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Conlin 25-0�29 <br /> From: Dalle Fee-rarmn <br /> To. EM—ILIAMIMI <br /> SUIIa Ject: I en of suppon for Kupa'Airm o Keaubou <br /> DaW Saturd�ay, November 1,2025 129A8 PMI <br /> Bale <br /> Dale Fer erstrom <br /> WL� <br /> To: <br /> Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources PreseivatloliC'oliiiilission <br /> Coutity of Hawai'l <br /> Subject: Letter of 5ul)I)ortfibi­Kulmi ',,Tina o Ketniholl, <br /> Aloha mai kAkou, <br /> My name is Dale Fergerstrom, and I was born and raised on Hawaii Island. I have lived here <br /> all iny life, and until two years ago, I resided in Kona. I currently serve as a Board Member <br /> of the Nakoa Foundation and as ail active instructor in our Nfi Pea and He Haivai'i'411 <br /> traditional Hawaiian canoe progranis. Both of these programs originated at Kaill'ilinehe <br /> Beach in Keauhou Bay over eleven years ago. <br /> The Nakoa Foundation. a Donna-rased 5 01(c)(3) nonprofit, iffilizes the Hawaiian canoe as a <br /> platform to foster environniental awareness, cultural responsibility, and leadership ainong <br /> middle and high school students. Our 'Oi Hime,'i Kai iniddle school ocean-career inentoring <br /> program has operated out of Keauhou Bay for the past four years, rising a double-hull sailing <br /> canoe to expose students to sulall-boat handling skills and marine-related career opportunities <br /> within the Kona District. <br /> We have had the privilege of working with Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou oil numerous cultural and <br /> conimunity events at Keaulrou Bay in recent years. I strongly support their continued role as <br /> the community steward of this,wall] Marna (sacred place). The deep genealogical connections <br /> of Kupa 'Aina's leaders to Keaubou, along with their proven dedication and perforniance In <br /> caring for the bay, tuake them an outstanding choice to continue this killemia. <br /> Their ongoing efforts to preserve the cultinal and historical significance of Keauliou Bay, <br /> restore native ecosystems, and provide meaningffil educational opportunities for our keiki and <br /> coinnuinity are truly invaluable. Through volunteer workdays, cultural workshops, and <br /> partnerships with schools and organizations, Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou has built strong, trusting <br /> relationships founded oil kifleana and aloha 'a-inar . <br /> Their work ensures that Keauliou Bay retilains not only a place of natural beatity, but one of <br /> cultural integrity and living history where Native flawaiialis and local residents call once <br /> again feel welcolued and connected to this special place. <br /> I respectfully urge the Coininission to reaffirm Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou as the designated <br /> steward organization for Keauhou Bay. Their long-standing conuilitilient, demonstrated <br /> leadership, and deep colunrunity ties are essential to protecting and perpetuating this sacred <br />