HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm 25-027 re Sugg. 25-07 Comm.25-027
From: Planning CDP
To: PONC Testimonv
Cc: Plannina CDP
Subject: Testimony from Puna CDP Action Committee-Sugg. 25-07, Kumukahi, Puna, Hawai i
Date: Tuesday,July 8,2025 10:08:22 AM
Attachments: imaae001.ona
imaae002.ona
imaae003.ona
Kumukahi Letter of Su000rt-sianed.odf
Aloha,
Please see the attached testimony from the Puna CDP Action Committee regarding Sugg. 25-
07, Kumukahi, Puna, Hawaii.
Mahalo,
Community Development Plan (CDP)Team
County of Hawaii Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 1 Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8288 1 Email: CDP(a)hawaiicounty.gov
Website:www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov
Comm.25-027
Gregory Henkel,Vice Chair
Jennifer Scheffel
40,,.►`:'-og
C.Kimo Alameda,Ph.D. �'+� Martha Morishi ge
Mayor Kanoe Wilson
Leilani DeMello,Chair
Vacant
+;.:.- • ;�` Leila Kealoha
Susan Osborne
Franny Brewer
County of Hawaii
PUMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo,Hawai'i 96720
(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742
June 26,2025
Hawai'i County Mayor's Office
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St#2603
Hilo,HI 96720
Subject: Letter of Support for PONC Suggestion 25-07: Acquisition and
Consolidation of Kumukahi,Puna,HI
Aloha PONC Commissioners:
The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee (AC)met on June 26,2025, at the
Kea`au Community Center. Included on the agenda was discussion and decision-making on
whether to submit a letter of support for PONC suggestion 25-07: acquisition and consolidation
of Kumukahi,Puna,HI.Following deliberation,the committee voted unanimously to submit the
letter collectively, identified as Communication 2025-07.
Sincerely,
Leilani DeMetto(Jul 5,2025 09:13 HST)
Leilani DeMello, Chair
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
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V:\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\CDP\CDP-Puna\Action Committee\Meetings\2025\2025-06-
26\Communications\Communication No.2025-07 Kumukahi PONC Letter of Support.pdf
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Communication No. 2025-07
June 26,2025
Aloha PONC Commissioners:
On behalf of the Puna Community Development Plan(CDP)Action Committee,we write
in strong support of the proposed public acquisition and consolidation of 11 parcels—
encompassing approximately 2,000 acres—located in the ahupua`a of Kula at Kumukahi,
in the Puna District.This effort is vital to the long-term protection of one of Hawai`i's
most culturally, ecologically, and historically significant wahi pana and aligns closely
with the goals of the Puna CDP.
We are pleased to note in the application,that all landowners of the 11 parcels have been
consulted and have provided letters of support, indicating their willingness to sell their
properties for the purpose of conservation and cultural preservation through the PONC
process.This rare alignment of Government,non-profit and community with landowner
cooperation,presents a unique opportunity for the County to take decisive and impactful
action. Two non-profits Ho'oulu Lahui, a well-established 30 year non-profit,founded
on the protection and education of our wahi pana and the Kuamo'o Legacy Foundation
have committed to taking the lead in the preservation and management of the area.
Cultural and Historical Preservation
Kumukahi is a wahi pana of immense cultural and spiritual significance.Traditionally
recognized as the first place the sun touches Hawaii each day and as a sacred leina
(spiritual transition point), it is closely tied to the arrival of Pele and serves as a wahi ilina
(burial site)for generations of kupuna. The Puna CDP prioritizes the protection of such
sites:
2.1.1 Goals
o a. Structures and cultural sites that are significant to Puna's history and
cultural traditions are preserved. _
The acquisition will enable implementation of a Burial Treatment Plan,ensuring the
respectful care of iwi kupuna,and provide permanent access for lineal and cultural
descendants to maintain ceremonial and traditional practices.
Environmental Protection and Stewardship
The area supports endangered and native species such as the Hawaiian petrel(`Ua`u),
Hawaiian hoary bat(`Ope`ape`a), and native coastal plants and trees.The parcels'
consolidation supports:
2.1.1 Goals
o e.The native forests of Puna are revered as part of the native culture and
are provided with permanent protection from degradation and loss.
A unified approach will allow for comprehensive ecological restoration, invasive species
management, and the protection of fragile habitats.
Comm.25-027
Community Access,Education, and Managed Use
This initiative opens opportunities for community-based stewardship, including
educational programming, interpretive trails,and managed visitor access that honors the
cultural and natural significance of the area.
2.1.1 Goals
• d. Awareness and appreciation of the host culture is expanded.
Preservation of Coastal Areas and Public Safety
The project ensures that access to this delicate coastal region is carefully managed to
prevent environmental degradation and safeguard public safety.
Conclusion
The Puna Community Development Commission fully supports this acquisition and
consolidation initiative as it embodies the CDP's core values: community-based resource
management, cultural integrity, ecological protection, and sustainable land use. The
support of all the identified collaborators reflects a shared vision for stewardship and
preservation.
We urge the County to move forward with this acquisition and honor this opportunity to
protect Kumukahi for current and future generations.A list of the 11 parcels is included
as an attachment to this letter.
Mahalo for your thoughtful consideration.
Respectfully,
.;D •�y�.0o�
Leitani DeMello(Jul 5,2025 09:13 HST)
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
Kurnuehi Letter of Support - sign
Final Audit Report 2025-07-05
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"Kumukahi Letter of Support - sign" History
Document created by Kawelo Kalili (kawelo.kalili@hawaiicounty.gov)
2025-06-27-7:52:23 PM GMT
Document emailed to m.leilani.demello@gmail.com for signature
2025-06-27-7:52:26 PM GMT
Email viewed by m.leilani.demello@gmail.com
2025-07-05-7:08:51 PM GMT
e Signer m.leilani.demello@gmail.com entered name at signing as Leilani DeMello
2025-07-05-7:13:52 PM GMT
&50 Document e-signed by Leilani DeMello(m.leilani.demello@gmail.com)
Signature Date:2025-07-05-7:13:54 PM GMT-Time Source:server
Agreement completed.
2025-07-05-7:13:54 PM GMT
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