HomeMy WebLinkAboutComm 25-029 re STU.26-04 Conlin 25-0�29
From: Dalle Fee-rarmn
To. EM—ILIAMIMI
SUIIa Ject: I en of suppon for Kupa'Airm o Keaubou
DaW Saturd�ay, November 1,2025 129A8 PMI
Bale
Dale Fer erstrom
WL�
To:
Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources PreseivatloliC'oliiiilission
Coutity of Hawai'l
Subject: Letter of 5ul)I)ortfibiKulmi ',,Tina o Ketniholl,
Aloha mai kAkou,
My name is Dale Fergerstrom, and I was born and raised on Hawaii Island. I have lived here
all iny life, and until two years ago, I resided in Kona. I currently serve as a Board Member
of the Nakoa Foundation and as ail active instructor in our Nfi Pea and He Haivai'i'411
traditional Hawaiian canoe progranis. Both of these programs originated at Kaill'ilinehe
Beach in Keauhou Bay over eleven years ago.
The Nakoa Foundation. a Donna-rased 5 01(c)(3) nonprofit, iffilizes the Hawaiian canoe as a
platform to foster environniental awareness, cultural responsibility, and leadership ainong
middle and high school students. Our 'Oi Hime,'i Kai iniddle school ocean-career inentoring
program has operated out of Keauhou Bay for the past four years, rising a double-hull sailing
canoe to expose students to sulall-boat handling skills and marine-related career opportunities
within the Kona District.
We have had the privilege of working with Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou oil numerous cultural and
conimunity events at Keaulrou Bay in recent years. I strongly support their continued role as
the community steward of this,wall] Marna (sacred place). The deep genealogical connections
of Kupa 'Aina's leaders to Keaubou, along with their proven dedication and perforniance In
caring for the bay, tuake them an outstanding choice to continue this killemia.
Their ongoing efforts to preserve the cultinal and historical significance of Keauliou Bay,
restore native ecosystems, and provide meaningffil educational opportunities for our keiki and
coinnuinity are truly invaluable. Through volunteer workdays, cultural workshops, and
partnerships with schools and organizations, Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou has built strong, trusting
relationships founded oil kifleana and aloha 'a-inar .
Their work ensures that Keauliou Bay retilains not only a place of natural beatity, but one of
cultural integrity and living history where Native flawaiialis and local residents call once
again feel welcolued and connected to this special place.
I respectfully urge the Coininission to reaffirm Kupa 'Aina o Keauhou as the designated
steward organization for Keauhou Bay. Their long-standing conuilitilient, demonstrated
leadership, and deep colunrunity ties are essential to protecting and perpetuating this sacred
and historically significant area.
Mahalo nui loaf for yow-time, consideration, and continued support of those who live and
upliold the k-clean a of Keauhou.
With aloha,
aDale Fer erstrom
m