HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-XX PL-CRC-2025-000022 CRC Comment Letter C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. f+`..�`.. •
Mayor ��,Ii;;; Matthew Clark,Chair
Desmon Haumea,Vice Chair
' � '" Darde Gamayo
' — -- Kealohanuiopuna Kinney
44.OF' ►'vai Janet Six
Aaron Spielman
County of Hawai'i
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Aupuni Center • 101Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742
Date
Benjamin Barna, Ph.D.
Stantec Government Services Inc.
737 Bishop Street, Suite 3050
Honolulu, HI 96813
Email: ben.barna@stantecgs.com
Dear Benjamin Barna:
SUBJECT: 'Ainako Subdivision Housing Project Consultation Request (PL-CRC-2025-000022)
Location: Ahupua'a of Punahoa 2 and Pi'ihonua, South Hilo District, Hawai'i
TMK(s): (3) 2-3-030:001 (por.), 004, and 2-3-031:001 (por.)
At its public meetings held on December 10, 2025, and January 14, 2026, the Cultural Resources
Commission (CRC) reviewed the proposed 'Ainako Subdivision Housing Project and offers the
following comments to inform the preparation of the Environmental Assessment.
• Commissioners requested that additional research and field testing be conducted to
determine the origin and function of the boulders and rock mounds present on the
parcel. Such mounds may be burials, heiau (shrine), or agricultural features. Proper
identification is essential to determining appropriate preservation and treatment
measures.
• Punahoa, the name of the ahupua'a (land division), translates to "friendly springs,"
suggesting a historical reliance on wai (water) in the area. Historically, native Hawaiian
communities frequently settled near reliable water sources, which supported food
production and provided materials for shelter. The number and variety of cultural
features in the area, although many are no longer intact, indicate the presence of a
once-thriving community.
• Surrounding place names such as Waianuenue and Wailuku, further demonstrate the
historical presence and significance of wai. These names reflect traditional knowledge
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Benjamin Barna, Ph.D.
Stantec Government Services Inc.
Page 2
Date
and narratives associated with the gods of water, guardians, the swamps and the bog in
the region.
• Swamp areas may retain important information regarding historical land use. Analysis of
phytoliths can provide insight into the types of plants that grew in the area.
Commissioners suggested that phytolith testing and further evaluation of swamp areas
be conducted to provide additional context and address outstanding questions about
past use of the landscape.
• Commissioners requested awareness of the presence of 'ill, smooth, water-worn
pebbles, which are often recognized as symbols of spirituality and the connection
between people and the 'aina (land).
• While acknowledging the critical need for housing, Commissioners cautioned that once
resources are destroyed, they cannot be replaced. Often, only the names and stories
remain. The CRC emphasized the importance of balancing development needs with
cultural resource protection and urged the project to proceed with care.
• Documentation supports the presence of 'ope'ape'a (Hawaiian bat) in a nearby pu'u
(geological cone). Commissioners requested that potential project impacts be evaluated
and that opportunities to protect the 'ope'ape'a be considered.
• Commissioners expressed support for the concept of a "memory bank," consisting of
protected or restricted areas designated to preserve sensitive cultural resources.
• The CRC requested to remain a consulting party as the project continues to move
forward.
The CRC expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to offer comments early in the
planning stage and looks forward to continued collaboration throughout the project's
development.
Ma halo,
Aaron Spielman, Chair Pro Tempore
Cultural Resources Commission
KLT:AD
V:\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\Cultural_Resources_Commission\Projects\Ainako Housing Development(PL-CRC-2025-000022)\2026-01-
XX PL-CRC-2025-000022 CRC Comment Letter
Benjamin Barna, Ph.D.
Stantec Government Services Inc.
Page 3
Date
cc: Cultural Resources Commission Members
Jeffrey Darrow, Planning Director
Neil Erickson, OHCD (NeilC.Erickson@hawaiicounty.gov)
Jessica Puff, State Historic Preservation Division (Jessica.puff@hawaii.gov)