HHIM e
AW AN
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of two land parcels in Kealakekua, South Kona,
Hawaii
17 January 2025
Aloha kakou,
I am pleased to offer the support of Conservation International Hawaii (CI Hawaii) to the South
Kona community non-profit organization, H6'ala Kealakekua Nui, and the Trust for Public Land
in their combined effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-
009:007 and TMK(3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island. H6'ala
Kealakekua Nui (HKN) is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit engaging in collaborative stewardship
of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the whole community, including guests
and future generations.
Like other precious places across Hawaii nei, unmanaged tourism and overuse pose serious
challenges to Kealakekua. Purchase of Kokua Kealakekua means empowerment for the
community and a greater ability to collaboratively steward the cultural and natural resources of
the area. The parcels of interest sit across the Ka`awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook Monument
Trail), which serves as the main public access route to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State
Historical Park. Parking infrastructure would support managed access to the Bay and provide a
space for an interpretive center at Kealakekua that would ensure an `oiwi-centered narrative of
the Bay and surrounding sacred and historical sites is shared with malihini and kama`aina.
Additionally, important safety and other updated information can be accurately and quickly
disseminated.
Across the pae `aina, Cl Hawaii focuses on sustainable seafood harvest, innovations in
conservation policy, and community-based natural resource stewardship, which all lead to
improved ocean health and abundance. Our partnerships are collaborations between
businesses, non-profits, academic institutions, government, and local fishing villages and
communities, including Kealakekua. Cl Hawaii has been privileged to partner with Ho`51a
Kealakekua Nui on community-basedenvironmental monitoring, `oiwi-defined research, and
Indigenous data and knowledge management topics. Our organization believes in the vision of
community-led natural resource and visitor access and management in Kealakekua and other
sacred spaces. Their proposed purchase of the two mauka parcels will significantly increase
their organizational capacity to continue to serve Kealakekua and achieve the objectives and
outcomes articulated in the Kealakekua Community Action Plan.
Conservation International Hawai'i, 3555 Harding Avenue Suite 200, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96816
�III�I r'
CONSERVATION
r HHIM e
AW AN
Mahalo for the opportunity to convey our strong support for H KN and TPL's acquisition and
protection of lands in South Kona. Cl Hawaii looks forward to continuing our work with our
community-based organization partners in Kealakekua, supporting their cultural and natural
resource stewardship for greater ocean and community health. Please feel free to contact me
with any questions or for further follow-up.
Me ke aloha,
Moana Ulu Ching
f / Senior Program Manager for Community-based Conservation
Conservation International Hawaii
Conservation International Hawai'i, 3555 Harding Avenue Suite 200, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96816
Michelle M. Galimba
Council District 6
Portion N. S. Kona/Ka`u/Volcano
Phone: (808) 323-4277
Cell: (808)430-4927
Fax: (808) 329-4786
Email: Michelle.Galimba@hawaiicountygov
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
County of Hawai`i
West Hawai`i Civic Center Bldg.A
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.
Kailua-Kona,Hawai`i 96740
01-03-2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii
Island
To Whom it May Concern,
I support Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect TMK
(3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
Strategically located across from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook Monument
Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park,
this acquisition will help to empower the community and nonprofit Ho`ala Keakalekua Nui to
protect and steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a
managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
Mahalo,
Hawaii County Is an Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
JOSH GREEN„M.D. �d��s� "'��.� rFN DAWN N�S.CHCANG
S30VERNOR�KE Nx AiNA, CHMRPER'SON
SQARD OF AANO AND NATURAL RESOURCES
, DOMMI$SGCN ON WATER RESOURCE
u.IELsTENr GOVERNOR SeRN I K A HOPE KItA.AONA, �� MANAGEMENT
� r° �� � �
FIRST DEPUTY
crARA wu.rt iKARiAHAR+GE
dH"`" •• DEPUTY DIRECTOR WATER
AQUATIC RESCURCVS
gam' �p 80A,TIING AND OCEAN RCCREIwTQN
STATE of HAWAI I I IAA NVlol^ U,AdIII�I'IA�t Ao HAwAH BUREAU OF CONVEYANCES
COMMISSXGN ON WATER RESQURCF
" ' nANg VMEMTDEPARTUENT O LAN AND NATURAL RESOURCE CGN EFVi d AGO RE Al LANDScorrAovo cGNSHRVATIGrNAND RESOURCES LrJ �AIWAI`AINA
L.MFG6zCVMENT
ENGINEERING
FORESTRY AND ftLd'UFE:
HBSTO RIC PRESERVATION
DIVISION or STATE PARKS KAHOOLA IAF,tlSOI"ND RESERVE CGMWSVON
PIOL BOX 621 LAND
STATE PARKS
HONOL'ULU,HAWAII 99809
January 27, 2024
VIA EMAIL: admin@Ikealakekua.org
Hd`ala Keal'akekua 1ui
P.C . 'Box 1301
Kealakekua„ Hawai°i 96750
VIA EMAIL: lice@hawaii.gov
Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Legacy Land Conservation Commission
1151 Punchbowl St. Room 325,
Kalamimoku Building
Honolulu, Hl, 96813
Support for H66'ala Kealakekua Nui purchasing K6kua Kealakekua 1.26 acres 'TMK
8-1-009.007 and TMK -1-009w008 in Ka,'a aloe Scu h l one Hauwai`i Island.
Aloha Members of the Commission,
The (Division of State Parks (DSP) is in robust Support of Hdeala Kealakekua NUi (HKN)
purchasing Kdkua Kealakekua, a 1.2 -acre parcel - "I"MK ( ) -1-009:007 and TMK ( ) -1-
009:00'8) in Ka"awaloa, South Kona, Hawai"i Island.
DSP has had a very successful collaborative relationship with HKN virtually since this
nonprofit"s inception at Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park (KBBHP). For the past g years
DSP and KHN have been engaged in co-stewardship of the grounds surroundings Hikiau and
Helehelekalani heiaus„ and KI-ll provided valuable content for the KBBHP Master Plan (MP).
such as helping DSP with a Ke"pa"akai analysis that the earlier version of the MP was lacking.
The MP was approved in 20 with KHN support. KH1\1 then continued its collaboration and
community-based advocacy in the follow-up and subsequent Kealakekua Bay Community
Action Planning (CAP) process hosted by The Nature Conservancy - whose vision its now
carried on by the KapuKapu Ohana, an expanded group of engaged cornMUnity members and
DLNI (Department of Land and Natuiral Resources) that includes HKN.
DSP is now hoping to support expanding the role of KHN at Kealakekua in a manner that is
comparable to Hui Maa"ainana o Makana's stewardship and co-management role at Ha'ena
State Park on Kauai.
The K61kua, Kealakekua parcel is strategically located across the road from the popular historic
Ka'awaloa trailhead (popularly known as the Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the only
land based public access to Ka'awaloa - the north end of KBSHP and across the Bay frorn the
village of INapol'opo'o. Like several other park units across Ha rail, KBSHP has been plaglued
by over-tourism as an attraction due to its stunning ocean water and fish population (it is a
Marine if Conservation District) and the deep cultural and historicali significance with such
striking features as the hei,aus, and the obelisk of Captain Cook's Monument.
Having this parcel under the cornrnUrlity-based stewardship and deployment of the HKN will
greatly add to their capacity to further support enhance stewardship of the natural and cultural
resources of KBSHR DSP has initiated permitted ocean-based access to the Bay, but the
Ka'awaloa Trail — under both County and State jurisdiction, is a key and critical access point
that needs, both visitor management and resource enhancement and protection,
The timing of the,availability of this parcel for HKN acquisitor could not come at a better
time and is in perfect alignment with DSP"s goal to support HKN in capacity building to
enact the elements of the MP and the CAP.
HKN is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is, to engage in collaborative
stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and Cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole
COMMUnity, including visitors and our resident generations to come, through active restoration,
outreach and education, DSP is in staunch support and appreciative of their mission and looks
forwards to enhancing their capacity to mal�ama KBSHR
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify,
C u r-t-Cottrel I
Administrator
' q �awa,ri Wig ife Puna
1'ost Offce 1jox 1&o 1,kealakekua, Hawaii,t1l
Post O)ce 1jox79ov�37 1aia,A4,ui, t1l 9�779
C_eickratin',c,L8 dears o��rot:ect:in�f jawaii's native wildli�e t.irou�i
(7Nfl4�aw"'Ovo,"
research,education and conservation.
7 January 2025
Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui Trust for Public Land
admin@lkealakekua.org reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
P.O. Box 1301 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawai'i Island
To Whom it May Concern,
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund strongly supports the South Kona community, Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui, and
Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-
009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka'awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
The Kokua Kealakekua property is strategically located across the road from the popular
Ka'awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north
end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua
faces severe challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will
empower the community and nonprofit Ho'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the
cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to Kealakekua
Bay and an interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native-Hawaiian-led nonprofit organization whose mission is to
engage in collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the
benefit of the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active
restoration, outreach and education.
Founded in 1996, Hawaii Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to
conserve Hawai'i's native wildlife through research and education. We engage and inspire
communities through outreach, education, conservation and habitat restoration activities,
www.wildkawaii.org
conducting environmental research, supporting community-driven management efforts, and
initiating advocacy campaigns. We have been working to protect native wildlife and restore
coastal / nearshore ecosystems across the Hawaiian Archipelago for the past 28 years with
community and partner support.
The HWF team has worked with the volunteer Board members and Co-founders of Ho'ala
Kealakekua Nui, and other state (DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii State Parks, and
Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement), and community/ nonprofit partners,
including but not limited to The Nature Conservancy and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail staff
members, and several ecotourism operators for many months to vision and create a Community
Action Plan (CAP) for the Kealakekua area. This proposal to both purchase and steward the
Kokua Kealakekua parcel is in alignment with this CAP, and will allow Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui
(HKN) team members be better situated to co-manage the people (hundreds of visitors logged
daily!), plants and animals that use this trail corridor to access to the Bay, while simultaneously
working to better protect native wildlife and cultural sites, and perpetuate cultural traditions and
provide more opportunities for island community members to form relationships with this 'aina.
Furthermore, the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) has long been an ally to community groups in
securing lands for conservation on island. As such and for all the named reasons and those
unwritten, we are in total support of this proposal!
In summary, HWF supports the purchase and protection efforts as laid out by HKN and TPL for
K®kua Kealakekua. Thank you for considering this support letter. Should you have any questions,
please contact me at.megan@wildhawaii.org.
Sincerely,
Megan Lamson Leatherman, M. Sc.
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, President and Hawai'i Program Director
megan@wildhawaii.org I (c) 808-217-5777 1 (w) 808-769-7629 (HWF Marine Debris Hotline)
7
Bill Gilmartin, HWF Co-founder and Director
of Research, Emeritus bill.HWF@gmail.com Hannah Bernard, HWF Co-founder and
Executive Director hannah@wildhawaii.org
www.wildkawaii.org
LOW,
January 16, 20,25
VIA EMAIL:admil�n@Lkeatakekuia.org
1-16'ala �Keatakekua Nlui
P.O. Box 13011
Kealakekua, Ha wail 961750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.rainiolete@tpL.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street,Suite 1512
(Honolulu, NHaiwai"i 96813
R e-. Support for the protection,and purchase of Ukuia Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawail
Island
To Whom It May Concern,
The HUQU'a Park and Cultural Sites Association strongly supports the South Kona
community, H6'alai Kealakekua NUi, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and
protect Ka kua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, INK(3)8-1-009;007 and TIVIK(3) 8-1-0109:008), in
Ka'awaloa, South Kona!, Hawail Island.
The Subject parcel is located across N5po'opoo Road from the popular Ka'awaloa
traithead (Captain Cook Monument Trait). The current situation at the trail head: poses
serious issues for the safety of the roadway ands surrounding properties. Hundreds of
people hike thie trail daily, parking in unsafe areas along,the roads. This is an unsafe
environment that wilt lead to tragedy, IIn addition, the Unrnaniaged access,to Kealakekua
Bay poses serious issues for the cultural and inatural resources of the area, The hundreds
of visitors per day are not given information, on,avoiding adverse impacts or) natural and
cultural resources. The use of this, parcel to, manage parking around the busiest
1-100h'a Par*and Cidwrv/Sitey Association - Ani 101h4,v1?ox247 - Kvalakckua, llawaii - 96750
96750'
toe,
A S S (), ' I All () N
intersection in South Kona aindl as,tool for stewardship of Keatakekua IBay State Park would
be imimensetyvatuabte to,the commuiniity.
The HUCAil'a Park and Cultural Sites Association(P,CSA) is,also dedicated to protecting the
natural and cultural resources of Kealakekua. Our goat aligns with H6'a,(a Keatakekua as we
also manage historic landscapes, and traits that lead to, Kealakekua Baiy,
We understand that this area's cultural history is important to the community and that the
wrong,type of development on,these parcels wouild negatively affect the
Kea lake kua,/Ka'aiwaloa community. It could potentially curtail the beneficial uses of
Keataikeua Bay State Park by further exacerbating the parking issue. We support 1-161"ala
Keatakekua's, mission to ac:qluire this Land to 1promiote the stewardship,of the resources iin
Kealakekua Bay and safety of the community. This is a resource that needs to be managed,
and we believe that 1-16'alai Kealakekua would be the best entity to manage! it,
.............
Mike Vitousek
PCSA President
H001i'a Pa rk a n d Cultv ra I Sites Assoc ia ho n - Post 01five Box-94 7 - Kcalakeh tia, thmah' - 96 75 0
!WZ50
January 16th, 2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawai'i 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawai'i
Island
To Whom it May Concern,
Kahalu'u Kuahewa 501(c)3 strongly supports the South Kona community, H6'ala Kealakekua
Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1.26 acres,
TMK (3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka'awaloa, South Kona, Hawai'i Island.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka'awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawai'i, Kealakekua faces severe
challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit H6'ala Kealakekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and natural
resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of
the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active restoration,
outreach and education.
Kahalu'u Kuahewa is a non-profit organization that works towards the revitalization of the
Kahalu'u Field System as a traditional agricultural landscape and we work to reconnect kanaka
to 'aina. Our Hawaiian-led organizations mission and vision focus on the protection and
revitalization of natural and cultural resources for the benefit of community, guests and the
generations to come, which mirrors the work of H6'ala Kealakekua Nui and the goals of Kokua
Kealakekua. We have had a working relationship with individuals in the hui and have witnessed
their integrity first hand and continue to support their goals for community and Hawaiia culture.
If the property were to be developed by an outside individual/party, there would be a loss in the
potential opportunity for future generations of descendants and kama'aina to connect to that
space and the resources available to them. In addition, this space is a prime location for
interpretation of visitors before entering a sensitive natural and cultural resource area to the
South Kona Community, and if lost there is no way to know when an opportunity would make
itself available again.
The benefit from the property being protected, restored and stewarded by the community is the
verification that the actions of Kokua Kealakekua will actually serve and benefit the community.
Kahalu'u Kuahewa would wish to see this place utilized as a curated interpretive space for
creating cultural and educational programs aimed to reconnect the Kealakekua community to to
Kealakekua Bay's ecological and cultural significance, and for descendants and kama'aina to
benefit from it's resources. In addition, we wish to see this space established as a native plant
nursery for restoring the ahupua'a system and it's resources. Ultimately, we wish to see this
place as a safe space for 'ohana to come together.
Mahalo,
Jesse Kekoa Kaho'onei
Executive Director, Kahalu'u Kuahewa
P.O. Box 837 Kailua Kona, HI 96745 1 jesse@kahaluukuahewa.org 1 (908) 591-3420
The Kai Kuleana Network
PO Box 1056 KA' A I K U L E.0 fl% N A
Kamuela, HI 96743
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui ,,
P.O. Box 1301 04
zlv� _
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750 "
admin(a lkealakekua.or
Trust for Public Land N E T W 0 R K
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona,Hawaii Island
Date: January 17, 2025
Aloha Kakou,
The Kai Kuleana Network strongly supports the South Kona community, H6`ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for
Public Land's effort to purchase and protect K6kua Kealakekua(1.26 acres, TMK(3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK(3)
8-1-009:008)in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
K6kua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead(Captain Cook
Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Like
many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse.
Protecting this property will empower the community and nonprofit H6`ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and
steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an
interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in collaborative
stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural andscape for the benefit of the whole community,
including guests and generations to come, through active restoration, outreach and education.
The Kai Kuleana Network is composed of 15 communities in West Hawaii, from South Kona to North Kohala,
that are actively engaged in place-based conservation for people and nature to thrive, and collectively supports
efforts to engage in solution-oriented community actions to promote `aina momona(healthy vibrant places with
engaged communities). The Network aims for the members to support one another in the perpetuation of
traditional practices through active stewardship, capacity building, and place-based management that is intimately
connected with the kai (sea). H5'ala Kealakekua Nui have been active members of the Kai Kuleana Network.
The Kai Kuleana Network encourages this collaborative purchase and protection of K6kua Kealakekua. The
acquisition of these two properties would allow H5'ala Keakalekua Nui to establish a cultural infonnational
center and implement their three primary objectives of building community,respecting heritage, and applying
environmental stewardship that are all identified within the Kealakekua Community Action Plan(CAP), located
in an appendix of the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Master Plan. These efforts of H6`ala Keakalekua Nui
align with the goals of the Kai Kuleana Network.
The Kai Kuleana Network would like to thank Ho`ala Kealakekua on their honorable and thoughtful approach to
place-based management to ensure the natural and cultural resources are well cared for and thriving into the
future.
Mahalo for the opportunity to share our perspectives from the communities in West Hawaii.
Signed on behalf of the Kai Kuleana Network by lineal descendants and representatives from Puako.
Mahalo,
,,-In 1� C)
(-I I ql�7
George Fry III
The Kai Kuleana Network Am
PO Box 1056
Kamuela,HI 96743 KAI KULEANA
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua,Hawaii 96750
adminklkealakekua.org `
Trust for Public Land N ETWO R, K
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu,Hawaii 96813
reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of K6kua Kealakekua, South Kona,Hawaii Island
Date: January 17, 2025
Aloha Kakou,
The Kai Kuleana Network strongly supports the South Kona community, H6`ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for
Public Land's effort to purchase and protect K6kua Kealakekua(126 acres, TMK(3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK(3)
8-1-009:008)in Ka`awaloa, South Kona,Hawaii Island.
K6kua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook
Monument Trail),which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Like
many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse.
Protecting this property will empower the community and nonprofit H6`ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and
steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an
interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in collaborative
stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole community,
including guests and generations to come,through active restoration, outreach and education.
The Kai Kuleana Network is composed of 15 communities in West Hawaii, from South Kona to North Kohala,
that are actively engaged in place-based conservation for people and nature to thrive, and collectively supports
efforts to engage in solution-oriented community actions to promote `aina momona(healthy vibrant places with
engaged communities). The Network aims for the members to support one another in the perpetuation of
traditional practices through active stewardship, capacity building, and place-based management that is intimately
connected with the kai (sea). H6`ala Kealakekua Nui have been active members of the Kai Kuleana Network.
The Kai Kuleana Network encourages this collaborative purchase and protection of K6kua Kealakekua. The
acquisition of these two properties would allow H6`ala Keakalekua Nui to establish a cultural informational
center and implement their three primary objectives of building community, respecting heritage, and applying
environmental stewardship that are all identified within the Kealakekua Community Action Plan (CAP), located
in an appendix of the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Master Plan. These efforts of H6`ala Keakalekua Nui
align with the goals of the Kai Kuleana Network.
The Kai Kuleana Network would like to thank Ho`ala Kealakekua on their honorable and thoughtful approach to
place-based management to ensure the natural and cultural resources are well cared for and thriving into the
future.
Mahalo for the opportunity to share our perspectives from the communities in West Hawaii.
Signed on behalf of the Kai Kuleana Network by lineal descendants and representatives from Miloli`i, Ho`okena,
Pahoehoe, Kahalu`u, Keauhuou, Kauhola, Kohanaiki,Ka`upulehu, Kuki`o, Kiholo, Puako and Kawaihae, as well
as kako'o organizations from Moana `Ohara, and Conservation International.
Mahalo,
Ka`inli Kaupiko
l .ilo! li`i, Kapahlua, Hawa: ai
41r.
Offkv$WO$4,2817
a
l A,
Diane and Roger Kanealu,Jr
Kmiraihae,Hawai'i,
George Fry III
Puako Community Association.
Puako,South Kohala,Hawai'i Islland
I[IR W N O
N 0
TyNAI 1 {y Q
p@� y,�W
H� Wa ll OIWI4W,WWIIUWIWIWIWIWIMIVIWIMI1III1
Ulu Ching
Conservationon
r International onalHawai`i
Isabel Kalaau-catrett
Kailapa Community Member
Jeffrey , Coakley
Ny§qt , North Koh .l , Hava,i�a Island
MNike N!Nalkachi,Moana,'Ohana
MGAnA
Dual ioi�i
lip
R R A1� A
Charles Young
KUPA Friends of Ho'okeaaa Beach Piuk
Charles Wiggins
Executive Director
1 R
Hui Aloha Kiholo �
¢ aka Ki ai a
Kipp' h iana,, Pahoeh e, Y ahaVNa`U, KeahUOLII
K O N A
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
January 18, 2025
VIA EMAIL:admi,n@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
RO. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL:reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street,Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of K6kua Kealakekua,South Kona, Hawaii Island
To Whom it May Concern,
As the President of the Board of Directors of Kona Historical Society, I strongly support the South Kona
community, H6ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect K6kua
Kealakekua(1.26 acres,TMK(3)8-1-009:007 and TMK(3) 8-1-009:008)in Kaawaloa,South Kona,Hawaii
Island. K6kua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka'awaloa trailh�ead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State
Historical Park.Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to
unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the community and nonprofit H6'ala
Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a
managed gateway to the Say and an interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs. H6'ala
Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in collaborative stewardship of
Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole community, including guests and
generations to come,through active restoration,outreach and education.
-110
Maha lo'0,6?Greenwell Hum 404
Board President
Kona Historical Society
LhshqjEdL&k2.rjAhistoriqa1 oLp
Direct: (808)2-17-1881
President I Lisa Greenwell Hummel Director I Hudson Cowell Director I Hannah Springer
Vice President I Dylan Nonaka Director I Alena Griffey Director I Laysan Unger
Treasurer I Morgan Butler Director I Juliana Kailihiwa Director I Mike Vitousek
Secretary I Kahelelani Alohikoa-Smith Director I _Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen
PO Box 398, Captain Cook, H1 96704, 1 808-323-3222 1 www,konahistoi"ical.org
A k"('11 1t-WQ1 Kln Drr,flf
............
KULAIWi
....
'�IIIL �lIII, mii4lIII., aincl lllllResamiirce Services
Pho� n „ 808..493-6664
January 12,2025
Via Email:admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawai'i 96750
Via Email: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street,Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua,South Kona, Hawai'i Island
To Whom it May Concern,
Kulaiwi Archaeology strongly supports the South Kona community,H6'ala Kealakekua Nui,and Trust for Public Land's
effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in
Ka'awaloa,South Kona, Hawai'i Island.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka'awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook
Monument Trail),which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.Like many
beloved places across Hawai'i, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse.
Protecting this property will empower the community and nonprofit H6'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward
the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in collaborative stewardship
of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole community, including guests and
generations to come,through active restoration,outreach and education.
Kulaiwi Archaeology, LLC is an archaeological,cultural and historical resource management consulting firm based in
South Kona. As members of this vibrant community,we support the efforts of H6'ala Kealakekua Nui to protect and
improve the unique natural, cultural and historical resources of Kealakekua Bay through focused stewardship and
improved management.As archaeologists we believe that cultural sites do not benefit from benign neglect as a form
of preservation;they are dynamic and require care and maintenance.This kuleana is best performed by community
members who know the sites, families, traditions, and challenges of the area.The preservation and protection of
the cultural and historic resources require active management in this landscape impacted by visitors. Educating
guests and visitors to the area is an integral part of protecting these non-renewable resources. People need to be
informed and understand how to behave appropriately in this culturally and environmentally sensitive area.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be able to partner a very committed and active community group with this
place that so desperately needs their service and care.The benefits of this arrangement would be innumerable and
it could serve as an example of how communities can successfully play an active role in the vision and management
ULAIWI ARCHAEOLOGY 1 1
of their cultural and environmental resources. Kealakekua Bay will always be a destination for tourism, but it is
important that it remains a place where the community is involved.
Mahalo,
Solomon H. Kailihiwa, III, M.S.
Principal Investigator
Kulaiwi Archaeology, LLC
skailihiwa@kulaiwiarchaeology.com
(808)493-8884
ULAIWI ARCHAEOLOGY 1 2
V,g
Via Email: admun@Ckealakekua.org
H0'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.G. Boy 1:301 January 1116, 202S
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
Via Email: reyna.ramolete@tpl.or
Cd l Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1:S12
Honolulu, Hawaii 9681
Ike: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii Island
To Whom it May Concern„
I, Heather Margaret Momi Nobriga, owner of Lomi Pono, strongly supports the South Kona community„ Hd'ala
Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Lands effort to purchase and protect Kokua. Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-
1-009:007 and TM'K (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka'awaloa, South Kona„ Hawai"i Island.
Kakua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka'awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook
Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Like
many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse.
Protecting this property will empower the community and nonprofit H6'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the
cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
Hb'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in collaborative stewardship
of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole community, including guests and
generations to come, through active restoration, outreach and education.
I am a cultural practi:floner and Lineal Descendent of this wahi pans. It brings me great joy to engage with the
natural landscape of this area. I feel it is imperative to protect what remains of our resources as outside interest
brings greater stresses to our small community. Impact of unmonitored tourism and commercialization is causing
harm to the immediate community. It is vital to place safeguards and community support for this unique area to
maintain its beauty and preserve the treasured history.
I love the idea of a space that locals and visitors can both hear the history of this beautiful area. A vibrant center for
farmers and artisans to share their wares. A space for sharing of cultural practices with communtty. And most
importantlly, space for the 'aina to simply exist in its respllendant, unspoiled beauty.
O i To,
H.M. MonniNobriga
L II
www.LomiPono,.com 80 S96 0577
Na Hoa UluWau O Kalamawai`awa`awa
P.O. Box 375
Captain Cook, HI 96704
January 6, 2025
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Aloha,
We are writing to express our support that the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) acquire the 1.26 acre
parcel of land at the intersection of Mamalohoa Hwy and Napo'opo'o Road in Ka'awaloa (Captain
Cook) to construct an interpretive center that would greatly enhance the Ka'awaloa community.
The parcel is located across the road from the Ka'awaloa (Captain Cook Monument Trail) trailhead.
One vision for the center is to educate people about the significance of the Ka'awaloa Trail and
stress the importance to malama the trail in a way that will mitigate the environmental damage that
is being caused by the thousands of people who hike the trail every month. (On the 5th of this
month, while driving past the area on Napo'opo'o Road where hikers park, we couldn't help but
notice the piles of trash that were stuffed in the weeds.)
TPL plans to have the nonprofit H6`ala Keakalekua Nui manage the center in a way to provide
employment opportunities for local residents to protect and steward the cultural and natural
resources of Kealakekua Bay. It will also offer a place for restoration of cultural programs.
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the
whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active restoration, outreach
and education.
Na Hoa UluWau O Kalamawai`awa`awa was organized to perpetuate ancestral knowledge,
reconnecting kanaka to `aina, through combining indigenous grassroots initiatives with
modern sustainable restorative agricultural practices. Our goal is to reclaim and restore
what once was a portion of a thriving ahupua`a (land division) that overlooks Kealakekua
Bay.
Ka'awaloa is a vibrant, thriving community with many amenities including a grocery store, a
hardware store, and several local family-owned businesses. The addition of a culturally based
interpretive center would be a great addition to the community, benefiting current and future
generations. It would break our hearts to see a Burger King or similar corporate entity inhabit that
site.
On half of the board of directors,
D aikiki, President
Email manuunuu@yahoo.com
m 2525 Correa Road, HIG 238, Honolulu, HI 96822
PACIFIC ISLANDS
rr� rwcarricaracw �vcCwr (808) 956-703 1 picasc@hawaii.edu
pi-casc.soest.hawai i.edu
January 6, 2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of K6kua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii
Island
To Whom It May Concern,
The.Pa_c.if%�....Is.I_a_rod:s..._ I.i_r�na�e._A _a. t ti_®_ro.._Science enter....(.PI..:::_ 8 j strongly supports the South
Kona community, H6`ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and
protect K6kua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK(3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK(3) 8-1-009:008) in
Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
K6kua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe
challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit H6`ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and natural
resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
I N_ ` ..11.a_K I _ e_ .a...Nuai.is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of
the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active restoration,
outreach, and education.
PI-CASC's mission is to deliver science that helps fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a
changing climate. Within ,P.I..::: P .x.._I ..._I _ro er Climate Cor s MCCIproEram is a practitioner-
driven graduate research program that accomplishes this mission by supporting long-term, place-
based relationships (e.g., relationality or kinship) and practitioner-driven research projects by
uniting local management, community, and research networks, while training graduate students
l.Jhsd1i sFH[LC�� A UNIVERSITY OF
of BA MANOAI'N° GUAM
.�,,. ..y U[�Nlf�,'n8"IMP I t liMrypupf
in community-driven research pathways. By participating on the steering committee of the
Kealakekua a..._F�a.�r._ g!n.M.!jnj_ty Action Plan (CAP), MCC foundations contributed to the sole cross-
cutting theme within the CAP (i.e., relationality or kinship). This cross-cutting theme is currently
being put into action through a .-.-.y...t9r.._rt5 ar _0....�r�yo U in which graduate students will empower
traditional practices within Hikiau Heiau as a mechanism to both unite stewardship activities in
the area across a number of sectors and increasingly root such efforts in descendent-led
practices.
Stewarding and protecting wahi pana (sacred sites) within and nearby Kealakekua Bay State
Historical Park, such as Hikiau Heiau, is vital and must be a top priority if the community is to
retain and build upon practices that have been both adaptive and resilient in the area for
centuries. Strategic, sustained, and action-oriented stewardship, such as proposed by K6kua
Kealakekua, is the only path to transform the current existential challenges (e.g., resource
exploitation, loss of traditional community, and socio-ecological disruption) to regenerative
cycles by empowering the source of the area's historic and contemporary adaptive capacities.
Preserving, empowering, and learning from `ike kupuna (ancestral experiences, insights,
perspectives, knowledge, and practices) residing at this location for centuries will not only offer a
better tomorrow for Kealakekua but create a beacon and map to a better tomorrow regionally,
nationally, and globally.
Without retention and empowerment of such long-tested wisdom, Kealakekua has little chance
of redirecting the ongoing and increasing range of deleterious factors that are leaving lineal
descendants facing a very real existential crisis (e.g., increasing storm intensity, sea level rise,
coral bleaching, ecological disruption through unsustainable human use, short-term vacation
rentals, loss of traditional species, and, thereby, loss of the relationships with such species,
elements, forces, and cycles which provide sustenance, well-being, and sustainable lifeways for
the community). It is precisely the wisdom embedded within centuries of human and more-than-
human relationships in this place that H6`ala Keakalekua Nui not only wishes to protect and
steward but to empower through K6kua Kealakekua such that existing relationships can be
strengthened and new connections established, allowing future generations to exist and flourish.
Mahalo for your consideration of such an opportunity within this critical window of time.
Aloha,
Scott Laursen
Climate Adaptation Extension Specialist
University of Hawaii
Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC)
Website: https://pi-casc.soest.hawaii.edu/about/mcc/
Email: slaursen@hawaii.edu
Cell: (307) 699-0123
`r PACIFIC ISLANDS
=pig CLIMATE ADAPTATION SCIENCE CENTER
2525 Correa Road,HIG 238,Honolulu,HI 96822
pi-casc.soest.hawaii.edu
173:3 Wili Pa Loop,Ei_1
W ailnuuka_u, Haaawaai`i 96793
January 19, 02
VIA EXaIL, aelmuun(q),k-ealakekuna.cnr
I-16'anla Kealankekna I` i iP.O. Box 1301
Keaalakekana, 1-Irtwaa'i 1 750
"LPL- EN AIL: ueviia.a.a.molete( tpl.arr
"I"i;naw for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street,Suit 1512
Honolulu, Hai m".l 96813
Flea: Suulapoit for the protection and purchase of K6knua Kea.l:akeka.na, South E-7onna, ILann•ai"i Island
To WI-1 nnnn It May Colicena n,
Tlne Protect.Ira o'olawe ` hanna] stio n y saappoits the South Kona ccanaannnnunuity, H "alaa Kealakeku:ui.
lNaui., and Trust for Pi.ulabc Laund's ettont to lannuuclaase and In 'a,tect Kokuua .Kea,lakekuua (l 26 aacu:es,
°77NI1 (13,) S 1 0alD9:0,17 and "mi< (3) S 1 4 09'�:ON08( in Ka`asu aloaa, Soiitla Kona, HaN ai'u Island,
1 61.a,aua .K.e,�dakek:in ns st:n ate gjcafl locate cl across tlaa road lncaern the laculuaulan I Aa"mvaloal t'na.i.11lead
(Captannn t,"ook Iaaannnuan'ncnut "I"aaa�uly, the uauaainau pliblic 'access to the nnontln end aaf' ezalakukuuda av, Su,'It:e
Historical'P aik. Like nnaaaana' belna~w ied lakes aaci s l-lxwaai`i, Keal$a.keka:uan faces severe chn� enuges due tear
a unnnnnannageel taauniisnnn annc' ea�w eruuse. l�ra_atectnnn�., t.a, lans lnncalaenty Nvill ennnlaovven the ccannnnnnnunnit-y annal 1
nonprofit HO'ala Keakalekuna NI to protect and ste'wafd the cuultann:al and natauun.al nescanuuces of
I e°,alakekuaa Bay by lnac:rvidinng a rrmnnagecl gateway to the Bay aan-nd an ic:nteulnaetive center for
ua.stacuatia:a�un areal da.nultaua�a�al kuaTvans.
116'ala Naai is .a Native auliosea nnunssie,) n is t:e:a
cnallaalaot at'it c sttwav anelslnila a f'Ke da1n,kelM'uii Baay's nnaatuun.al .annd o'd uanaul 1."ulelsca pe tlnnastus In ac'ant'at
nestasnatia_nnn, ouutneaacln, and education tern the: benefit of tine su hoie cernnnnnnaunnity,innclaaclnnng Guests and
gecnei atioris to come.
Tlne nnaassi,c;ann of tire Pucatect .l aalneu`ca.la,ka e "t.. haunta is to 1nn,;uactace aulaalnan °ca a:aaa on the island eat Kaarvlloa
I alanca laa"M e atnel expand trans �voslal view and a,..eaannvannuties throua how am lnae aianaaa It:is
l l n
annn�:�ueauflaan-nt lcrou� tlne� H�a uu;a;�n,aan aaanel l��aa.r�naa �7aan.a liuuuaalie��s c,�� lea°°�ur�al,al.c l��w°au�a � il�ls�ua�e aan:na �ulaua acua�a �n t;aan� ana Gran„>e
the c,aaltnan:a!al sna.c s and unat.uuu a'l ne'usa mm'ces eat'K.e.nk a Ira .ahakeknau itn 1Lii'anwaaleaa l Ia°unnlueuu: N aa�I.~�:lru ,Glee
b:caaka.kek'n.a. Naui c onntnilauuute to the stt%v anelslnnla aat"K annaloan Kalncu ol.avve aarnd are nnnembens of them.
Protect Kal o'olaaue `Ohanna.
Under the stewardship of Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui, the mauka-makai Ka`awaloa trail can be better
managed and maintained and the sacred places of this historica area can be respected. The multiple
generationsn of the community can be engaged in the stewardship of the ahupua`a of Kealakekua
and Ka`awaloa.
Mahalo,
lem"W(2. tt Acw�
Davianna Pomaika`i McGregor
Protect Kaho`olawe `Ohana
Huaka`i Co-Coordinator
davianna.mcgregor@gmail.com
protectkahoolaweohana.org
January 19,2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@kealakekua.org
Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O.Box 1301
Kealakekua,Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street,Suite 1512
Honolulu,Hawaii 96813\
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona,Hawaii Island
To Whom It May Concern,
Protect Pololu Project of North Kohala strongly supports the South Kona community,H6`ala Kealakekua
Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua(1.26 acres, TMK(3)
8-1-009:007 and TMK(3) 8-1-009:008)in Ka`awaloa, South Kona,Hawaii Island.
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. Protect Pololu consists
of lineal descendants, cultural practitioners and the extended Kohala Community. Pololu Valley has seen
an increase in foot traffic, overuse, environmental degradation to the Pololu trailhead and the desecration
of historical and burial sites within the valley floor. Protect Pololu's mission is to preserve a historical and
sacred place by taking preventative measures by collecting data on foot traffic, community maintenance
and educating visitors through a collaborative partnership with the State of Hawaii Trail and Access
Program 'Na Ala Hele"through stewardship of the land. The North Kohala Community and visitors all
over the world have seen first hand the importance of our Pololu stewards through this educational
program.
H6`ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-driven non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape through active restoration,
outreach, and education for the benefit of the whole community, including guests and generations to
come. Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail),the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State
Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to
unmanaged tourism, overuse and the depletion of marine life such as "coral". Protecting this property will
empower the community and nonprofit H6`ala Kealakekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and
natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs. Protect Pololu supports H6`ala Kealakekua Nui's endeavor in
planning preventative maintenance and care for Kealakekua Bay to be enjoyed for future generations.
Page 1 of 2
Lineal descendants of Kealakekua Bay provide an important aspect to the success of this vision. Ho`ala
Kealakekua Nui's vision is related to Protect Pololu in wanting to preserve and maintain a historical
cultural space with a group of lineal descendants of the area. It is a place their generational families have
known most of their lives,they hold a rich history and their passion for"sense of place" is valuable to the
success of stewardship of Kealakekua Bay.
Mahalo,
Kaylen Taomia
Treasurer of Protect Pololu Project
PO BOX 951
Kapaau,HI96755
Page 2 of 2
a
lt�ryj
STATE CAPITOL
NONO4 trLtr, N°NAWAII 9681'3
Mfa.,atrauaat-y 7, 202
1,10'aala Kealakektial td
Ilk), fwluux l t
Keaala'fac:k ua, ppaw a "i 96750
VIA EMA IIM: aapuunoNa(rt'AeMakcku,amr• ,
Trust t f'or Public t aa:ndI
I Ia"uap Bishcqi Stmeet, Suite I 5 12
1Ionoluulra, Ifawwai i 9,68 ld
Meta EMAIL a" Nu u..a uNrtt�lu to art 1ptl.ara°p
RE- Support for the Protection and Purchase of Kok,ua aaalakektwa,South t" sutra, tbwaiai Island
I tam writing tea exwpu"c;s my strong stNgapor"1 for the eIfiwt by the South Kona couttntaunit ,Ilau` lea al a. eklla Nui,and
the Trust f'uar Public 1.uaad to purchase and parotect OkLm.I^ Gala okuaa C'l 26 acres l° , (3) -1-dt09:007 dead "l IK
(d) -1 fl(f9:p08) in Kwa%Valoa, South Kona, I-lawrai'i Island.
If awarded fu.ucading, dw acquisition of these p"arralrertics wHI help I(wa laa Kcalt;akaahatrau C~~laul taa:I,vr ncc the goals aN1 Ole
mulaleeleuua tw'aaNarm unity Action Man (CAP), which feae;tase,w on Building ""eautauratuuaity, Respecting Heritage, aauad.
Fr°urair°caaaaueaatal Stewmiship. These parop rtacs will parovWe a cultural and irufuaraaalional center t:o Support ttle;
rewtu;)r:atutaua of"thte afaaulwaaaa`a system.,native plant rolaaa action.rauk ararl and,edaueaaticararal prograniming,and,sauxtairtaauler
visitor uuaatrua. ,enwnt,.
s ra firaeaal descendant,of ona, f an-- petNsonalhy invested in preserving,that c°.auftaur,ul and auruviromn mfl tr"cawuures aual.
our Wand. f eaulaakefaaa Bay holds deep si nifueaattce as both as uacaatti,raama(sacred)and a.historical site. By acquiring
these, properties, I�fo'dlra. KcaUckua Nuai will ha0ga bring die (,'AP's vision to life,, preserving, the cuhur•al and
ecological integrity of tire: area for I`Uftire p encrautions,
l eaaawauN-wridl lio'Ma Kcaalaakck uua Nui for t1wir" ala dicatiu'aa to cultural preservation, env we nrnentaai Sle aardship, and
community enapaauww°etrment. Their work, reflects the values eaf"atAlaarn a' inaa and aaaalauuaa tau, vwfaielu are else dual to
the f'ulwre of f laa ai"i.
N/laahalau in wivance kw supporting orting their, important initiaatiVC, lalte'ruulcl you Nave any que fions, please do not laesitale
to contact ct n'Ny arl l cea,
C~+dle la.a laaa aalaa"a:u,
Senator r°tu Maw,"Kanul aa,
311 Senatorial District(K#,aaaaa, Kaaatl, "uaheano)
4 IS S leer"data-uuuuau Sateet, la:cacwru 206 1 Honolulu, 1,1196813 g PHE fa 08) 586,938 1 EMI .�a auluaau�autuar r„r.,a.aaruita l.lua�aautn.auauu
Becky Hart
Nursery Mainager Terr fourrri tiioin Ilirc.
41 860.808.6746 F10 IBox 2869 IK;:du;;>_IKo a,II-ill 96745
January 8th, 2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona,
Hawaii Island
To Whom it May Concern,
I, Becky Hart, the nursery manager and prime seed collector for Terraformation strongly
supports the South Kona community, H6'ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort
to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-
009:008) in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe
challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit H6'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and natural
resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of
the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active restoration,
outreach and education.
Terraformation is a native reforestation company located in Kona. Our mission is to rapidly
restore native biodiverse forests to combat climate change by capturing carbon, revive
ecosystems, and build thriving communities. The mission of H6'ala Kealakekua Nui is aligned
with our values in that they want to not only see the native ecosystem come back to life by
restoration, but they also want to educate the community and travelers about the responsibility
we have as people to tread with respect and kindness. Kealakekua is an extremely sacred place
that has been overrun and exploited by tourism and the mismanagement of the land. The
acquisition of a space where people can pause and learn about the place they are entering is, in
my opinion, essential if we want to still allow people to enjoy the bay safely. It will also allow for
safer parking and entrance to the trial. This space will allow for the ripple effect to serve as an
example for other parts of the island as well. If we can accomplish getting this space for
Terraformation F1.0. IBox 3470, IIfIINMB t 77 , Illon6lullu, IlillI 96801, USA
1 (f 08) 333 3 f33:8 3 C iii ffo(Fe)teiriraf'oiriri-oatioi u.c oiri-o C www.teiriraf'oiriri-oart of u.c oiri-o
Kealakekua, the learnings will spread to other parts of the island that may be feeling the
pressure of tourism as well.
I am originally from Connecticut, and have only been here for 3 years, but I have made family
here including this place we call Kealakekua. I have resided in Captain Cook for the majority of
my time on island, and this place is very special to me. The people, the plants, the animals, the
'aina, all have a right to be protected and preserved so that generations from now, will have a
healthier, more resiliant place to call home.
If this property were to be developed, the stripping of the land would cause more erosion of
sediments and nutrients into our waters, thus causing more reef die off, and potential algae
blooms. There would be less habitat that would be sequestering carbon, producing oxygen, and
filtering our rains. Its development would also create even more congestion at the intersection of
the highway, causing the potential for more accidents, transmission of invasive species, and
over use of the trail.
Personally I will benefit from this property being protected because I am invested in the health of
Kealakekua Bay, not only from a work perspective, but because it is part of my home. My
organization would benefit from it being protected, because it aligns with our mission to restore
native biodiverse forests. We could potentially work with Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui to remove
invasive species, plant natives and start restoring parts of the entire ahupua'a.
I envision this land, once protected to house a center where people can learn not only about the
place, but also the threats to this place that is so sacred. They would be able to use Iua, instead
of using the trail or monument as a bathroom. They could use it as a place to rest, and catch
some shade after such a strenuous hike. People could use it as a place to set intentions before
heading down into the bay. I see native plants, educational signage, a place to rest and use
facilities. Ultimately this acquisition would serve to alleviate and invigorate both the community
and tourists.
Mahalo,
Becky Hart
Nursery Manager, Terraformation
Ocean View, Hawaii 96737
Cell: 860-808-6746
Email: becky@terraformation.com
THE
IFO'UNDATV N Gornmvn0y,
January 20, 2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii
Island
To Whom it May Concern,
The Healy Foundation strongly supports the South Kona community, H6'ala Kealakekua Nui,
and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK
(3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe
challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit H6'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and natural
resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
Kokua Kealakekua will also facilitate the implementation of the Kealakekua Bay Community
Action Plan, which was developed by the community in 2022 to support culturally-grounded
community co-management of the Bays resources. The Community Action Plan was
incorporated into the Hawaii Bureau of Land and Natural Resources' Master Plan for the Bay in
2023.
The Healy Foundation currently stewards Kapahukapu (also known as Manini Beach) in
Kealakekua Bay and has been doing so for 25 years. The Foundation makes Kapahukapu
available to guests as a community gathering space 365 days a year. Four caretakers provide
cultural and environmental education, ensuring visitors understand and appreciate the protocols
for preserving this special 3/4 acre property. The Healy Foundation actively participated in the
community process to create the Kealakekua Bay Community Action Plan, including serving on
the Steering Community. We continue to participate as active members of the Kapukapu
'Ohana, the community group responsible for implementation of the Community Action Plan.
thelheallyfouindafloin.oirg
We strongly support this purchase, both because the managed gateway to the Bay and
interpretive center are critical to implementation of the of the Kealakekua Bay Community Action
Plan, as well as because failure to protect this land could significantly contribute to further
destructive unmanaged overuse. Kokua Kealakekua can instead serve as a vibrant resource for
education, cultural practice, and appropriately welcoming and orienting visitors.
Thank you for considering this important request.
Mahalo,
Usha Kilpatrick
The Healy Foundation, Hawaii Program Director
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Kealakekua, HI
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� The Nature Conservancy, Hawaii and Palmyra Tel (808) 537-4508
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1 heNatu e 923 Nu`uanuAvenue Fax (808) 545-2019
ConServmcy ,O Honolulu,HI96817 nature.org/HawaiiPalmyra
1°1 ai iPv,Fa ll 1 a n
January 15, 2025
Wala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
admin@lkealakekua.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of K6kua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii Island
Aloha kdkou,
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) strongly supports the South Kona community, Wala Kealakekua Nui,
and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect K6kua Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-
009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008)in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii Island.
K6kua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook
Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse.
Protecting this property will empower the community and nonprofit Wala Kealakekua Nui to protect and
steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and
an interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
Wala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in collaborative
stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole community,
including guests and generations to come, through active restoration, outreach, and education.
For over 20 years, TNC's Hawaii Marine Program has partnered on marine conservation initiatives with
dozens of communities across the islands. Our collective work is informed by the best available science and
grounded in the knowledge, practices, values, and history of sustainable resource management unique to
Hawaii.
In recent decades, several coinciding pressures including climate change impacts, land-based pollution,
coastal development, invasive species, loss of coastal habitats, and a dramatic increase in visitors have
degraded the quality and resilience of ecological, cultural, and social systems at Kealakekua Bay. The need
for well-managed access to Kealakekua Bay has been documented in the Kealakekua Bay Community
Action Plan as well as the Master Plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Duke E.Ah Moo Kris Billeter Dr.C.Tana Burkert Anne S.Carter(Chair) Ka`iulani de Silva Daniel J.Dunn Dave Eadie
Jan Elliott Matt Emerson Hon.Judith Epstein Dr.Alan M.Friedlander Benjy Garfinkle Sean A.Hehir Puni Jackson
Brett MacNaughton Janet Montag Alicia Moy John R.Sabas Bradley E.Smith Julie Smolinski Vern Yamanaka
Ihupani Advisory Council:Paul D.Alston Christopher J.Benjamin Kenton T.Eldridge Eiichiro Kuwana
Duncan MacNaughton Jean E.Rolles Crystal K.Rose Nathan E.Smith
Founders: Samuel A.Cooke Herbert C.Cornuelle
The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i and Palmyra
January 16, 2025
Page 2
Securing Kokua Kealakekua provides an unprecedented opportunity for locating community-led and
culturally grounded natural resource management at a popular trail head where visitor impacts are high and
can be reduced with concerted effort. This land purchase and planned uses can add to the roster of
successful public-nonprofit partnerships with State Parks that are helping to preserve Hawaii life ways
statewide, where equitable community empowerment is key to enduring benefits.
This strategic land purchase will help achieve the collective vision of Kapukapu `Ohana partners and
Kealakekua residents and lineal descendants, that Kealakekua is a living, spiritual place with a thriving
ecosystem interwoven with traditional knowledge and practices, honored and cultivated through
understanding and reverence of this wahi pana (sacred place).
Mahalo nui,
Emily Fielding
Director of Marine Conservation
efieldingktnc.org
1/17/2024
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii
Island
To Whom it May Concern,
My name is Dr. Amber Datta and I strongly supports the South Kona community, H6'ala
Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua
(1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka`awaloa, South Kona, Hawaii
Island. I was born and raised in this area and have watched the trail and surrounding area
become increasingly popular to the point of being loved to death. It would bring me great joy to
see this land in the hands of H6'ala Kealakekua, who I wholeheartedly trust and support o
steward the land and provide accurate and culturally appropriate educational opportunities for
visitors and locals alike. My family and friends live in Ka`awaloa, as do I part time, and I have
followed the work of H6'ala Kealakekua Nui for many years.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead
(Captain Cook Monument Trail), which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe
challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit H6'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and steward the cultural and natural
resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose mission is to engage in
collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of
the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active restoration,
outreach and education.
The alternative scenario, in which this land is developed for other purposes, would be a
significant lost opportunity. People would continue to use the trail unchecked, likely causing
conflicts over parking any development and/or parking illegally and dangerously along the
roadside. I pass by this area nearly every day when I am home, and the cars are always
overflowing onto the road and tourists are crossing dangerously. Other than one simple sign,
there is little opportunity for them to learn the true significance of this place, which is a loss for
these visitors as well. Seeing this area developed for educational and stewardship purposes
would lead to a much less congested intersection, an opportunity to take friends and visitors to
the interpretive center, and an entry point for learning how to connect with the community and
better steward the bay myself.
Mahalo,
Amber Datta, PhD
Long-time resident of South Kona &
Smith Conservation Fellow at Arizona State University
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1/17/2 Mail-Heather Howard-Outlook
#2
https://outlook.office.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGVIYjc3ZTkOLW15NWUtND15Yyl iYmMxLTJjMzA5NTgxZWIwYQAQANEsVJWy245Mhf36VmXWg3g%3... 2/2
VIA EMAIL: admin(kealakekua.org
Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete(&-tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua Kealakekua, South Kona,
Hawaii Island
To Whom It May Concern:
I, C. M. Kaliko Baker, PhD, strongly support the South Kona community, Ho`ala
Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's effort to purchase and protect Kokua
Kealakekua (1.26 acres, TMK (3) 8-1-009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1-009:008) in Ka`awaloa,
South Kona, Hawaii Island.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from the popular Ka`awaloa
trailhead (Captain Cook Monument Trail), the main public access to the north end of
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across Hawaii,
Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to unmanaged tourism and overuse. Protecting
this property will empower the community and nonprofit Ho`ala Keakalekua Nui to protect
and steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by providing a managed
gateway to the Bay and an interpretive center for restoration and cultural programs.
Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-driven non-profit whose mission is to engage
in collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape through
active restoration, outreach, and education for the benefit of the whole community,
including guests and generations to come.
As a long time Makahiki practitioner on Kaho`olawe, I've had the honor of working with
the Kealakeakua `Ohana performing Kuapola ceremonies on Hikiau. These are the
ceremonial rites traditionally held on Hikiau that transition the Summer time to the
Winter, that is, the Kau to the Ho`oilo. Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui's efforts are improving the
Kealakeakua and Ka`awaloa districts. Their projects and efforts are reciprocated in how
the `aina responds. It's somewhat tough to explain, but similar to our efforts on
Kaho`olawe which are ceremonially driven and done in concert with well intended work
projects and well thought out social and political activism, Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui is
bringing life, or ea, back to their ancestral lands. When Kanaka Maoli aloha their `aina, it
benefits everyorte. Trust thitl to IJO H'W O-Uth! OLH'- aloha 'dina, is far beUer thian any sort of
extractive capitalistic: endeavor.
Personally, illy fanifly was, granted land by Kanlehanieha IV in the rnid-1800s hi Kohtda,
TI-te districA was nanted lla.'tma. Kapa'a Beat'Ji Park Nvas part of the part,,A ,is, far as I
know. Our fcanifly has connections to the South Kona 'ohana too. To see what Hodla
Kealakeki.ta Nui is doing brings me great pride. I can't, wait to see what they (to with this
new parcel tind lu�)w that ben('nts their 'Ofiana aaaad the bro,,ider cornn'tunity.
Me ka 'oiaTo,
C. M, Kahko Baker,, Pill)
AIo'o Lono, Kanalma Kaho 'okiwe
Keoki Shattauer
January 15, 2025
VIA EMAIL: admin@lkealakekua.org
H6'ala Kealakekua Nui
P.O. Box 1301
Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750
VIA EMAIL: reyna.ramolete@tpl.org
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Re: Support for the protection and purchase of Kokua
Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii Island
To Whom it May Concern,
George (Keoki) Schattauer Jr., strongly supports the South Kona
community, H6'ala Kealakekua Nui, and Trust for Public Land's
effort to purchase and protect Kokua Kealakekua (1 .26 acres,
TMK (3) 8-1 -009:007 and TMK (3) 8-1 -009:008) in Ka`awaloa,
South Kona, Hawaii Island.
Kokua Kealakekua is strategically located across the road from
the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook Monument Trail),
which is the main public access to the north end of Kealakekua
Bay State Historical Park. Like many beloved places across
Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges due to unmanaged
tourism and overuse. Protecting this property will empower the
community and nonprofit H6'ala Keakalekua Nui to protect and
steward the cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua Bay by
providing a managed gateway to the Bay and an interpretive
center for restoration and cultural programs.
Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui is a Native Hawaiian-led non-profit whose
mission is to engage in collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua
Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole
community, including guests and generations to come, through
active restoration, outreach and education.
[INSERT
Organization: I am not involved in any organization, just a
neighbor and community member. What does your organization
do/ what is its mission? How does that mission relate to the
protection of Kokua Kealakekua? What is your relationship with
Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui, if any?
Individual/ Family: Schattauer/Paris/Takaki family.? What is your
family's connection to Kokua Kealakekua or Ho'ala Kealakekua
Nui, if any?] Our family is the neighbor just to the south of this
property that Ho'ala Kealakekua is trying to acquire. Our family
has owned it since the 1860's. My Mom still lives there, but has
sold the property to her great grandson, and my nephew,
Sylvester Takaki Jr.
Some history: This area is called "Mauna Alani"
The first orange tree's planted in Hawaii came off of Capt.
Vancouvers ship in 1793. They brought them straight up from
Kealakekua Bay and planted. They are still producing oranges
every year.
I fear that a developer would buy the property and just try to
maximize their profits without any consideration for the historic
significance of the area, or the trail.
The only way that we would benefit from this acquisition is, it
would make us happy to see the (property next door and the trail
be cleaned up and (properly managed. I drive over to see my
Mom a few times a week. Every few months I see an ambulance
with a search & rescue crew hiking down the trail) to go irescue
someone. This is an accident waiting to happen.
We would lore to the trail cleaned up and properly managed.
There are no facilities, trash cans, (proper signage or any safety
precautions there. I see (how many cars are parked there,( I'm
guessing at least 100, people Ihike down theme every day..
I strongly support this plan, and wish you the best of luck.
I am trying to convince my cousins who own the property to also
go along with this plan..
II" ahalo,
George Schattauer Jr.
Attachment D
Identify and provide contact information of community organizations, land trusts, or individuals
willing to be part of this property's long-term management/maintenance.
The following non-profit would like to work with the Countyto facilitate stewardship with local
community members/groups.This model of community ownership through a nonprofit organization
empowers community-grounded,community-led stewardship of the property's(and the greater
ahupua`a) resources.
D1. Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui
a. Mission Statement
b. Board of Directors&Staff
c. Brochure
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Ho`Ala Kealakekua Nui Inc. 501(Q3 Board Member Biographies
Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen
Board President
Born and raised in Napo`opo`o Village, he is a generational resident of
Kealakekua Bay. He continues to administer and lead traditional ceremonies on
Hikiau and Ale'ale'a heiau and other sacred objects and areas in Kealakekua
Bay. He gathers sustenance and medicine along the shoreline and surrounding
areas. A graduate of Konawaena High, Shane also received his Bachelor of
Science in Travel Industry Management with a minor in Philosophy at the
Hawaii Pacific University. Later, he earned a certificate of completion in a public
administration and policy program at George Washington University, and more recently, he
received a certificate of completion in Indigenous Water Management and Policy at the
University of Geneva in France. Shane brings over 30 years of experience advocating, networking,
and capacity building to advance the political and practical status of the Native Hawaiian
perspectives and worldviews within local, state,federal, and international governing areas. Since
the age of six, Shane has achieved formal cultural training associated to luakini heiau, ahu
(shrines), kalai ki'i (carving temple images), hula, and 'oli. Mele, mahi`ai, and lawai`a according to
the cycles and traditions of Kaulana Mahina. He is a trainer of traditional science modalities such
as kilokilo (traditional observation and reporting), kalai'aina (traditional and Indigenous
governance structures and procedures), and Papak0 Makawalu (philosophical and
epistemological framework rooted in the Hawaiian worldview). He received a certificate of
completion for a Native Hawaiian stewardship training program from Halau 'Ohi'a (Offered
through the Edit Kanaka'ole Foundation). Shane has worked for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs
(OHA)for nearly twelve years and is currently a Public Policy Advocate in their Community
Engagement Division, based in their West Hawaii Office in Kona. During his tenure at OHA, Shane
received a certificate of completion for Project Management offered by Mana`olana
International, LLC. His agency accomplishments include developing a Board approved resolution
to support the Miloli'i community's unique economic situation by supporting and building
capacity around Miloli'i's Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA). He was also
appointed to the State Legislature's Maunakea Working Group and chaired their committee on
Access, and currently represents OHA's position on permit applications for Papahanaumoku`akea
Marine National Monument. He serves as the Chair of Kahu Ku Mauna, a cultural advisory group
to the Center for Maunakea Stewardship and participated in developing the cultural orientation
for all users of Mauna Kea. Shane was also appointed to the County of Hawaii's Community
Development Action Planning Committee (CDP) and served under three mayors. Shane played
1
an integral role in stewarding and defining components of the Kealakekua Bay Community Action
Plan (CAP) and is a founding member of the Kapukapu 'Ohana to implement the CAP. He is also
the current Ka'elele for the Kealakekua Bay Cultural Advisory'Ohana that advises the Division of
State Parks.
Alayna DeBina
Voting Member, Board Vice President and Secretary
Alayna DeBina is a long-time resident of Kona and grew up among the
families of Kealakekua Bay, eventually marrying a lineal descendant. She is
HKN's founding member and is currently the Vice President and Board
Secretary. She attended Ho`okena Elementary School and graduated from
Konawaena High. She studied bookkeeping, marketing, and business
management in college. Her strong management and administrative skills
make Alayna a key organizer in our community. She continues to immerse herself in cultural
knowledge, and for the past decade, she has organized HKN's Hana Lima community
workdays, stewarding and specific sites.
KananiEnos
Voting Member, Committee Chair on Mo`omeheu (culture, Interpretation, Education,and Outreach)
Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, in Honaunau, Kanani Enos has lineal
ties to Kealakekua, Kapukapu, Honaunau and down through Ho`okena. A mother of
four, Kanani currently lives in Honaunau, caring for her parents,family land, and
upholding her genealogical and cultural responsibilities. Kanani is an educator,
yr "
community organizer, artist, healer, writer and performer and currently works for
the Department of Interior at Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park as an
Interpretive Guide. For decades, Kanani has transmitted place-based traditional
knowledge relevant for visitors, residents, and lineal descendants of South Kona. Her scope of work and
experience expands to Scandinavia, Southern Europe, Asian and South American countries. She loves
connecting to the heart of people and places and sharing meaningful experiences with others.
Through creating cultural programs and educational opportunities for the community, Kanani strives to
inspire and empower others to connect deeply to themselves and their environment. Kanani has over 30
years experience in Hawaiian cultural practice including hula, `oli, haku mele, lei making, and is currently
a student of kapa making. She has also participated in and created traditional ceremonies and protocol
at Hikiau Heiau, Hale O Keawe, Hale O Papa, as well as on Kaho`olawe Island.
Mary Crispi
Voting Member,Treasurer
Mary Crispi is HKN's Board Treasurer and a long-time member of HKN. She
brings with her a passion for stewardship. With a Bachelor of Arts in physical
geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Mary gained experience
in communications, library science, and networking with state government
agencies. She is the proud owner/operator of a coffee farm for 25 years and
continues working with the Lions Club to preserve and improve Higashihara
County Park and Playground. Her role at HKN also includes planning and coordinating work
activities around sacred sites such as Hikiau heiau, Helehelekalani heiau, and Wailokoali`i pond.
2
Frank Carpenter
Voting Member, Committee Co-Chair on Ho`omohala (Development/Fundraising)
Frank Carpenter is a Board member of HKN and co-chairs the committee on
Ho'omohala (Development/Fundraising). He is currently the Co-CEO of Kona
Boys Inc. and a partner in Eugene Harrison Partners. His early years were
r ` spent in sales and business development for Xerox Corporation and internet
startup companies Greyzone Productions and Handshake.com. In 2000, Frank
coupled his business experience with his passion for the ocean and moved to
Hawaii,where he began working at a small kayak rental company called Kona
Boys. He quickly took over management of the company, and after a couple of years of working
for equity, Frank and his business partner bought out the original owner. Frank and Brock
combined their corporate backgrounds, love of the ocean, and old-fashioned work ethic to grow
the small kayak shop into a solid local brand, consistently recording over a million dollars in
annual sales. While growing Kona Boys, Frank and Brock developed a separate partnership,
Eugene Harrison Partners (EHP),to pursue other professional ambitions. After developing
several smaller real estate investments, EHP most recently purchased the Walua Plaza in Kona's
Historic District, which they renovated and rebranded. Raised in a small town, Frank appreciates
the importance of community and stays involved by working with local organizations to better
care for the ocean, providing sponsorships and support to local athletes competing in ocean
sports, and by sponsoring and organizing community events. Frank was a founding member of
KAI (Kayak Alliance of the Island), where he collaborated with the State's Division of Parks to
develop a commercial permitting process for kayaking in Kealakekua Bay. Frank also worked with
the Coral Reef Alliance to create voluntary standards for commercial companies to adopt when
encouraging sea life. Frank has been involved with the initial phases of developing the
Kealakekua Bay Community Action Plan (CAP) and is involved with the Kapukapu 'Ohana to
implement initiatives of the CAP.
Mendy Dant
Voting Member, Committee Co-Chair on Ho`omohala (Development/Fundraising)
Mendy Dant moved from Northern California at the age of 20 and has lived in
Kona for 48 years,working in the family snorkel business, Fair Wind Cruises,
° now in its third generation. For decades,the family has partnered with the
DLNR to educate visitors about the fragile underwater environment of
Kealakekua State Historical Park, a privilege they deeply value. By sharing the
a Fair Wind snorkel experience with school and community groups,they
enhance understanding of the importance of Kealakekua Bay. Fair Wind is
committed to protecting Hawaii's ecosystem through sustainable practices, such as using
bio-diesel to fuel their vessels, providing reef-safe sunscreen for crew and guests, and serving
plant-based meals, with any waste composted back on their farm.They also respectfully offer
an 'oli before entering the bay and share the history of the area to help guests appreciate
Hawaiian culture.
3
Scott Neish
Voting Member, Governance Committee Chair
Scott Neish is a retired aerospace executive who has lived in the Napoopoo
Area for 15 years he has been associated with Hoala Kealakekua/ Ho'ala
Kealakekua Nui for 10 years and has served as Vice Chairman and as
Chairman. In that capacity he was instrumental in helping HKN to achieve
501 C3 status. He is currently chair of the Governance Committee.
Scott and other board members were active participants in the community
action planning process led by The Nature Conservancy.This process led to a
formal community action plan for Kealakekua Bay and the surrounding area.
Scott is also active in other areas of the community serving on the board of APAC Hawaii
(Aloha Theatre)and working part time for the WM Keck Observatory hosting VIP summit tours.
Staff
Heather Howard
Administrative Assistant
Heather Howard has over 25 years of expertise in business, project, and people
management. She is a PADI divemaster, USCG 100T boat captain, yoga instructor, life
coach, environmental educator, and entrepreneur. In 2019, she co-founded the Coral
Reef Education Institute, a 501c3 nonprofit working to restore the nearshore
environment through education, monitoring, and restoration programs. She is a trained
coral practitioner and teaches hands-on courses to tourists,the community, and
haumana about coral reef ecosystems and how to protect and preserve this critical habitat. Born and
raised on Oregon's west coast, her love and curiosity for the ocean started at a very young age. In 2007,
she moved to the Big Island of Hawaii and swam in the waters of Kealakekua Bay,this is where her
passion for learning and teaching about Hawaii's ocean ecosystems became her full-time focus. She
holds the Educational Alternate seat on the Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council for the
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Luana Crowe
Hoa`aina Coordinator
"As an Aloha 'Aina-place based Cultural Anthropologist with over a decade of
hands-on experience, I am dedicated to conducting in-depth research,
analyzing complex data, and fostering meaningful community engagement. My
passion lies in serving as a bridge between academia and the community,
ensuring that educational opportunities and actionable insights support the
realization of Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui's vision."
4
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Attachment E
Please answerthe followingten 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.
E1. Questions and Answers
E2. Ka`ao Ho`oniva Pu`uwai no Ka-Miki&Mo`olelo of Kani`aukani
E3. Excerpt of Historical and Cultural Resources from"Kealakekuka Bay State historical Mast Plan
Improvements Final Master Plan (September 2023)
E4. Photos
E5.Willing Seller Letter
E6.TPL Transparency Letter
County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation
Commission Application for Kokua Kealakekua
1) How would this proposed acquisition or project benefit the general public?
Conservation of Kokua Kealakekua will ensure protection from commercial/luxury residential
development and act as a gateway to Kealakekua Bay ensuring pono, managed access to
Ka`awaloa Trailhead and to Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park. The Bay is a Marine Life
Conservation District with a coral reef ecosystem and habitat for diverse coral, fish, shellfish and
limu (seaweed). Like many beloved places across Hawaii, Kealakekua faces severe challenges
of being "over-loved" including unmanaged access, overuse, and extractive tourism, all of which
have a negative impact on the Bay's cultural and natural landscape.
Protecting Kokua Kealakekua will allow this `aina to become an interpretive center and kipuka
(oasis) for restoration and cultural and educational programs that will strengthen the pilina
(relationship) among people and place, establish codes of conduct, and implement sustainable
carrying capacity limits of Ka`awaloa Trail and the greater Kealakekua Bay region.
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.)
Historically, the property is a portion of Royal Patent 4386 & 7532, LCA 8452 Apana 10 to A.
Keohokalole. State Historic Site#7253 appears to be on the property.
3) Describe (and include maps if available) any significant relationship to the larger
historical, cultural, and/or natural landscape (i.e corridors, complexes, agricultural field
systems, conservation strategies etc.)
The property is in the ahupua`a of Ka`awaloa ("distant awa") in two wahi pana, Kuapehu
("swollen back") and Manua ("piled, accumulated"). In a ka`ao about Kamiki, he harvests
ceremonial `awa in the gardens of Manua, dangling from the `iliahi, never touching the ground.
Another mo`olelo of Kani`aukani speaks of Kamehameha's people suffering from famine. He
visits his uncle Naihe in Ka`awaloa begging to collect huli (taro stalks) to restore his fields. Naihe
sends him to Kuapehu to gather huli to plant an area over 5 miles long (see Attachment E2)
The property sits ma uka (towards the mountain) of the popular Ka`awaloa trailhead, more
commonly known as the Captain Cook Monument Trail, which is a critical access point to the
537-acre Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park. The County of Hawaii has jurisdiction over the
ma uka section of the trail and State Parks has jurisdiction over the ma kai section of the trail.
Kealakekua Bay, who's traditional name is Kapukapu, was once the royal center of Kona in the
1700s, home to fishing villages, heiau complexes, and royal burials. (see Attachment E3)
The property is also part of the Kona field system which was once owned by Chief Naihe and
his wife, famed Chiefess Kapi`olani.
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 plans for development, the property has an
active filed application for re-zoning/subdivision, is an area of high public use, etc.)
The property is currently listed for sale and being actively marketed. The landowners are
motivated sellers and have received offers on the property. A likely buyer would be a speculator
eyeing development for commercial or luxury residential purposes in this highly desirable and
convenient location at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway, Mamalahoa Bypass Road, and
Napo`opo`o Road. If this property is lost to speculators or developers, the community would lose
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a kipuka for community-led stewardship and pono
management of Ka`awaloa and the greater Kealakekua Bay area.
The property itself is overgrown in invasive vegetation overtaking the few canoe plants that
remain.
Ka`awaloa Trail and Kealakekua Bay faces severe challenges due to habitat degradation,
overuse, desecration, and unmanaged tourism. Ka`awaloa Trail was accessed by over 17,000
people in 2023 and has climbed to over 53,000 in 2024. There are no restroom facilities at
Ka`awaloa and many visitors are ill-prepared for the rigorous, steep 4-mile round trip hike. About
30 rescues occur annually. Kealakekua Bay is threatened by: disrespectful human behavior
(disrespect towards local residents, natural and cultural resources, illegal activity, taking rocks,
trespassing on private lands and historic trails), effects from climate change (periodic marine
heatwaves that cause coral bleaching, ocean acidification, rising sea level, increased drought,
and increased storm damage), exceeding carrying capacity, human waste (too many people,
boats, kayaks, cars, and vacation rentals, human-caused marine debris such as derelict fishing
gear, litter, fishing line, trash, and sewage), Non-pono fishing practices (depletion of food
resources through illegal and unsustainable fishing activities), and non-native species (aquatic
and terrestrial species displacing native species, including ta`ape, to`au, roi, guppies, mollies,
tilapia, goats, rats, mongoose).
5) Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that presently exist(special funding
available, etc.)
Trust for Public Land is partnering with Native Hawaiian-led non-profit, Ho`51a Kealakekua Nui
(HKN) to protect K6kua Kealakekua. TPL and HKN have applied for State Legacy Land
Conservation Program funding for fiscal year 2025. K6kua Kealakekua was ranked #4 and
recommended $700k funding reward by the Legacy Land Commission Board of Land and
Natural Resources (BLNR) approval is expected in April 2025. Governor will release the funds in
June 2025 and a grant agreement will be executed this summer 2025.
6) Has partnering with other government agencies, private or nonprofit entities to leverage
resources (funding, grants, managing partnerships) been identified? If yes, please
describe.
Ho`51a Kealakekua Nui is part of the Kapukapu `ohana, a coalition of 17 various
members/organizations which includes lineal descendants, community members, hoa `aina
stewards of Kealakekua, non-profit organizations, state, and federal organizations. The
Kealakekua community established a community action plan to better manage the important
cultural and natural resources of Kealakekua. Partners include:
The Nature Conservancy
Kealakekua Bay Cultural Advisory Ohana
NPS Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Coral Reef Alliance
Conservation International
UH Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources
DLNR Division of State Parks
Fairwinds Cruises
Kona Boys Kayak Company
The Healy Foundation
Kupa Ho`okena Community
Miloli`i CBSFA (Kalanihale)
HKN holds a Curatorship Agreement with State Parks which began as an Adopt A Park
Agreement in 2016. In 2022, HKN partnered with community, NGOs, and government agencies
to develop the Kealakekua Bay Community Action Plan (CAP) a model for community co-
management of the Park. In 2023, State Parks adopted the CAP in its Master Plan and is now
partnering with HKN to implement it.
The County of Hawaii has jurisdiction over the ma uka section of the trail (Ka`awaloa Road) and
State Parks has jurisdiction over the ma kai section of the trail. HKN has verbal agreement from
State Parks to add the ma kai section of the trail to their existing agreement, which is expected
next month. HKN would love to partner with the County to develop a stewardship agreement,
license, or lease over the County's ma uka section of the trail in order to better assist the County
in managing trail access.
7) Is/Are the property(s) or property easement(s) available for acquisition? If yes, please
describe.
Yes. The landowners are willing to sell for conservation and have provided a signed Willing
Seller Letter (Attachment#). The property is also being actively listed for sale. TPL is currently
conducting an appraisal. If an agreement on price and terms can be reached, TPL will negotiate
an option or purchase and sale agreement with the landowner.
The County of Hawaii will hold a conservation easement over the property with Ho`51a
Kealakekua Nui holding the land in fee simple.
8) Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions (i.e., association or maintenance),
or easements on the property? If yes, please describe.
No known covenants, encumbrances, restrictions. A preliminary title report is attached.
9) Describe any known hazards on the property(i.e., flood zone, lava hazard zone,
mudslide, pollution, etc.).
No known hazards exist on the property. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is in
progress.
Ka`ao Ho`oniva Pu`uwai no Ka-Miki&Mo`olelo of Kani`aukani
As re-told by Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen
As mentioned,the subject property is situated on the cusp of Kuapehu and Manua about which there
are two famous stories one a ka`ao the other a mo`olelo.
Ka`ao Ho`oniva Pu`uwai no Ka-Miki
The Ka`ao Ho`oniva Pu`uwai no Ka-Miki, published in the Hawaiian Language Newspaper, Na Hoku o
Hawaii (1914-1917),was authored by John Wise and J.W.H.I. Kihe and many other local informants'
contributions. In the story of Kamiki, as he and his brother enter Kealakekua Bay to harvest the `awa
hiwa for their`uniki to become `olohe, masters in martial arts, they spend time in the gardens referred
to as Manua, and they observe and gather the long`awa root growing among the `iliahi forest, some
dangling never touching the ground. Their inquisitive nature caused them to prepare the `awa,the
chant provided in the story describes the potency of the`awa hiwa called mor
Eia ka `ai e Here is the food of Acknowledging the `aina from where this `awa
Kahulipapahulihonua Kahuli- grows. Giving credence to its source as spelled
papahulihonua out in Kumulipo on how our ancestors kilo
(Papahulilani, Papahulihonua, Papahanaumoku)
Ke akua i ke alo, i ka The god in the The Ipu o Lono is a round gourd that is filled. This
opu o Lono presence of the `awa describes the feeling of fullness when you drink
clump of Lono. this`awa.
E ho`i e Mihakalani Indeed the tranquil The feeling of connectedness and
heavens wholesomeness. Ho`i at times in `oli is short for
noho`i or no + ho`i is an emphasis on the
"tranquil".
E ala a Pete-Honuamea Arise o Indicating the peppery flavors gradual rise as you
Pelehonuamea drink more, the spice increases.
E ala a ke kumu Arise o source of the Acknowledging howyour senses and perception
Hulinu`u highest heavens expands, a state of being high,the ability to be
vulnerable and trust the guidance.
O Hulinu`u Keahiloa i Hulinu`u of the long Referrence to the `awa of Ka`awaloa and its life
ka lua burning fire in the pit. giving sources.
Na HokO o Hawaii,June 18, 1914
The `awa of Manua as described in the chant celebrates the relationship between Kanaka and the
ecosystem, a lesson everyone can learn and apply in their own community.
Mo`olelo of Kani'aukani
The second story is a mo'olelo named after Kamehameha I's peleleu (war canoe) called Ni'aukani.
Kani'aukani takes place on the return of Kamehameha's fleet from Kaua'i back to Kona. Upon arrival,
he saw the people were sick and dying,the fields were not tended to, food was scarce and the
Konohiki chiefs were focused on the Sandalwood harvest for trading, leaving the fields
unattended. Further, Kamehameha's son, Kauikeaouli is still-born.
Kamehameha weeps and springs into action a plan to restore life to his people. Kani'aukani is the
midrib ni'au of the coconut leaf,the term is related to how the wind would cause the coconut leaves to
flutter, an imagery of swiftness. And so, Kamehameha swiftly comes home to his ailing Kingdom in
Kona and goes to Ka'awaloa and visits his relative,the chief Naihe. He crawls on his bellyto see his
uncle drunk. He begs his uncle to collect huli and other sources to restore the Kona field system
known as Kuahewa in North Kona and the kalu `ulu or known as the `ulu grove belt of Kona that
stretched a 5 mile span. He then erected the hale nana mahina'ai at the 'Ahu'ena complex at
Kamakahonu bayto ensure the crops are managed and the abundance is restored with the 'ono. It
was because of his uncle Naihe from Ka'awaloa who sent Kamehameha to Kuapehu, where the
subject property is located,to gather the huli (taro shoots) and the hapu'u ferns to use as mulch to
plant an area of over 5 miles long. Kamehameha, himself tilled and planted alongside his subjects.
The ingenuity and resilience captured in this storythat plays out from Ka'awaloa,the continued long
burning fire flavored 'awa, or is it the long'awa roots that hang from the 'iliahi (Sandlewood Tree)
permeating into the'awa that causes an uplifting experience. Perhaps it's both, and that is how the
kupuna celebrated the place named Ka'awaloa.
Although this is the shortest version of the stories, it is the intent of Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui HKN to
manifest these stories to celebrate the wahi pana of the subject property and allow HKN to manage
visitors and provide a place of relationality and connectedness.
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I C,
KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK FINAL MASTER PLAN
Although permanent streams are absent within the Park, a considerable amount of ground water
enters the Bay as brackish springs along the shoreline. Natural drainage systems, such as these, and
activities in the Park are important because they may impact water quality and marine life. The
brackish water feeds ponds and springs on land and affects nearby marine habitats.
2.65 Surface Il:::)ra4i gt:.�aind Flooding
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM),there are two prominent flood hazard zones affecting the Napo'opo'o and Ka`awaloa portions
of the Park, Zone VE (corresponding to the 10-year coastal floodplains that have additional hazards
associated with storm waves) and Zone AE (corresponding to the 100-year floodplains) (see Figure
2-1, Site Analysis Map).
Ka`awaloa
The flood hazard zones extend over the shoreline including the Captain Cook Monument, and other
historic sites.
NapWopo`o
Flood hazard areas extend over the Napo'opo'o shoreline and inland where the historic pond is
located.The Landing is almost entirely constrained by flood hazard zones and buffers to those zones
where building is severely restricted by the County of Hawaii Code.35
In addition to the flood hazard zones that overlay the Park,there is an underdeveloped intermittent
watercourse (identified as Number 5)36 that drains into the Bay adjacent to Hikiau Heiau,with 100-
year and 500-year flood areas. No other streams or drainages are identified in the Park.
2.7„ I°°fi tc,)rlica, l ar-id Cukur4l I1:1 sou„irces
2. 71. kftro uutk)n
Long before European discovery, Kealakekua Bay was a residence and an important seat of power
for the ruling chiefs of Hawaii Island. From the 1600s to the 1700s, and at the time of European
contact, Kealakekua was one of the seven ruling centers on the western side of the island of Hawaii.
This area is also associated with Kamehameha's rise to power in the late 1700s and was one of three
primary ports and royal centers of Kamehameha's early kingdom. As one of the most intact
archaeological complexes in Hawaii with a continuity of habitation from the pre-contact into the
post-contact periods,the Park has the potential to share an important part of Hawai`i's history.That
story lies hidden within the land and may be revealed through future archaeological investigations.
35 Hawai`i County Code§27-23 (2005)provides the standards for coastal high hazard areas(zone VE),including"new
construction or improvements need to be elevated on adequately anchored pilings or columns so that the lower
horizontal portion of the structural members of the lowest floor,excluding the pilings and columns,is elevated to or
above the base floor level...No new plumbing,electrical,and elevators are allowed to be constructed below the base
flood elevation."
36 U.S.Department of Agriculture(USDA),Soil Conservation Service.South Kona Flood Hazard Analysis.July 1977.
2-32
PARK SETTING
KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK FINAL MASTER PLAN
It is also found in written documents,maps, drawings,and photographs from the past as well as oral
histories from the people of Kealakekua.
Kealakekua Bay also holds a key to an understanding of the extent and nature of the changes wrought
in Hawaiian culture by its early contact with foreign cultures that extended into the 20th Century.
Prior to the 19th century,the settlements around this bay were subjected to some of the most intense
forces of acculturation on the islands. Captain Cook's one-month stay at Kealakekua provides the
earliest written accounts of Hawaiian culture in the late 1700s, and its early notoriety as the site of
Cook's death brought many western observers to the area who left an extensive and unique written
record. The archaeological evidence and written documentation of the Bay will therefore help to
reveal the impact of western contact in the 1780 to 1790s period.When combined with oral history,
Hawaiian language journals,and other records,a story emerges that is important not only for Hawaii
but for the larger South Pacific world.
Secondary historical themes are also revealed through land records and oral history. While not
unique within the Hawaiian Islands, this area's transformation from a thriving Hawaiian village to
partially deserted landscape reflects the history of rural lands throughout the islands. Changes in
land use and ownership, the effects of missionary activity, transportation changes, ethnic
composition, and economic transformations are all phenomenon demonstrated in the history of the
land and people of the Bay.
Because of its isolation in recent years,the Park contains a wealth of relatively undisturbed historical
and cultural resources.According to the nomination form for the National Register of Historic Places,
Kealakekua is one of the most significant historical and archaeological areas in Hawaii. Dr. Robert J.
Hommon, who conducted archaeological investigations in the park in the 1960s and 1970s, added
that Kealakekua is one of the most significant unexplored historical resources known in Hawaii
today. This section portrays how the abundance of natural resources influenced cultural
development and historical events and describes the cultural resources and history of Kealakekua
Bay. This history is important for planning,managing and interpreting the Park.
.7.2 CluIkurA Wit:.,Haiing
It is likely that a combination of desirable environmental elements influenced the development of the
Bay as an important administrative center in ancient Hawaii.A prime reason was the bay itself. On
an island with few good harbors and little protection from stormy seas, it is not surprising that the
wide, deep, and relatively calm waters of the Bay found favor with the Hawaiian people. Since its
protected coral reefs are close to shore,the bay was also an abundant source of food.
The climate and soils of Central Kona also produced an agricultural abundance, which supported
large population settlements. The area surrounding the Bay is one of the wetter coastal areas on the
leeward side of the island.Although streams are absent, groundwater seeps at`Umi's well,the pond
at Napo'opo'o, and other shoreline pools or springs provided drinking and washing water to the
people who settled at the Bay. The land above the pali was suitable for intense dryland cultivation.
2-33
PARK SETTING
KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK FINAL MASTER PLAN
A good harbor,fresh water,and rich agricultural land not only attracted the island's prominent chiefs
to the Bay but also brought the first western ships to this shore. Cook arrived here after searching in
vain for a safe landing area elsewhere along the island's coast.At Kealakekua he was able to trade for
water and food provisions with the Hawaiian natives living along the bay.Western ships looking for
safe anchorage and provisioning port in the Pacific soon followed.
The Bay experienced both economic and political decline as Honolulu Harbor was established in 1805
and could serve the provisioning needs of foreign vessels. Hawaiian political leaders also moved to
Honolulu, further eroding the area's prominence. When roads replaced water transportation and
cash crops replaced subsistence agriculture,the economic importance of the Bay forever changed.
The significance of the small coastal area of the Park can be best understood within the traditional
context of the ahupua'a, an ancient Hawaiian land division often shaped like a slice of pie that
stretches from the wide seafront to a narrow mountain point. Each ahupua'a contained all the
elements necessary to sustain life in ancient Hawaii with the trading of goods between families
within the ahupua'a. The sea provided food, transportation, and recreation while upland areas
provided land for farming and gathering materials for clothing and housing. Before the Great Mahele
of 1848,ahupua'a boundaries were defined by local tradition and landmarks in the landscape rather
than by legal description.
The Park is situated at the seaward edge of two ahupua'a—Ka'awaloa on the north and Kealakekua
on the south. The Park encompasses a small portion of the Ke6puka ahupua'a above the coastal
Ka'awaloa Flat.The Ka'awaloa ahupua'a stretches upland to the steep Pali Kapu o Keoua and the Kona
field system situated mauka of the pali.
Cultural Complexes
Ka'awaloa
The leeward side of Hawaii Island is believed to have been occupied with permanent coastal
settlements by A.D. 900-1000 (Cordy 2000:130).37 As Kealakekua developed into a ruling center for
the Kona area,several high ranking ali'i had a residence at Kealakekua. Keawenui a'Umi,son of'Umi,
is the first to have a major residence at Kealakekua where his son Lonoikamakahiki was born
(Fornander in Cordy 2000:222). Kalani'opu'u had his residence at Ka'awaloa after taking power in
the early 1760s. It was here that Kalani'opu'u would meet Captain James Cook in 1779.
Cook met his death at Ka'awaloa while attempting to kidnap Kalani'opu'u to ensure the return of a
stolen boat.During the 1780s and 1790s,Ka'awaloa was one of three important ports in Hawaii used
for the provisioning of foreign ships and, as such, was a center of contact between Hawaii and the
outside world.
Families were forced to leave Ka'awaloa during WWII and the former ruling center is now deserted
and overgrown with a kiawe forest. Its most visible feature is the Captain Cook Monument, a white
37 Ross Cordy,Exalted Sits the Chief:The Ancient History of Hawaii Island.Honolulu,HI,2000.
2-34
PARK SETTING
KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK FINAL MASTER PLAN
obelisk erected in 1874.Access is limited to a hike on one of the three historic trails or by water with
a vessel permit.
Pali Kapu o Keoua
This dramatic cliff called Pali Kapu o Keoua forms the northeastern edge of the Bay and dominates
its setting.A lesser-known section of the pali,south of Pali Kapu o Keoua and lying above Napo'opo'o,
is known as Pali o Manuahi.Residents today refer to the east end of the pali as Pali Poko,which means
the short pali.Another local name is Pu`u Alani, or orange hill. The name goes back to the Gold Rush
period of the 1800s when oranges were grown commercially for export to the west coast. Residents
noted that some of the original orange trees from the former orchards can still be found on the
grounds of the old Paris home.
Burial Caves
Three types of historic sites are located in this area:burial caves,agricultural fields,and ancient trails.
Although damaged by landslides since ancient times, the pali face is still pocked with volcanic lava
tubes used by the Hawaiians as burial caves.The caves appear to be located along the cliff face above
Ka`awaloa.
Agricultural Fields
During pre-contact and early contact times, agricultural fields above the cliff were under intensive
cultivation as part of the extensive Kona field system. Breadfruit groves hugged the edge of the pali,
and numerous taro and sweet potato fields, separated by low walls, stretched up the inland slopes.
Some of the remnants of these fields are within Park boundaries.After the mid-1800s,this land was
used for ranching or the farming of pineapple and coffee.
Trails
Ancient trails along the edge of the pali were used as overland routes between Hawaiian coastal
villages as well as a route for religious ceremonies.These trails were part of the ala loa or ala aupuni
which ran around the entire island, connecting the communities of Hawaii Island. Cattle ranchers
and commercial farmers used these trails to transport cattle and produce to ports at Ka`awaloa and
Napo'opo'o.Although trail remnants remain on the pali,it is not clear whether these are historical or
modern trails.
Kealakekua Bay
The Bay was once described as the "calmest spot in Kona" with the best anchorage on the western
side of the island. The deep water, a short distance from shore,breaks the sea swells and provides a
safe landing even in the worst storms. In ancient Hawaii, residents along the coast used Ka`awaloa
Cove when high seas prevented them from landing at their own villages.This critical resource,along
with the Bay's abundant fishing grounds, compensated for less attractive living conditions such as
the unrelenting heat generated by the sun's rays on the lava flat. Also, several brackish springs
provided water in the absence of adequate rainfall.
2-35
PARK SETTING
KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK FINAL MASTER PLAN
Ndpo'opo'o (Kekua)
The modern community of Napo'opo'o lies over the ancient Hawaiian settlement of Kekua,along the
south side of the bay. Located within the Kealakekua ahupua'a, Kekua includes the Hikiau Heiau
complex and historic sites related to ranching activities in the late 1800s to early 1900s.
Hikiau Heiau and Priestly Complex
Kekua was physically dominated by Hikiau Heiau, a temple for many religious purposes.At the time
of European contact in January of 1779, Hikiau Heiau was a pu'uhonua that played a central role in
the district of Kona and hosted the annual Makahiki festival. At other times of the year, the heiau
would be dedicated to the practices of Ku. Hikiau and Helehelekalani Heiau were sites where the
skies were observed and an observatory was set-up adjacent to Hikiau Heiau during the Cook
expedition to accurately locate Hawaii on a map.
An enclave for Hawaiian priests was situated north of the heiau, behind the sandy beach and
surrounding a large brackish pond.A grove of coconut trees,and possibly loulu palms,stood directly
behind the beach and surrounded the pond.A massive stone wall known as the Great Wall enclosed
the pond,the heiau, and the priestly residences in a compound.
In the 1790s, Kamehameha had his residence in this area. To the southeast of Hikiau Heiau,
Helehelekalani Heiau functioned as the training site for Hawaiian priests. South of Hikiau Heiau and
outside of the wall were the homes of lesser chiefs and commoners.
Uses and Observable Remnants
The area near the pond was the site for a local prison in the 1830s and the residence of McFarlen,
manager of the Captain Cook Coffee Company,in the 1920s.Rock wall pens were constructed to hold
cattle before they were loaded onto ships in the Bay. Today, the stacked rock platforms of Hikiau
Heiau and Helehelekalani Heiau and the Great Wall remain. The rock walls of the former cattle pens
are no longer evident and were probably dismantled by high surf and tsunami. The pond is much
reduced in size as a result of sedimentation. Many of the coconut trees are gone, replaced by kiawe
and 'opiuma that were favored by the ranchers as cattle fodder. (For current cultural practices, see
Appendix F Community Interview Report.)
2.7.3. fistodca� .n,ndfi,ie
The story of Kealakekua Bay can be divided into fairly distinct time periods.The story begins with its
development as a traditional Hawaiian community with an emphasis on fishing in the Bay and upland
agriculture. With Western contact, the area became an important port for the provisioning of ships
crossing the Pacific. More recent history includes the story of the area's transformation from a
thriving Hawaiian settlement to the partially deserted landscape it is today(see Figure 2-8).
2-36
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"ilsmith Trust
September 5, 2024
To Whom It May Concern,
Nancy Caroline S,m,iith Revocable Trust is the landowner of approximately 1.0256 acres
of land located in Kaawaloa, South Koina, Island and County of IHawai'i, State of Hawai'l Tax
Map Key Nlumber(3) 8-1-0019:0107 ("'Property"). (Please note that the County of Hawai] records
show thins Iparcel as 1,0 acres,, Ihowever, the Survey Iby Pattison Land Surveying on J'ainuary
I , 2024 states the parcel is approximately 0.83 acres or 36,155 square feet after road
improvements took some of the parcel).
We are currently d1scussing with the Trust for Public Land a possiUe sale of the Property for
coniservation and cultural preservatiion. If an agreement can be reached on price and terms, we
woulld be willing to voluntarily move forward with a, conservation sale of the property in fee
s,imiple to the Trust for Public Land.
By: C A" SM& 9/S/2024 1 14:10 HAS,T vt,-,� VDA'C415B..
Name- Dexter Allen Smith,, Trustee of(Nancy Carofinie Smith Revocable Trust
CC�:
Reyna Ramolete Hayashi
Trust for Public Land
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1512
HonolUIU, HI 9,6813
reyna,ramolete@tpl.orgi
Estate of Milicent L Smiith,
September 5, 2024
To Whom It May Concern,
Estate of Milicent L Smith,, Dexter A Smith,Alexander D Smith, and James P SmAh are
the landowners of appiroximately 0.53 acres of land Illocated in Kaawaloa, South Koina, Island
and County of Hawai'i, State of Hawaii] Tax Map Key Number(3) 8-1-009:0108 ("Property").
(Please note that the County of Hawaii] records !show this parcel as 0.53 acres or 23,087 squiaire
feet, however, the Survey by Pattisoin Land Surveying on Jainuiary 10, 2024 states the parcel is
approximately 0,433 acres or 18,861 square feet after road improvements took some of the
plaricel).
We are currently dJsciussing with the Trust for Public Land a possible, sale of the Property for
conservation and cultural preservation, If aiin agreement can be reached on price and terms, we
wouid be willang to voluntarfly move forward with a conservation sale of the property in fee
simple to the Trust for Public Land.
By d Iwo d b�y�Autr 9/5/2024 1 16::3,6 HAST
BUM3AG14�7492;-.-er, Personal Representative for Estate of Mflicent L Smiiith
By: � Sigiod by:
—(414V ARM, SIM& 9/5/2024I 14:10 HAST 075=47BDA'C,45S,
Sigined lby,
By: V, 9/6/2024 09:2�7 HAST
M198CFAE404D5,
�
9/6/20,24 18:!47 PDT
�AM1432"5'6 thi
CC:
Reyna Ramolete HayasN
Trust for Public Land"
1164 Bishop Street, Suiite 1512
Honolulu, HI 96813
reyna.ramolete@tpl.orgi
TRUST FOR
%f PUBLIC
LAND'
H A W A I °I January 31, 2025
1164 Bishop St., Ste. 1512
Honolulu, HI 96813
tpl org County of Hawaii
Department of Finance—PONC
HAWAPI BOARD 24 Aupuni Street, Suite 101
Ka`iulani Sodaro, Chair Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252
Ward Village/Howard Hughes
Race Randle,vice Chair Maui Land&Pineapple Co. Transparency Re: The Trust for Public Land—Trans1� Y Letter
Ane Bakutis
Kealopiko&UH Manoa Plant Aloha Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission,
Extinction Prevention Program
Kekama Helm
Lili'uokalani Trust As a matter of policy, The Trust for Public Land (TPL)provides this type of transparency
Bob Hines letter providing more information about itself and its projects to all of its funding and
Mediator takeout partners. Please feel free to provide copies of this letter to your staff and other
Chris Hochuli interested parties. We are currently working on the following projects:
Merrill Lynch
Jteve
ames Camlpbell Company LLC K6kua Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii Island. Trust for Public Land is assisting
Ala'amoe Keolanui Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui to protect and purchase K6kua Kealakekua (-1.263 acres, TMK
OK Farms (3) 8-1-009:007, (3) 8-1-009:008)for community and cultural stewardship. This strategic
Troy Keolanui property sits just mauka of the Ka`awaloa trailhead (Captain Cook Monument Trail), and
OK Farms will become the gateway to accessing Kealakekua Bay State Historic Park and its vast
Mark Lhala ene severe challenges t
Kahi Mohala cultural and natural resources. Kealakekua Bayis threatened with hallen es due
Earlynne Maile to unmanaged tourism, habit degradation, overuse, and desecration. Protecting and
Young Brothers acquiring K6kua Kealakekua will enable Ho`ala Kealakekua Nui and the community to
Mino McLean manage and protect Kealakekua's precious resources, create a cultural and interpretive
Island Sotheby's Intl. Realty center, a limited visitor parking, a native plant nursery and serve as a kipuka for
John Meier Conservationist restoration cultural, and educational programs for locals and visitors alike.
Catherine Ngo
Central Pacific Bank What is the Trust for Public Land?
Blake Oshiro
State of Hawaii The Trust for Public Land is a national, non-profit land conservation organization that
Jeff overtop creates arks and protects land for people, ensuring health livable communities for
Goo P P P P S g Y�
Mahina Paishon-Duarte generations to come. TPL assists public agencies, communities, and other non-profit
Waiwai Collective organizations in achieving their park and open space conservation goals through
Mike B. Pietsch conservation finance and conservation real estate services. The Trust for Public Land is a
Title Guaranty Hawaii qualified tax-exempt 501(c)3 charitable, public benefit corporation.
Brad Punu
Green Climate Fund
Kirstin Punu Experience in Acquiring Land
AES
Tom Reeve The Trust for Public Land relies on its legal, real estate and finance expertise to
Conservationist successfully complete conservation land transactions. Since The Trust for Public Land's
Jonathan Sprague founding nearly 50 years ago, it has, through its national network of offices, protected or
PUlama Lanai
Dr. Rachel Sprague transformed over 5,400 special places, over 4 million acres, and helped generate over $94
Pajama Lanai billion in public funding for parks, open space and conservation through over 600 ballot
Jan Sullivan measures in 38 states.
Oceanit
In Hawai'i, The Trust for Public Land has protected over 77,000 acres and 52 special places since our founding
in 1972. A one page fact sheet summarizing our projects in Hawaii is attached to give you a sense of the range
and diversity of The Trust for Public Land's work.
How The Trust for Public Land Works
The Trust for Public Land works in the marketplace, acting quickly and independently to acquire land in its own
name from willing landowners for conservation. The Trust for Public Land acts as a principal in these
transactions and not as an agent of the landowner or of any public agency. The Trust for Public Land seeks to
have the landowner pay as many of the pre-acquisition costs as possible, either directly or through a tax-
deductible contribution to The Trust for Public Land.
The Trust for Public Land's position as a principal also clearly puts it in a risk position. During the course of
negotiations and pre-acquisition work, The Trust for Public Land incurs significant costs. These costs are
substantially increased if The Trust for Public Land acquires the property and holds it well in advance of the
public agency's or non-profit's acquisition from The Trust for Public Land. If a project fails, these costs must
be absorbed by the organization.
The Trust for Public Land has experience working with landowners to satisfy their particular needs including
those related to tax, timing, or estate planning issues. It is The Trust for Public Land's policy to preserve the
confidentiality of its dealings with landowners, which can often be the difference between success and failure in
an acquisition.
As a principal with access to its own capital, The Trust for Public Land can sometimes offer landowners much
shorter closing timetables than might be possible with public agencies which must, of necessity, deal with
public board and council approvals and long lead-time financing mechanisms.
The Trust for Public Land has assisted many agencies at the local, state and federal level in nearly every state in
the nation. The Trust for Public Land tackles complicated transactions that public agencies may not have the
staff or resources to do themselves. It offers a professional and streamlined approach and brings extra hands
and minds to assist often over-extended government staff.
It is The Trust for Public Land's intention that the property it purchases be preserved and used eventually for
public open space purposes, agriculture, heritage lands and ecological services. The Trust for Public Land
targets its work to those properties identified by agencies or other non-profits as priorities for protection, and it
is entirely up to a public agency or non-profit as to whether or not it wants to acquire property from The Trust
for Public Land.
Typically, The Trust for Public Land secures a property with a purchase option agreement. During the option
period, on average 12-18 months, The Trust for Public Land performs, at significant cost, the due diligence
associated with the purchase, such as obtaining an appraisal, title review, environmental investigations, and
surveys. The Trust for Public Land understands the need to meet the requirements of funding programs and to
coordinate its due diligence with public agency staff to ensure that the legal and physical condition of the
property is acceptable to funders and the ultimate owner and property manager. If the public agency or other
non-profit has decided to acquire the property, the land is typically sold by The Trust for Public Land at its
purchase price, which cannot exceed the fair market value as established by an appraisal.
As described in the attached Land Appraisal Policy, The Trust for Public Land will work to ensure that this
appraisal report is prepared in accordance with the highest professional standards and the specific agency's or
non-profit's requirement. The Trust for Public Land will provide the agency or non-profit with whatever
2
additional assistance we can for its review of this report. Please let us know if your agency has its own
appraisal rules or procedures that need to be followed. Otherwise, The Trust for Public Land will use its own
national guidelines in engaging an MAI or other qualified appraiser acceptable to your agency.
Once the due diligence has been completed, the acquisition funding has been secured, and an agency or non-
profit has agreed to purchase the property, The Trust for Public Land normally exercises its option, buys the
property from the landowner and sells it to the public agency or non-profit. While every transaction brings its
own opportunities, challenges, and quirks, a project can, in some instances, take up to two years or more to
complete from the date of the initial introduction to the landowner to the conveyance of the property to the
public agency or other conservation entity.
What does The Trust for Public Land Charge for its Services?
The Trust for Public Land assumes the risks and liabilities of land ownership, as well as the costs associated
with buying, owning and selling land. The Trust for Public Land believes that public agencies and non-profits
have enough burdens in just paying for the land. The Trust for Public Land's business philosophy is to charge
the government or non-profit only for the land, and to obtain our operational support from charitable donations
from individuals, landowners with whom we work, foundations, and other philanthropic sources. This
arrangement allows The Trust for Public Land to meet its financial needs while assuring public agencies that
they are paying no more than a property is worth. In keeping with this philosophy, we will be requesting a
donation from the landowner, interested community members and individuals, surrounding landowners, and
foundations, on the projects described above. [Please see the attachment for further information on The Trust
for Public Land's Public Benefits Policy.]
A public agency or non-profit is under no financial obligation to The Trust for Public Land until a specific
purchase agreement has been entered into with The Trust for Public Land. At that point, the agency or non-
profit is buying the land from The Trust for Public Land using dollars that have been identified by the agency or
non-profit and which The Trust for Public Land may have assisted in securing.
Conclusion
I hope this letter helps to clarify how the Trust for Public Land works to conserve land for public use and
enjoyment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. We look forward to working with
you on these important projects.
Sincerely,
Reyna Ramolete Hayashi
Aloha `Aina Project Manager
Trust for Public Land
Attachments: TPL Appraisal Policy
TPL Public Benefits Policy
TPL Hawaii Fact Sheet
3
The Trust for Public Land Appraisal Policy
The appraisal is a key element in any Trust for Public Land (TPL, www.lpl.org) assisted conservation transaction.
An appraisal sets the property value for public agencies and non-profits, many of which are legally required to
offer fair market value for property, and an appraisal assures that TPL will not be overpaying for a property, and
thus conferring a private benefit on a landowner.
It is in TPL's, the acquiring agency's or non-profit's and the public's best interests that appraisals be performed
by qualified appraisers, in conformance with appropriate standards and methodologies, and based upon the best
data suggesting value, with rigorous review of the final results.
TPL's policy is to support a public agency appraisal process that is independent, fair and has integrity. TPL
believes it is important to assure the public, and the public agencies to which we transfer lands, that they are
acquiring land from TPL for a fair price.
To implement this policy, TPL will:
• rigorously follow each agency's or non-profit's appraisal rules and procedures;
• hire only the most accomplished appraisers;
• instruct appraisers to conform to the standards identified in the Uniform Standards of Professional
Appraisal Practice, and where applicable, the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions;
• provide to the agency or non-profit, upon its request, any written information in our possession that is
relevant to the value of the subject property, unless TPL is prohibited from releasing this information by
a confidentiality agreement; and
• conform to the highest ethical standards.
4
Trust for Public Land Public Benefits Policy
The Trust for Public Land (TPL, www.tpl.org)is a national nonprofit organization that conserves land for
people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places. Protecting the
places people care about—from inner city to wilderness—is at the heart of TPL's work.
TPL's work depends on the generous support of donors and volunteers who share our mission of conserving
land for people. The Wall Street Journal's SmartMoney magazine, Money, Forbes, and The Chronicle of
Philanthropy have all rated TPL among the most efficient charities in the United States for keeping fund-raising
and operating costs low while meeting mission goals.
TPL is a recognized 501(c)(3)public charity and as such, donations to TPL are tax deductible. TPL is not a
membership organization and receives no dues. Instead, TPL receives donations and support from corporations,
foundations and individuals—including landowners. We ask landowners to contribute to TPL in virtually every
transaction, and because they well understand our mission, skills and dedication, we usually are successful in
receiving their support.
All donations to TPL are plowed back into our work to conserve land for people. Our donors voluntarily
support TPL because of their interest in the land we protect, and because of our"Land and People" mission.
This support allows TPL to risk its own funds to protect threatened lands for the public, to pay for the
considerable project costs that we incur, and to generally support the organization and our mission.
The public, and public agencies in particular, benefit from TPL's approach to funding land protection in several
ways:
Save cherished lands. Because we are independently funded, we can take financial risks to protect
extraordinary, and often threatened, properties -risks that public agencies are appropriately reluctant to take.
As an experienced organization with a fifty-year track record of success, TPL has protected over 3.7 million
acres of land valued at over $8.2 billion.
Allow limited public funds to go further. Our goal is to create savings for the public by conveying land to public
agencies for less than fair market value, the price that many agencies are required to offer.
TPL typically saves agencies project costs. We save agencies hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in
appraisal, survey, staff, option consideration and other project costs by absorbing them ourselves. Thanks to
our donors, we are able to pay for costs that otherwise would be borne by the government agency, and
ultimately, by the taxpayer.
5