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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSugg. 25-07 County of Hawaii Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission a SUGGESTION FORM For Lands and/or Property Entitlements for Acquisition Name of Project: Kumukahi Ahupua'a, Council District, and Location Within: Ahupua'a of Kula at Kumukahi in the District of Puna, Council District 4. TMK and Property Owner Information: TMK Acreage Property Owner Contact 140020020000 1,089.31 Kapoho Land & Development A. Lono Lyman 140020170000 1.07 Kapoho Land & Development A. Lono Lyman 140020420000 140.949 Kumukahi Properties LLC Glenn Hara 140020470000 116.00 State of Hawai'i-DLNR** Dawn Chang 140020480000 375.00 State of Hawai'i-DNLR** Dawn Chang 140020580000 80.73 Rosanne A. Oda-Ching (Trust) Randall Ching 140020650000 9.978 Frank Cole & Thomas Tobin Thomas Tobin 140020720000 1.83 Kapoho Land & Development A. Lono Lyman 140020800000 5.129 Kapoho Land & Development A. Lono Lyman 140020810000 4.34 Kapoho Land & Development A. Lono Lyman 140020820000 4.223 Kumukahi Properties LLC Glenn Hara 140020850000 53.95 Lorraine Lorretta Tobin Trust* Thomas Tobin 140020920000 58.00 University of Hawai'i** Michael Shibata 140021000000 27.446 Kapoho Land & Development A. Lono Lyman To your knowledge, is the property owner aware of this nomination? Yes, all are aware. Suggested Purchase Method: Combination of methods, including fee simple, Preservation/Conservation Easement (*) and Transfer to County via Executive Order (**) Nominators Contact Information: Ashley Kierkiewicz, Council Member Susie Osborne, Ho'oulu Lahui ashlev.kierkiewiczCalhawaiicounty. ov Reason for nomination of property [XI Public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains [XI Preservation of historic and culturally important land areas and sites [XI Protection of natural resources, significant habitat or ecosystems, including buffer zones [XI Preservation of forests, including beaches, coastal areas, natural beauty, and ag lands [ ] Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply r �� �I IIIIIIIII�� rJ i 's CL 0 Y Ln N O N Z O a a �m s Q t , , , Attachment B - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi - Project Statement 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. This proposal aims to acquire and consolidate multiple adjoining parcels within the ahupua'a of Kula at Kumukahi, located in the Puna District. Consolidation is essential to enable the development and implementation of a comprehensive area management and stewardship plan. The proposed public acquisition and unification of these Kumukahi properties will safeguard one of Hawai'i's most culturally, historically, and ecologically significant wahi pana, preserving its legacy and integrity for generations to come. Preservation of historic and culturally important land areas and sites. Kumukahi is one of Hawai'i's most revered wahi pana, deeply rooted in the traditions and mo'olelo of the islands. It is celebrated as the place where the rising sun first touches Hawai'i and is closely tied to the arrival of Pele on the island. Kumukahi is a Ieina (place of transition) where the spirits of the deceased are guided to the spirit realm, making it a site of profound spiritual and cultural significance. The area is also a wahi ilina (burial site), with several burial locations identified within the proposed parcels. This underscores the urgency of acquiring the land to ensure its protection, management, and stewardship. 'Ohana continue to engage in ceremonies and honor their kupuna at Kumukahi, passing this kuleana to their kamali'i and mo'opuna. Securing this land would safeguard sacred cultural traditions and uphold the kuleana handed down through generations. It would allow 'ohana to perpetuate ceremonial practices and honor their kupuna in perpetuity. The acquisition would facilitate the implementation of an approved burial treatment plan, ensuring the respectful preservation of iwi kupuna. Protection of natural resources and ecosystems. Kumukahi and the larger Kula Ahupua'a host a range of native flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Hawaiian petrel ('Ua'u) and the Hawaiian hoary bat ('Ope'ape'a). The region also supports a range of marine resources, including 'opihi, wana, kole, and Iimu, as well as native plants like 'ohi'a Iehua, hala, 'awa, kukui, and noni which are integral to both ecological balance and cultural practices. Acquiring these lands would establish a protective buffer zone, preventing further encroachment by invasive species and ensuring the survival of these critical habitats. Public outdoor recreation and education. With its historical significance and ecological diversity, Kumukahi presents a unique opportunity to connect residents and visitors with Hawai'i Island's natural and cultural heritage. Community-based stewardship efforts could include interpretive trails, guided tours, regenerative foresting, and educational programs that foster a deeper understanding of the land while promoting environmental responsibility JOSH GREEN,M.D. o F yq DAWN N.S.CHANG GOVERNOR I KE KIA,AINA A 95,9 y CHAIRPERSON 4 y +` BOARD OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 1+ r COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE SYLVIA LUKE ;i ;y L MANAGEMENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR KA HOPE KIA'AINA o •� RYAN K.P.KANAKA`OLE FIRST DEPUTY o.and and hart �$ `� f d� CIARA W K.KAHAHANE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-WATER o AQUATIC RESOURCES BOATING AND OCEAN RECREATION STATE OF HAWAI9 KA MOKU`AINA`O HAWAI9 BUREAU OF CONVEYANCES COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Srd[e of Ha"^'a� _ CONSERVATION AND COASTAL LANDS KA`OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI 'AINA CONSERVATIO RESOURCES ENFORCEMENT ENT ENGINEERING FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE P.O.BOX 621 HISTORIC PRESERVATION HONOLULU,HAWAII 96809 KAHOOLAWE ISLAND RESERVE COMMISSION LA STATE PARKS January 30, 2025 County of Hawaii Department of Finance Property Management Division 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Sent via email: P0NC(&hawaiicounty.2ov Aloha, The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) strongly supports the County of Hawai`i's initiative to consolidate ownership of lands at Kumukahi, where DLNR holds two parcels, including TMK: (3) 1-4-002:047. DLNR's mission is to conserve and manage Hawai`i's unique cultural and natural resources for present and future generations, and this effort represents a significant step toward ensuring the perpetual protection and stewardship of one of Hawai`i's most historically and culturally significant landscapes which is in alignment with DLNR's mission. Kumukahi, the easternmost point of our islands, holds deep cultural and spiritual importance to Native Hawaiians. It is a sacred place where the sun first rises over Hawaii, symbolizing renewal, light, and knowledge. The presence of Kuki`i Heiau, its celestial alignments, and numerous iwi kupuna further underscore the site's historical and cultural significance. The continuation of traditional practices, including navigation, religious observances, and environmental stewardship, makes it imperative that Kumukahi remains protected and cared for by those with deep connections to the land. Recognizing the County's commitment to community-led stewardship, DLNR is prepared to facilitate the transfer of its lands via Executive Order to the County of Hawaii. We believe that consolidated ownership through the County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC)Program will create opportunities for a comprehensive stewardship that ensures meaningful community participation. Through this approach, Kumukahi can be preserved as a place of cultural reverence, historical education, and environmental sustainability. We commend the dedicated efforts to safeguard this sacred wahi pana and ensure that future generations can continue to honor and learn from Kumukahi's legacy. More importantly, we understand that the County will engage with families who have lineal and cultural connections to County of Hawaii Department of Finance, PONC January 30, 2025 Page Two Kumukahi as well as organizations that have kuleana to steward these lands. DLNR remains committed to working collaboratively with the County and community stakeholders to facilitate a seamless transition and to support ongoing conservation efforts. Malama pono, Dawn N.S. Chang Director, DLNR aSlYY o"y Kalbert K.Young UNIVERSITY Vice President for Budget and Finance/ = 9 r Chief Financial Officer o f HAWAI I G ytr `PFgoK,A�p' SYSTEM 'Onaehana Kulanui o Hawai'i January 30, 2025 Via email: PONC@hawaiicounty.gov County of Hawaii Department of Finance Property Management Division 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: University of Hawaii lands at Kumukahi, Kula Ahupua`a, Puna District, Island of Hawaii, State of Hawaii, Tax Map Key No. (3) 1-4-002: 092 To Whom It May Concern: This letter serves as the University of Hawai`i's ("University") support of the County of Hawai`i's ("County") initiative to provide preservation and conservation stewardship of lands at Kumukahi. The University currently has title to one parcel, Tax Map Key No. (3) 1-4-002: 092 ("Property") encompassing part of the coastline at Kumukahi. The University acknowledges that the County's initiative would entail a transfer of ownership to the County, and the University is also supportive of that approach. The transfer of ownership at Kumukahi is necessary for the County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission ("PONC") Program which will create opportunities for comprehensive stewardship and preservation activities that ensure meaningful community participation. The University's property at Kumukahi had historically been used for educational and research purposes. These activities have ceased, and the University has no current or future plans for the Property. In recent years, the University has consulted with lineal descendants and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which resulted in the preparation of a Burial Site Component of a Preservation Plan ("Preservation Plan") that was accepted by the State Historic Preservation Division in March 2023. The Preservation Plan identified numerous archaeological sites at Kumukahi, including on University lands. The University has been in discussions with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the County of Hawaii, and other stakeholders over the last several years about consolidated ownership of Kumukahi to allow for effective stewardship and preservation of the area. The University would be intent on transferring the Property to 2444 Dole Street, Bachman Hall 201 Honolulu,Hawai'i 96822 Telephone:(808)956-8903 Fax:(808)956-5286 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution County of Hawaii, Department of Finance, Property Management Division January 30, 2025 Page 2 of 2 the County. The transfer would entail, and be subject to, the approval of the University Board of Regents and other approvals as necessary. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michael Shibata, Director of Strategic Development and Partnership at (808) 956-4342 or shibatam@hawaii.edu and/or Greg Chun, Executive Director of the Center for Maunakea Stewardship, at (808) 271-5766 or gchun711 @hawaii.edu. Sincerely, KALBER K. Y UNG VP for B&F/CFO Kapoho Land & Development Company Ltd. Kapoho Land Management Co. Inc. General Partner for Kapoho Land Partnership A Hawaii Limited Partnership January 30, 2025 Ashley Kierkiewicz Thank you for your phone call regarding the initiative to acquire lands at Kumukahi, the Eastern tip of the Hawaiian Islands. In 2021, on behalf of Kapoho Land Partnership and Kapoho Land& Development Co. Ltd. (The Kapoho Companies)I submit to PONC the suggested acquisition of lands we own in the Puna District. The proposal included both the Mauka and Makai lands owned by the company in the Kula ahupuaa. Acquisition of the land would preserve the recognized lineal descendent' s rights to the lands and the cultural sites therein. The Mauka lands have been extensively cultivated, and both the Mauka and Makai lands have been impacted by volcanic eruptions in 1955, 1960 and 2018. Acquisition of the land would preserve natural resources and agricultural lands, including buffer zones. With a management plan, promised by the County for the Kumukahi area, public access protocols would be established. The long-term governance of the lands would include the recognized Native Hawaiian linear descendants. Subject to agreement on land values and subject to approval by The Kapoho Companies'boards of directors, we would be open to your initiative to have the County acquire all or a portion of these lands for preservation of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and resourcesa. Mahalo a nui loa, zoo* A Lono Lyman Konohiki/Manager The Kapoho Companies January 30, 2025 Aloha, / am writing to express my strong support for the proposed acquisition of properties in Kumukahi for preservation and stewardship. As a property owner in Kumukahi, / recognize the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of this area and believe that public ownership will ensure its protection for future generations. Kumukahi is a Wahi Pana ,(living breathing space) that holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. By transitioning this land into community-based stewardship, we can protect sacred sites such as 1wi KDpuna, and preserve the natural beauty and resources of the area. / fully support this effort and am willing to sell my property to the County as part of this initiative. / trust that this acquisition will honor the integrity of the land, its history, and its value to the community. Mahalo for your commitment to preserving Kumukahi. Sincerely, Randall Y. S. Ching Trustee for The Rosanne A. Oda-Ching Trust MALAMA O PUNA P.O Box 1467 Pahoa, Hawaii 96778 (808) 965-2000 �IIIlIIII www.malamaopuna.org * malamaopuna@yahoo.com Protecting Hawai`i's precious natural heritage TO: Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Commission (PONC) RE: Preservation and Management of Kumukahi in Puna Makai January 22, 2025 Aloha, Malama O Puna is a Hawai'i non profit 501(C)(3) corporation and volunteer service organization that focuses on environmental health, community sustainability, and stability. Our mission is to protect critical habitat, native species, open spaces and traditional cultural landscapes for future generations through hands-on projects, environmental education, advocacy, and networking. Malama O Puna has been actively working with the PONC program as stewards of Wai'ele property in lower Puna. We recently received $398,569 to steward over 150 acres of land in lower Puna stretching from Government Beach Road to the sea. Our grant will be used to develop a land stewardship plan and make security and access improvements to the parcel, called the Wai`ele property. As such, we are familiar with the PONC process, and the great need for preservation and management of Kumukahi which is very close to our coastal property. We support this multi property consolidation by the County and subsequent development of a preservation and management plan for this cultural kipuka. We further commit to assisting to navigate the PONC stewardship process with the 2 lead organizations. Kumukahi is a sanctuary for cultural practices, biodiversity, and environmental education. A collaborative management strategy involving multiple organizations, local government, local communities, cultural practitioners, and conservation organizations will ensure that Kumukahi remains a resource for education, cultural perpetuation, and ecological preservation. The programs to be developed align with our mission and we are a natural collaborator with this neighboring project. Mahalo for your serious consideration of this important nomination. Mahalo, ��� e�,4" �� Eileen O'Hara, Ph.D. Executive Director Attachment B - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi - Project Statement and cultural respect. Public acquisition ensures managed access, balancing recreational use with preservation of environmental and cultural resources. Preservation of coastal areas and natural beauty. Preserving Kumukahi's coastal areas and natural beauty is essential, especially as visitors are already venturing into these areas without proper permissions, potentially endangering both their safety and the environment. The pristine beauty and unique energy of this region naturally draw curiosity, and while visits are welcome, they must be conducted in a way that respects both the environment and the community. Managed access is crucial to ensuring safe, sustainable, and respectful engagement with this storied 'aina. The intent of the acquisition is to consolidate land ownership to enable coordinated preservation and stewardship while restoring dignity to iwi kupuna. Fragmented land ownership has long impeded cohesive conservation efforts. By unifing parcels, we can implement comprehensive management and stewardship plan, facilitating coordinated efforts with community-based partners. The Kumukahi region contains numerous burial sites that currently lack proper protections. This acquisition would ensure respect for ancestral remains, providing lineal descendants the opportunity to pay homage, conduct cultural protocols, and safeguard these sacred areas with the dignity they deserve. The long-term vision for this acquisition is to establish a unified approach to the protection, stewardship, and preservation of Kumukahi, a wahi pana of the Hawaiian people. By consolidating land ownership, we can ensure coordinated management efforts. A key priority is safeguarding the rights of lineal descendants of iwi kupuna by guaranteeing their access in perpetuity and implementing the burial treatment plan. This plan is critical to restoring dignity to iwi kupuna, as 'ohana burials in the area have been vandalized and remains stolen. Ensuring these sacred sites are protected will allow descendants to pay homage, conduct cultural protocols, and uphold traditional practices. Additionally, the acquisition will preserve the rights of Hawaiian practitioners to worship, gather, and fish, ensuring that these cultural practices remain accommodated and protected for generations to come. Stewardship efforts will also focus on ecological restoration, including the removal of invasive species and the replanting of appropriate endemic flora to revitalize the area's natural environment. A comprehensive Area Management&Stewardship Plan will be developed to guide the long-term protection and preservation of both natural and cultural resources. This plan will include strategies for managing visitor flow to prevent overuse, protecting critical habitats such as nesting areas for honu (sea turtles), and ensuring that stewardship responsibilities are shared among lineal descendants and local organizations. Through a collaborative approach, we will maintain Kumukahi's integrity while building community capacity and instilling a sense of shared kuleana for stewardship efforts. Attachment D - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi - Verified Partners Ho'oulu Lahui Hawaii Island Burial Council Fiscal, administrative support Guidance on BTP implementation Susie Osborne Kalena Blakemore halai96722@gma il.com kalena.blakemo�mail.00m Kuamo'o Legacy Foundation Dept. of Land &Natural Resources Cultural programming Transitional support Keone Kalawe kkalaweCal � University of Hawaii Transitional support Malama 0 Puna Support with 'dina stewardship Eileen O'Hara malamao �tahoo.00m Pahoa Lava Zone Museum Native tree forest program Amadeo Markoff 22h22lavazonemuseumCal�.00m Hawaii Island Land Trust Kuleana to be determine following acquisition Olu Campbell olu.oambgjjQh� Pahoa High &Intermediate School 'Aina-based learning for youth Kim Williamson kim.williamapDPk12.hi.us Hawaii Academy of Arts &Science 'Aina-based learning for youth Steve H i ra ka m i shirakamigL22 pcs.net Nicholas Francisco Cultural practitioner 222akala�ail.00m Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 1. How would this proposed acquisition or project benefit the general public? This Kumukahi acquisition would protect Hawai'i's most culturally and ecologically significant landscapes through community-based management, ensuring the continuation of traditional practices, sustainable fishing by lawai'a, responsible community and visitor access, education, and environmental stewardship. Securing Kumukahi as a PONC site would safeguard this wahi pang and protect its historical and spiritual significance for the Hawaiian people. Lineal descendants of iwi kupuna in this area would retain guaranteed access in perpetuity for familial and ceremonial purposes, ensuring cultural continuity and the respectful treatment of ancestral remains. Hawaiian practitioners - including lawai'a, gatherers, and those who engage in traditional worship- would have their rights protected, allowing them to continue their practices without disruption. By unifying properties, this would enable the development of a comprehensive area management and stewardship plan, clearly defining kuleana for various community partners. This would ensure active local involvement in decisions and actions affecting the 'aina and kai, reinforcing intergenerational stewardship. Cultural programming for youth, residents, and visitors would perpetuate fishing traditions, traditional archaeology, astronomy, Hawaiian cosmology, wayfinding, cultural literacy, and place-based learning. Oral history programs and mapping initiatives would document and share Kumukahi's stories and knowledge over time. Given Kumukahi's majestic beauty, cultural significance, and newly formed coastline - created by the 2018 Kilauea eruption that reshaped the landscape and covered the communities of Kapoho and Vacationland - make it a major draw for visitors and residents, especially given the limited recreational resources in the area. Currently, people venture into the region, often crossing private property to reach the ocean, which risks disturbing cultural artifacts and iwi kupuna. In some cases, first responders have been deployed to rescue individuals swept from shore. Establishing managed access would ensure that the public can experience Kumukahi's natural and cultural heritage in a way that is both safe and respectful. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 2. Describe any significant historic, cultural, or natural resources on the property. Kumukahi is a site of immense historic, cultural, and natural significance, deeply woven into Hawaiian traditions, navigation, and sacred practices. As the easternmost point of Hawaii, it is the first place where the rising sun touches the islands, symbolizing the arrival of light and new beginnings. This profound connection to celestial events and Polynesian navigation makes Kumukahi a wahi pang of great importance. According to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Kipuka Database, Kumukahi contains cultural and historic resources such as: • Kuki'i Heiau - This sacred site is associated with three primary practices: navigation, astronomy, and the art of poison. Alignment stones are positioned to mark the equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice, serving as an ancient Hawaiian observatory. Traditionally, Hawaiian practitioners ascend the pu'u (hill) to observe celestial alignments rather than staying at the shoreline. Modern-day navigators, including those aboard the Hokule'a, continue to honor this site before setting sail and upon their return. In ancient times, fires were lit atop the pu'u and the heiau to guide voyaging canoes, functioning as a lighthouse for ocean travelers. • Puu Kukae - The heiau sits atop this pu'u, reinforcing its role as a sacred site for celestial navigation and ceremonial reverence. • Burial Sites - The proposed acquisition includes at least three major cemetery areas with numerous iwi kupuna. Protecting these sacred burial sites ensures that local families can maintain cultural protocols, honor their ancestors, and prevent further desecration. Kumukahi is referenced in numerous mo'olelo, affirming its cultural significance: • The Ladder of the Sun - Two stone heaps, said to be the wives of Kumukahi, mark the northern and southern limits of the sun's path. This connection to celestial movement underscores Kumukahi's spiritual and astronomical importance. • The Legend of Kumukahi and Pele - Kumukahi, a chief who pleased Pele, encountered her in the form of an old woman. When he ridiculed her, Pele's wrath turned into a fountain of lava, chasing him to the sea. The lava ultimately formed Cape Kumukahi, solidifying its place in Hawaiian mythology. • Martha Beckwith's Accounts - Described in "Hawaiian Romance of Laieikawai," Kumukahi is depicted as a bold cape of black lava, marked by stone piles commemorating the visits of chiefs to this sacred spot with tombs of the dead on its highest levels. The 2018 Kilauea eruption reshaped the coastline, forming a new beach and altering the landscape. Preserving this area ensures ongoing protection, preservation, and responsible access to this natural resource. Kumukahi is not just a historical landmark—it is a living cultural and ecological treasure. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 3. Describe any significant relationship to larger historical, cultural, and/or natural landscape. Kumukahi is an essential part of Puna's historical, cultural, and natural identity, deeply connected to Hawaiian traditions, navigation, and ecological resilience. As the easternmost point of Hawaii, it is where the sun first rises over the islands, embodying themes of light, renewal, and celestial guidance. The area's trails (alahele) have long provided Native Hawaiians with access for travel, religious practices, and subsistence activities, continuing to serve as pathways for cultural preservation and environmental stewardship today. Kumukahi is located in the district of Puna, which holds profound cultural and spiritual significance, intertwined with Hawaiian deities, chants, and poetic expressions. Puna is associated with Kane, the god of life and light, reinforcing Kumukahi's identity as the "portal of the rising sun", where Hawaiians once practiced sun worship and sought healing. Numerous 'olelo no'eau celebrate Puna's beauty, such as: Ka makani hali 'ala o Puna- The fragrance-bearing wind of Puna; and Ma'ema'e Puna i ka halo me ka lehua- Lovely is Puna with the hala and lehua. The area's fragrant maile, lehua, and hala were so potent that fishermen at sea could sense them on the wind, emphasizing Puna's deep connection to nature. Kumukahi is also part of Pele's storied landscape, reflecting the dynamic balance between destruction and creation. Puna was once lush and fertile, but Hawaiian mythology speaks to Pele's volcanic forces reshaping the land, leaving behind lava fields that symbolize both renewal and resilience. The 2018 Kilauea eruption further transformed Lower Puna, including Kumukahi, expanding its coastline and altering its ecosystem, continuing the cyclical relationship between nature and Hawaiian beliefs. Kumukahi is situated between two PONC properties in Lower Puna: Wai'ele and Pohoiki. This geographic positioning presents a significant opportunity to create a connected cultural and natural corridor that enhances conservation efforts, public access, and cultural education. Wai'ele, known for its rich wetland ecosystems and historical significance, and Pohoiki, a beloved coastal area with recreational and cultural value, provide a broader context for Kumukahi's role in the region. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 4. Describe the level of urgency. The need for immediate action is critical due to the ongoing and escalating threats to Kumukahi's cultural, environmental, and public safety integrity. For decades, reports of vandalism and burial desecration have persisted, with incidents increasing in the 1990s due to uncontrolled access and lack of proper stewardship. The theft and disturbance of iwi kupuna, coupled with the failure of responsible agencies to manage the area effectively, have compounded these issues. Despite formal complaints and the adoption of a burial treatment plan in 2023, its implementation is contingent upon the reopening of Lighthouse Road - leaving many significant sites unprotected in the meantime. The urgency is further underscored by the following factors: • Increased Access & Public Impact: The 2018 Kilauea eruption created a new black sand beach, drawing significant attention from residents and visitors alike. Without safeguards in place, increased foot and vehicle traffic will amplify the risk of disturbance to burial sites, wahi pana, and sensitive ecosystems. • Environmental Vulnerabilities: The area serves as a habitat for endangered species such as the green sea turtle and native Hilo Ischaemum grass, both at risk from unmanaged visitor activity. • Public Safety Concerns: The existing conditions - including potentially dangerous ocean currents, rough lava terrain, an abandoned lighthouse, and lack of proper signage - pose serious hazards to visitors unfamiliar with the area's risks. • Modern Technology &Visitor Surge: The rapid dissemination of location data through social media and mapping applications is accelerating visitor interest and access to the area, compounding the need for proactive management. Given these pressing concerns, immediate action is necessary to consolidate land ownership, implement a comprehensive preservation and management plan, and prevent irreversible damage to Kumukahi's cultural, environmental, and public assets. Delays will only increase the likelihood of continued desecration, safety hazards, and loss of irreplaceable heritage. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 5. Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that presently exist. There is a unique and time-sensitive opportunity to consolidate ownership of Kumukahi for cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and public safety. All current landowners have been engaged in discussions, and several have expressed willingness to sell or donate their properties, creating an unprecedented alignment of interests that facilitates acquisition efforts. Willing Sellers&Potential Easements • Kapoho Land & Development, Kumukahi Properties LLC, and Roseanne Oda-Ching Trust have all confirmed their willingness to sell, significantly reducing the barriers typically associated with land acquisition efforts. • Tobin property interests have indicated openness to either selling or establishing a preservation easement, which would provide long-term protection for culturally and environmentally sensitive areas while maintaining some private ownership rights. Government Transfers • Both the Dept. of Land & Natural Resources and the University of Hawai'i have agreed to transfer their parcels to the County via Executive Order, expediting the process and reducing financial burdens associated with land purchases. • The University of Hawai'i parcel already includes a Burial Treatment Plan adopted in 2023, ensuring that existing protections will remain in place and could be expanded as part of a comprehensive preservation strategy. Strategic Benefits of Consolidation By bringing these parcels under unified County management, this acquisition effort would: • Protect wahi kupuna and 'iwi kupuna from desecration and destruction. • Preserve critical ecosystems, including nesting habitats for the endangered green sea turtle and rare native plant species. • Enhance public safety by mitigating risks associated with hazardous ocean conditions, derelict structures, and uncontrolled visitor traffic. • Ensure responsible management and stewardship through a comprehensive preservation plan developed in consultation with lineal descendants and cultural practitioners. • Secure long-term public access while preventing overuse and exploitation of this culturally and environmentally significant area. The time to act is now before development pressures, visitor impacts, and environmental degradation make preservation efforts significantly more challenging and costly. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 6. Have partnerships with government agencies or private or nonprofit entities been identified to leverage resources. Several key partnerships have been established with government agencies, private entities, and nonprofit organizations to leverage resources, ensure responsible stewardship, and maximize the impact of preservation efforts at Kumukahi. Government Partnerships The Dept. of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) and the University of Hawai'i (UH) have committed to transferring their parcels to the County of Hawai'i via Executive Order, reducing the financial burden of land acquisition and enabling County-led stewardship and management. These transfers facilitate the consolidation of Kumukahi's lands, paving the way for comprehensive resource management and cultural preservation. Nonprofit Partnerships for Fiscal &Stewardship Management Two key Native Hawaiian nonprofit organizations - Ho'oulu Lahui and the Kuamo'o Family Foundation - have been identified as core partners to oversee fiscal and organizational management, community engagement, and stewardship implementation. Ho'oulu Lahui • Role: Ho'oulu Lahui will provide fiscal management, organizational oversight, and ensure the implementation of the Burial Treatment Plan, which aligns with its mission and strategic priorities. • Leadership Connection: Co-founder Keikialoha Kekipi and Board President Keone Kalawe are both recognized lineal descendants of Kumukahi, ensuring that stewardship remains deeply rooted in cultural integrity. • Proven Experience: Since its formation in 1995, Ho'oulu Lahui has successfully raised and managed over $20 million in local, state, and federal grants, demonstrating its capacity to sustain long-term initiatives. • Mission Alignment: Dedicated to revitalizing Hawaiian culture, values, and well-being, Ho'oulu Lahui brings deep expertise in education, community engagement, and place-based stewardship. Kuamo'o Family Foundation • Role: The Kuamo'o Family Foundation will lead the stewardship implementation, educational programming, and community partnerships while ensuring the Burial Treatment Plan is followed. • Purpose&Vision: Established in 2024 to manage wahi pana and uphold Native Hawaiian cultural traditions, the foundation's mission is to reclaim, protect, and restore wahi kupuna and the natural and cultural resources of family lands. • Long-Term Commitment: The foundation is committed to intergenerational education, cultural practice, and sustainability, ensuring that the significance of Kumukahi is upheld for future generations. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi Joint Commitments &Strategic Impact Together, Ho'oulu Lahui and the Kuamo'o Family Foundation have pledged to: • Expand stewardship efforts to protect and restore na wahi pana (sacred places). • Strengthen Native Hawaiian communities through education and cultural practices. • Ensure the perpetuation of Hawaiian values, language, and lifestyle in all activities. • Provide resources, education, and economic opportunities for local youth and adults. • Instill a lasting sense of place by fostering cultural stewardship for future generations. These partnerships create a strong, culturally grounded foundation for the protection and management of Kumukahi, ensuring that its historical, cultural, and environmental significance is preserved in perpetuity. Attachment E - PONC 2025 - Kumukahi 7. Is the property available for acquisition? Yes, the property at Kumukahi is available for acquisition, with multiple landowners expressing a willingness to sell or transfer ownership. There is a clear opportunity to unify Kumukahi under a single management framework, enabling long-term stewardship, preservation, and cultural restoration. 8. Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions, or easements on the property? No. 9. Describe any known hazards on the property. Yes, there are known hazards associated with these properties due to their location on the East Rift Zone of Kilauea, which has historically been prone to volcanic activity. The most recent eruption in 2018, as well as previous eruptions in the 1800s, 1920s, 1955, and 1960, have significantly altered the landscape. While the physical landscape has changed, the cultural and spiritual significance of the land remains deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions. The belief in the mana of these wahi pana persists despite geological changes. Newly formed beaches along the coastline, including on state-owned parcels, present significant risks as they are without lifeguards. At times, the waters and coastline can be rough and unstable, making ocean entry dangerous for both residents and visitors. These hazards necessitate careful management and will be a key focus in the development of a comprehensive management plan to ensure public safety and cultural preservation. While these hazards present challenges, they also highlight the need for responsible stewardship and planning to balance cultural significance, environmental safety, and long-term land management.