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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSugg 26-03 redacted p h� DEADLINE TO FILE BY JANUARY 31,2026,BY 4:30 PM Revised—12-26-2025 COUNTY OF HAWAI'I Reserved for office use: Public Access, Open Space,and Natural Resource Preservation Commission y SUGGESTION FORM Sugg.1126-03 •�OF N''�' For Lands and/or Property Entitlements for Acquisition Rec'd 1/30/26 9:14 am The Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) is accepting suggestions for sites or projects to improve upon public access, open space, and natural resources preservation, pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 42, of the Hawai'i County Code. Please use this form to tell the Commission about a property that you would like to see protected.The Commission welcomes re-submission of previously submitted properties. Please use one form per suggestion and limit total application size to less than 10 MB(megabytes)or 20 pages max- imum (including photos, maps, and figures. If adjacent or nearby areas are protected and/or public areas, include regional maps as well). Additional public testimony may be submitted to exceed the 20 page maximum. The Commission's ranking of the suggestion is based on the completeness of this suggestion form and how it meets the PONC scoring criteria and not solely on the expression of public support or opposition. Name of Site or Project: I laina Makai Ahupua'a,Council District,and Location Within: Ahuhua'a - I lain, ('ouncil District I ('oastal below I lain, 3-4-5-002-081-0000 i8' acres Tax Map Key(TMK)Number(s): Land Area(Acreage): Property Owner Information: Name(s): Nancy 1. 13cesley Tr Tunia Lee M Ka;iwa Tr Email: Address: Nancy L acesley Tr., Phone: .................... Has the property owner been consulted and agree with this nomination? Eyes ❑No ❑Unsure Suggested Purchase Method: ❑Conservation Easement G Fee Simple ❑Other Nominators Contact Information: Name(s): I awn Keeney Email: Address: Phone: Reason for nomination of property(please check all boxes that apply) m Public outdoor recreation and education,including access to beaches and mountains 29 Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites W Protection of natural resources,significant habitat or ecosystems, including buffer zones Preservation of forests, including beaches,coastal areas, natural beauty,and agricultural lands E Protection of watershed lands to preserve watercluality and water supply Sugg.26-03 a Y1 1 1 NNW H The maps above show the property in its near and far perspective. In the upper image one sees below the village of Haina the property stretching from the lower cane haul road to the coast. Below one sees the relationship to Honokaa, Haina and Paauhau. The diagonal road connecting the Hilo side of Honokaa down past the property to the power plant is the private Spencer Road but easement has been given to the multiple residences on on the east side of the nominated property. That is a good two lane road but a hazard is fuel tankers. Sugg.26-03 — .— O R A N T �i','•`i-j."/�/'1��l�IG� /_` �( � {�1 O I L C./w 59 . fL3 / 4. ! s•. y 9 -- Ir '�y' P• ki w•�I 4�.+ _ �,.. --^--�--_._, ,.�..•„F r �- GRANT ;' _s_--�I°/SG:2 7302./ i LCAry 7eZ7 I8�.,..�..., - - As+ Sugg.26-03 ATTACHMENT B - AMENDED 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. 1. Public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches & mountains RECREATION: A) Securing public access to a site on the Hamakua Coastline. The Hamakua coastline in the days of plantation management of the coastal lands was much more accessible than now. The lower cane haul road which runs 20 miles from Kukuihaele to Ookala and provided passageway to the coastal cliffs below has now been closed, and consequently ocean access points are rare. Any such access is over private land with 4-wheel drive and are known to a relative few. Between Laupahoehoe and Waipio, this property currently being nominated has one of the very few, relatively convenient, access points (4-wheel or all-wheel drive over approximately 1/4 mile) to the ocean cliffs. Thus, procurement of public oceanside access along this coastline of Hamakua should be a priority consideration for the County. Of the few complaints expressed by residents of Hamakua about their district, lack of access to the coastline is the one most frequently heard. From Honokaa, the nominated property can be accessed via Standard Oil Road (the diagonal road from the Hilo end of Mamane Street to the power plant below Haina), or down through Haina itself. Two points of access onto the property then exist. The access at the top of the property leads to a dirt 4 wheel drive path through the center of the property to the cliffs. There is also access to the coastal portion of the property by turning onto the paved road below the old plantation mill A-Frame going downward. Then after 150 yards one follows the gravel road on Hawaii Health Systems property down past the Honokaa Sewage Treatment Plant. One then turns onto a dirt Jeep trail across the coastal segment of the nominated property. If one does not turn down onto the Hawaii Health Systems gravel road then this road quickly becomes unpaved and leads after 3/4 mile to Haina Landing. Currently discussion is taking place between Hamakua County Council representative Kimball, Hamakua's State Representative Kusch and Kamehameha Schools about opening the Lower Cane Haul Road to pedestrian and bicycle recreational access. If this should be successful, and Council member Kimball indicated in the last Hamakua CDP Action Committee meeting that she is cautiously optimistic that this could happen in the next 4 to 6 months, then points of access from this road to the oceanside would be even more of a priority in that the coastline would be `in sight and mind' but lack of access frustrating. This property lies somewhat midway along and then below the 20 mile Lower Cane Haul Road (8 miles from the Kukuihaele end and 12 miles from the Ookala end of the road). Thus, this Haina property with its access to the oceanside could serve as the beginning or end of this potentially newly accessible (should it happen) cane haul road in either direction. Remarkably, this property has County water present and sewer line access potential, thus making a restroom facility available at either the beginning, middle or end of an excursion on the Lower Cane Haul Road if the road were to become accessible. Sugg.26-03 B) Securing access by the fishing community to one of the most used fishing sites on the Hamakua coastline. This property contains on its coastal cliffs, one of Hamakua's most frequented fishing sites. The firm packed dirt of the cliffside grounds, with stanchions cemented in the dirt and rocks for fishing poles, and the presence of a rustic table testify to generations of fishermen using this site, which lies predominantly on the nominated property. In my approximately ten to twelve daytime trips past this site over the past 2 years, I have seen fishermen there 3 times. As this undeveloped 38 acre property is for sale by its absentee owners with recent $500,000 price drop to now $1.9 million, it is likely that any new owners will build an upscale residence not far from the ocean cliffs, accompanied by extensive landscaping, much as has happened to the adjoining property to the east. Even if the public's fishing continues to be allowed, there will likely be a sense of unintended intimidation felt by fishermen in such a renovated environment. It would likely make this less of a fishing destination. Thus, saving this property in its unimproved form would be of significant benefit to the fishing community. The name of this site among fishermen is `Pink House' or `Crack Stone' or `Muka'a'. The fishermen that I have spoken to about this site have expressed support toward the vision, elaborated in this nomination, of management primarily by a hui of environmental and cultural organizations in the area. There is no fishermen's group or fishing association in this Hamakua area. However the potential to have influence in the management of this property would likely precipitate a new association of these fishermen, taking part along with Honokaa High School and other organizations of the area, in development of the desired vision of this property. EDUCATION: The vision which is proposed in this nomination is one which transforms this current landscape, one of Guinea grass and scrub-brush dominated low intensity pastureland, into restored native forest and culturally guided `food forest' or agroforestry. The school principal and agriculture instructor at Honokaa High School have expressed enthusiastic interest in making this proposed transformation a project undertaken by students at the school in association with organizations offering expertise and experience in the proposed vision. Currently a number of HHS students in the agriculture classes receive college credit for work which they do in the `food forest' cultivated by the Hui Mau collective in Paauilo on the coast. That project emphasizes Hawaiian cultural practices for food cultivation through community engagement, offering it's bounty to community participants. Hui Mau has offered it's guidance for this Haina makai project, though due to its extensive commitment in Paauilo it cannot assume Stewardship responsibilities for this nominated property. Likewise, the Kohala Center has an experimental garden in Haina, and has culturally guided agroforestry experience, and so could avail Honokaa School of guidance, but is unable to assume Stewardship of any new properties. Food forest would likely be a limited segment of the 40 acre project. More extensive in land area would be the restoration of native forest. This would need guidance from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife or one of their affiliated branches or organizations. Riley DeMattos from Forestry & Wildlife, DLNR, has indicated that he could serve as technical consultant with site visits perhaps 1 x/month should the property be acquired by the County toward forestry as described. Alysia Fischer, who works with Na'puu Natural Resource Management, which contracts with DLNR for restoration of native forest at Sugg.26-03 Puu'waawaa, has expressed interest in the project and lives near Honokaa and could serve as informal consultant. Undoubtedly there would be interest and participation from individuals in the Honokaa/Haina community. The Honokaa High School principal has indicated that their Agriculture program or their Alternative Education Academy would be the likely residence of educational engagement in developing this property as forested areas. Whether college credit might apply, as is the case with the students participation in the Hui Mau project, would be a consideration. Interest in and encouragement for this proposed program has been expressed by the Hamakua Youth Center here in Honokaa, and thus might lead to some level of participation. However, the Youth Center students are generally younger, in the grade school and junior high range, and their participation in transformation of this environment might be limited to enjoyment. The Hamakua Heritage Center director likewise has been enthusiastic toward support for the image of public transformation of this property, and would be especially helpful in situating the property in its historical context. 2. Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites. Cultural remnants have been thoroughly erased by over a century of plantation Sugar Cane cultivation on the property. Currently this is intermittent pasture for cattle. It is the case however that this property and the adjoining areas do have cultural and historical significance. This particular parcel was owned initially by William Rickard in Grant from the Kingdom. Mr. Rickard, storied owner of the elegant and historic Honokaa traveler's inn/boarding house (now Salvation Army managed), served prison time for his support of Lilioukalani after the overthrow of 1893. Mr. Rickard's grandson is now on the board of the Hamakua Heritage Center which has an extensive collection of Mr. Rickard's writings and files (many boxes). Going further back into veiled history, it is likely that the `old heiau' marked on the accompanying maps of 1870 and 1880 represents the Ka Loa heiau, one of approximately ten named heiau in the Hamakua district, and only one of two that I am aware of to be distinctly marked on maps of the era. Several of this number are in Waipio and on the close rimland. Then the Malanahae, Kawela and Wawaimakilo heiaus did once lie between Honokaa and Waipio. Then this heiau marked `old heiau' on these maps is likely to be the Ka Loa heiau. The Manini Heiau once stood in the coastal area of Paauilo, perhaps in the Koholalele Landing area. This `old heiau' (see maps), appears to lie a short distance from the east side boundary of this nominated property in a beautiful diminutive valley. It appears to lie on the boundary of this property itself in the maps from the 1800s, but then subdivision of lands after the plantation closed in 1995 seems to have located the Heiau's site within the adjoining property but close to the boundary. Survey by the State Historical Division carried out two years ago, after these maps were pointed out to them, has not identified remnants of the heiau however. At that time three years ago, on this adjoining property there were multiple short remnants of stone `walls' present close to the cliffs, but apparently of more recent origin. There was a large spherical stone perhaps 30 to 36 inches in diameter sitting on compacted ground constrained by 8" to 12" stones in a small semi-circle under a tree at approximately 100 yards from the cliffs. The original heiau stones likely were removed for construction of a berm across the small valley of this east side adjoining property. This Sugg.26-03 berm may have supported the rail transporting molasses/sugar from the mill to the Haina Landing where it was loaded on ships for California. It is too late that these sites and areas can be preserved, but they can be recognized for their historic significance. The reference, `The Archaeology of East Hawaii' states, "Two heiaus are known to have existed near Honokaa. At Honokaa (Haina) Landing on the top of the bluff was a heiau named Wawaemakilo. Nothing remains to mark its site except a few stones which may have formed part of the foundations. Thrum (65-c, p.41) describes another temple named Ka Loa as being about 100 by 70 ft, wider at the west end and with a platform on the seaward side. At the time of Thrum's (late 1800s) writing it was in ruins and overgrown. It is said to have been near the Honokaa mill on a slight rise on the Kukuihaele side of the tracks. I was unable to find anything suggesting a heiau at this spot." This description by Thrum certainly implies the site marked as `Old Heiau' on the 1870 and 1880 maps. The `slight rise' may be reference to the area of current boundary between the property being nominated and the adjoining property to the east. However this would make the description of the heiau being on the Kukuihaele side of the tracks somewhat incongruous with the old maps. Hudson (1930) writes of the culture and land characteristics of this coastal Hamakua area in his era in the following passages. "The population of these ahupua'a varied considerably. The 1839-1858 church records (Lyons 1839-1858) for some ahupua'a list over 100 names - for example, Honokaia (next west to Haina ahupua'a of the nominated property), Kawela, Koholalele - so, adjusting for post-Contact population declines, these ahupuaa may have had over 200 people at European contact. Other ahupua'a had very small lists of names and probably had less than 50 residents." Hudson states "In speaking of the country around Honokaa, Ellis (1835) says "...We proceeded on our journey over a country equal in fertility to any we had passed since leaving Waiakea. The houses were in general large, containing usually three or four families each." With the extensive writings and records (many boxes, as yet not indexed) from the era and pen of William Rickard in possession of the Hamakua Heritage Center and the Center's interest in this project involving his property below Haina, and his grandson's membership on the Center's board, it is very likely that a detailed image of this property's grounds and it's surroundings in that era could be reconstructed 3. Protection of natural resources, habitat or ecosystems. One must acknowledge that this proposal is one of restoration rather than protection or preservation. This property is now utilized as pastureland for cattle roaming freely across several adjoining properties. This nominated property is not fenced. Currently the property is dominated by Guinea grass, shrub brush, ironwoods dominating the low cliffs of the coastline and a modest gulch harboring invasive small trees and shrubs. There is no built structure except for the small fishermen's table on the cliff. The Honokaa sewage Sugg.26-03 treatment plant begins about 30 ft. beyond its west boundary. The towering and dilapidated old sugar mill A-frame stands about 100 yards southwest beyond the property's upper west corner. The Hamakua Energy power plant resides between 1/4 to 1/2 mile to the west. Prior to the property's use as pastureland the property was in sugar cane cultivation. There is no known evidence that this property was used as sugar mill discharge or disposal area, as was a property perhaps a quarter mile to the west, and thus it is less likely to be harboring toxic remnants such as has been confirmed in that property to the west. It is unknown if soil toxicity studies have been performed, though this seems unlikely. To the east this property is bounded by 4 or 5 elegant residential properties of 10 to 20 acres each. Thus there is little in the way of natural resources, habitat or ecosystem to be protected or preserved. Rather than protection and preservation, our challenge here is restoration. It is the vision of this nomination that these natural systems be restored with commitment to native reforestation and culturally aligned `food forest', agroforestry, development and maintenance. It is the vision that the furtherance of the educational programs of Honokaa High School will provide one mechanism for design and materialization of these natural resources, habitats and ecosystems. It is the vision that generations of students, and thus adults as these students mature, will be attracted to participate in maintenance of this natural world which they are restoring. There is ample experience and potential for guidance in nearby resources. A number of Honokaa High students currently participate in the cultural `food forest' development occurring in Paauilo under the care of Hui Mau. It is anticipated that the Hui Mau experience will help guide the development of this Honokaa/Haina project in a manner of that which has been achieved by Hui Mau. DLNR's division of Forestry and Wildlife will be consulted for guidance and expertise in native reforestation. This project has been presented to Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a 501 c3 organization which has achieved much in reforestation of the lands below Mana Road starting about 10 miles southeast of this proposed project in the area of Kukaiau. HLRI is also engaged in a reforestation project in the Hakalau area. It is possible that HLRI will have interest and participate in an advisory and consultation role. 4. Preservation of forest, coastal areas, natural beauty and agricultural lands Let's speak of restoration rather than preservation. Reforestation of a 40 acre property may have only limited environmental impact. However, it should be noted that the coastal properties beyond this property's west border belong to Hawaii Health Systems, operating the Honokaa sewage treatment plant, and then, on beyond, Hamakua Energy holding another 30 to 40 partially wooded acres. Beyond that lays Bishop Estate's vast land holdings. It is suggested that these institutional owners might be receptive to native reforestation projects on their properties as well. Their properties are partially grazed by cattle, but also dominated by Guinea grass and scrub brush and invasive forest. Thus, those institutions would observe with interest a project of reforestation, both native and productive from the `food-forest', on their boundaries. Thus this initial project of native reforestation here could initiate a generational project of reforestation along a much broader expanse of the Hamakua coast. It might be that even as County acquisition is achieved, proposal could be made to these institutions toward development of an upper Hamakua, coastal scale Sugg.26-03 native forest and food-forest restoration. Again, Hui Mau and Kohala Center and the State Division of Forestry & Wildlife have offered their operational guidance, however, they are unavailable for administrative Stewardship responsibilities. It would be an organization such as Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative that could lead a project of that much larger scale. HLRI's experience has been with expansive mauka lands. It could be perhaps desirable in their eyes to begin with a small property such as this to confirm their techniques at coastal management. Again, access to County water is a great advantage of this property. Perhaps the 40 acres under consideration could be seen as an `experimental' forestation prelude capable of near limitless expansion westward. The preservation of the natural beauty and preservation of coastal areas is self- evident in this proposal. The residential properties to the east are truly architecturally and situationally beautiful, each on their 20 or so acres. But gazing west from this property is the incomparable exhilaration of almost uninhabited coastline. This particular site on the coastal cliffs and an access to it, should belong to the fishermen, and to the public, as it has for generations. 5. Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply From the forest comes the rain. And, it is the forest that holds the water after the rains. Reforestation is the fundamental proposal here. If the reforestation of this nominated property should lead to, or be accompanied by, the reforestation of the much greater expanse of institutional properties to the west, perhaps achieved by the next generation, then the 50 years of progressive drying along this coastline which I have been witness to, might possibly be reversed, or at least slowed. In the biggest picture, water and food is what this proposal is about. Again, 40 acres is of little consequence in this big picture, but it could be a testing ground, perhaps a beginning. It is notable that my contact with leaders of the several indicated organizations, the Youth Center, the Heritage Center, the Honokaa High School, Hui Mau, etc. has quickly led to identification of other individuals in the community expressing enthusiastic interest in the imaged project. It has been suggested by the director of the Heritage Center, and I completely concur, that a hui of interested individuals could be quickly organized and incorporated which would then be in a position to accept assignment as Stewards of this property should acquisition by the County occur in a timeframe perhaps a year from now. Such a group, guided by unified interest, could focus on identifying and directing potential resources toward the shared vision. Of course, it would be overly presumptuous for such a group to assume that the County would acquire this property. However, in the interim such a group could focus on courting interest from other agencies and organizations such as Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, Trust for Public Lands, Legacy Lands and Hawaii Land Trust. With the expression of support or involvement from those multiple resources, confidence could be increased that the proposed vision would materialize. However, it is also the case that, should Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative have interest, which would require an expanse far greater, reaching on down the Coastline, their experience and expertise would present credentials worthy of assuming Stewardship of the expanse in tandem with the image presented above on the 40 acres we have called `Haina Makai'. Sugg.26-03 ..t. IAI IN ��• � 4r .'.�7^".I .Y� fir' M' Y 1 tl e r. r 1 is x 1 Heiau yy rCk:J�n91. ' . „`—^—�„f•� 7tG�k'.C.:1L4ltieki� iiG��43+/ _ ,Ii.C.H..rt�.�°, %: r R � ' •. �',I.LLe,Yt 4t7! .. 1 1���4 .rY .�.r /.'� ' f 1Crl ce,. -ir Av !Pr`Ilu 1 4-1 I y s,� • � i ,` icy -,�i1 .. a h�r �(aa°ro-rrx yLro �' f ,i�`rr.f 1 1 J 1 xXf� 4e�.r.�Fnn yW,.r7i r�c LCA. 70/1Y 7 . �•v 7r Ar•rrs -- -1C.a.raan .. .... • � wry, �r Xf]Jl r .. �3'(1.4cr•es.� '.11i ! " r'- ::Torr � - �' A { r..�...7tta, wl.C,A 78�'Al }Ir/ pp y f At7ws.. \,,�:• �. �� r'r � v -�C72LCkn�, �. .�'7 ..4ciirs i" Sugg.26-03 ac IFT 41 Al OL IN 41 to 93 0. IN 4- cc 0 os ODp -H -4 Old d IM w 7 a2-t -Z .- r. L6 c 0 .c 06C j 7E 0 0 C z Is 0 E 4 0 c E�!E :zz'S I-V L) t E Z s Ile . — 0 0-2 �L T " C -Z r A? r v C 73 it n -P - E,01 1:4 r R 'C- Ar: E 0 -L- v Cc X cx d-� . . ?t OV. ba 0 Ir w Ot E p E r 0 g E cc 77, Sg Sugg.26-03 January 27, 2026 Public Access. Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation Commission (PONC) County of Hawaii Re: Letter of:Support for Haina Makai ('I'MK: 3-4-5-002-081-0000) Aloha Members of the Commission, On behalf of the 1-lonoka`a Heritage Center. I am writing to express strong support for the suggested acquisition of the coastal property referred to as Haina Makai, located below Honoka'a in the ahupua`a of Haina. This 38-acre parcel represents a rare and meaningful opportunity to secure lasting public benefit along the Hamakua coastline through the County's Public Access,Open space,and Natural Resource Preservation program. The Honoka`a Heritage Center works year-round to preserve and share the cultural and historic heritage of north 1-lawai`i. From this perspective, Haina Makai holds deep significance not only for its natural value, but also for its connection to generations of Hamakua families who have long relied on this coastline for fishing, gathering,and recreation. Public access to the ocean cliffs in this region has become increasingly limited over time,and the protection of one of the few remaining access points is of great importance to the community. This property also offers an exceptional opportunity for place-based education and long-term stewardship through community partnerships. The vision for restoring sections of the land through native reforestation and culturally guided food-forest practices. with engagement from local schools and cultural practitioners. reflects the type of forward-looking public investment that strengthens both environmental and community resilience. While much of the physical cultural landscape has been altered through plantation-era use, the broader historical context of the surrounding area remains significant and deserving of recognition. The Honoka'a I leritage Center is enthusiastic about supporting this effort through historical research,documentation,and oral history work that helps situate 1 laina Makai within the larger story of 1-lamakua and its people. Thank you for your consideration of this important suggested acquisition. Protecting Haina Makai would represent a lasting commitment to public coastal access,community education, and the preservation of a treasured Hamakua resource for generations to come. With appreciation, Nicole Garcia Executive Director Honoka'a Heritage Center Sugg.26-03 .5m5kua Youth Foundation, Inc. Embracing the Importance of Youth llmaAw 1'OYtY laandaabd.Ini. Aloha, I am writing in support of the nomination of the Haina Makai property to the Public Open Space and Natural Resources Commission(PONC)for County acquisition. Preserving public access to our Hamakua coastline is critically important,particularly for historically significant fishing areas such as this. The Hamakua Youth Foundation(HYF)is very interested in the opportunities this acquisition could create for our community and for local youth.Both the principal and the agricultural instructor at Honoka`a High School have expressed strong interest in the educational potential of native food forest creation being part of land restoration and renewal.The HYF Board has formed a committee to explore the possibility of participating in a stewardship hui, should conditions and resources allow. Learning about relationship to`aina—from mauka to makai—is embedded in Hamakua Youth Center programs. If this land is selected,it would provide meaningful,place-based learning opportunities close to home. Mahalo for considering the Haina Makai property for acquisition for the benefit of the Hamakua Coast and its people. Mahalo, Teri Sugg President, Hamakua Youth Foundation P.O. Box 381 Honokaa, HI 96727 Phone: (808)775-0976 HamakuaYouthCenter.org info@hamakuayouthcenter.org Sugg.26-03 hui malama i ke ala `(31ili e ho'QMAU i ke kuG M0'G p4n0 Website: www.alaulili.com- Email: kealaulili@gmail.com- PO Box 6, Pa'auilo, Hawai'i 96776 Facebook: Hui Malama i ke Ala 'Ulili - Instagram: @huimau_ohana, #huiMAU January 28,2026 Hui Malama i ke Ala`Ulili PO Box 6 Pa`auilo,HI 96776 Aloha mai kakou,Public Open Space&Natural Resource Preservation Commission, I am writing to express my support for the nomination of`aina at Haina(ma kai), Hamakua, Hawaii (TMK 3-4-5-002-081-0000) for purchase and protection through the PONC process. Under the pono stewardship of community partners in the Haina/Honoka`a community,I genuinely believe this `aina can serve to benefit the well-being of this community for generations to come. My name is No`eau Peralto, and I serve as the Executive Director of Hui Malama i ke Ala `Ulili (huiMAU)—a community-based nonprofit organization located in Pa`auilo, Hamakua. Our organization's mission is to"re-establish the systems that sustain our community,"with the long-term vision of empowering `ohana with the capacity to live and thrive in Hamakua for generations. As stewards of over 1100 acres of`aina in the ahupua`a of Koholalele,we understand the critical role of community-based governance and stewardship of `aina in the cultivation and maintenance of community well-being. Over the past century, our communities in Hamakua have experienced vast displacement and dispossession from the `aina in our moku, especially along our district's rugged coastline. Efforts like this to protect our coastal lands for community access and stewardship are urgently needed to hold space for the future generations of our community to be able to continue to live and thrive in this place we call home. Our organization has collaborated for many years with Honoka`a High School,the Honoka`a Heritage Center, the Hamakua Youth Center, and The Kohala Center and we are confident that, given the opportunity, this collective of community organizations and institutions can and will effectively collaborate to steward these `aina in ways that will be of great benefit to the Hamakua community. Please accept this letter as an expression of my utmost support for the efforts of leaders in our community to Purchase of this Property through the PONC process to protect and steward this `aina for the future generations of Hamakua. Me ke aloha`aina, No`eau Peralto,PhD. Executive Director Hui Malama i ke Ala`Ulili Hui Malama i ke Ala 'Ulili is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. Sugg.26-03 Aloha uncle Tawn, Mahalo for sharing this. Ae, I really resonate with the proposal, and find myself compelled to offer HOA's support as well to this. Similarly to Hui Mau, I already have multiple lands I am already stewarding and can't offer lead to this. But, as a close neighboring organization, the HOA farm being right over in Paauhau and a straight shot down that Standard Oil Rd, we could definitely help to support such work. Like Hui Mau, we are transforming pasture lands back into diverse food forest but we also have a component of native forest corridors. Our nursery is building and we are germinating native plants and trees on site, so basically the same environment that could support this project. We are close enough to be able to actually assist in both advising and actual project work. Also capacity wise, HOA is an LLC, which I don't think would be able to take lead, but definitely have my support. Lanakila Sugg.26-03 Ohana Sport and More, LLC 45-3626 Mamane Street, Unit D Honokaa, HI 96727 ohanaSDortsandmore(@Qmail.com (808) 238-0083 January 27, 2026 To Whom It May Concern, Ohana Sport and More, LLC has recently become aware of the community-led efforts to preserve the coastal property identified as TMK 3-4-5-002-081-0000, approximately 38 acres, which is currently listed for sale on the open market. We support the proposal for this land to be acquired by the County rather than sold to a private individual for residential development. This area, commonly known as Pink House, Crack Stone, and Muka'a holds deep cultural and generational significance for the people of the upper Hamakua Coast. Families have fished from this shoreline for generations, relying on it not only for subsistence but also for the continuation of traditions, knowledge, and community identity. These places are part of the cultural landscape that connects local families to the land and ocean in meaningful and enduring ways. Public acquisition of this property would help ensure continued access for traditional fishing, protect sensitive coastal resources, and preserve the heritage that defines our community. Keeping this land in public hands is essential to safeguarding the practices and connections that have existed here for as long as anyone can remember. For these reasons, Ohana Sport and More, LLC expresses its support for the preservation of this property and encourages thoughtful consideration of this opportunity to protect an area of great importance to the Hamakua community. Sincerely, Charlene A. Fernandez { ;y ; Owner,Ghana Sport and More, LLC Sugg.26-03 To Whom It May Concern. I am writing in strong support of this nomination and the opportunity it represents for the IlAwW ua community. This property offers a rare chance to expand public recreation access, strengthen education for local youth, and begin a long term project of native reforestation along our coastline. Public access to the I Iamakua coastline is extremely limited. Many residents consider this one of the most frustrating aspects of living in the district.This nominated property is one of the few places between Laupabpchoc and Waipi Q where relatively convenient access to the ocean cliffs still exists. Securing public access here would provide meaningful outdoor recreation for residents and visitors, including hiking, fishing, and safe shoreline access in an area where those opportunities are increasingly disappearing. Just as important is the educational opportunity this land offers. The vision for this nomination is to transform the landscape from Guinea grass and scrub brush pasture into restored native forest with a culturally guided food forest component. Honokaa High School leadership and agriculture instruction have expressed strong interest in making this restoration effort a hands on student project. This would give students place based learning,stewardship responsibility,and the chance to participate in meaningful restoration that benefits the entire community. Local partners have already expressed willingness to provide guidance, including IJui Malama i kq Ala `Olili, the Kohala Center,and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.While these organizations may not be able to assume long term stewardship responsibilities, they can help shape the design and implementation in ways that are culturally grounded and ecologically sound. It is also significant that DOFAW staff have indicated support for consultation and technical guidance.This is an unusually realistic educational model because expertise already exists close to the project site. This nomination is not primarily about protecting what exists today, since the property is currently pastureland with invasive species and little remaining native habitat. Instead, its value lies in what can be restored.Reforestation of this site would provide long term environmental benefits and could serve as the beginning of a broader restoration effort along this coast. The lasting impact would not only be ecological,but also generational, because students and families would grow up participating in the care and rebuilding of this land. For these reasons, I strongly support this nomination and encourage the County to pursue acquisition.This property can serve as an enduring public asset for recreation,education,and reforestation,and it offers a powerful opportunity to invest in the future of I Iamakvgq Mahalo, Alysia Fischer I Iamakua Resident Sugg.26-03 "Ing HAWAVI LAND TRUST January 29,2026 County of Hawaii,Department of Finance,Property Management Division Public Access,Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101 Hilo,Hawaii 96720 Dear Commissioners: The Hawaii Land Trust(HILT)is pleased to provide this letter of support for the conservation of Haina Makai,located within the Haina Ahupua`a of Honoka`a,Hawaii.HILT's mission is to protect the lands that sustain Hawaii for current and future generations—a mission that prioritizes biocultural ecosystems,food systems, and kama`aina communities. This land embodies these priorities and its protection would provide a perpetual benefit to both the local and island-wide community. Protecting these approximately 37.92 acres of undeveloped coastal land,coupled with the Honoka`a community's commitment to stewardship,will safeguard an ecologically and culturally rich system that forms part of a larger,connected landscape. Haina offers a significant opportunity for the restoration of biocultural lands where ecological function and cultural value are inseparable. In practice,this proposal also integrates agroforestry education and establishes permanent community access to the coastline. We respectfully ask for your full consideration in supporting the protection of these high-value, at-risk lands that hold enduring importance to our pae `aina. Mahalo nui, Dane Kealoha Director of`Aina Transactions Hawaii Land Trust Board of Directors 2025 Jennifer Luck,Board Chair I U'ilani Tanigawa Lum,Vice Chair I Teresa Young,Treasurer I Rob Alston,Secretary Lisa Grove Past Chair Neil Hannahs Randy Vitousek I Jocelyn Herbert I Joey Aquino I Beth Robinson Duff Janus Mason Chock Tyler Gomes I Olin Lagon I Raul Pomares I Keali'i Papali 'Olu Campbell,President&CEO Hawai'i Land Trust 1108 Fort Street Mall,Suite 4,Honolulu,Hawai'i,96813 1 808.744.AINA I HILT.org Sugg.26-03 ATTACHMENT D Identify and provide contact information of community organization, land trusts, or individuals willing to be part of this property's long-term management/ maintenance. Honokaa High School - Principal: Erika Blanco - Agriculture Instructor: Daphne Honma Note: Honokaa High has expressed strong interest in active, perhaps lead, involvement Honokaa Heritage Center Executive Director: Nicole Garcia - Note: The Heritage Center strong interest in participation, with possible interim Stewardship responsibilities Hamakua Youth Center President Hamakua Youth Foundation: Teri Sugg The Youth Foundation (Youth Center) has expressed strong participatory interest, but cannot assume Stewardship responsibilities Ho'a Director: Lanakila Mangauil Lanakila has expressed commitment toward guidance and `hands on' participation However cannot assume lead commitment huiMAU `Ghana Director: No'eau Peralto huiMAU will participate as reference and resource and available for guidance Hawaii Land Trust Dane Kealoha Expressed strong support and wished to carry on the conversation. No commitment but interest Ohana Sport and More, LLC (Outdoor store in Honokaa with fishing emphasis) Owner: Charlene Fernandez Owns the only area fishing outlet. Supports organization of fishing community. and participation in project Alysia Fischer Works in an unofficial capacity with Napu'u Natural Resource Management Resident of Ahualoa Would be available for native forest guidance and participation Aloha Dela Rosa/ Shenee Dela Rosa Haina resident Aloha was long time hula teacher Expressed strong support and interest in participation by herself &family Sugg.26-03 Attachment E 1) How would this proposed acquisition of project benefit the general public? The public would benefit by having assurance of access to the oceanside cliff-line in service to recreation. I am aware of only two other non-gated publicly available ocean cliff access points from Waipio Valley to Laupahoehoe Point. One is the gravel road west after the paved road below the old Honokaa Mill A-Frame ends, leading to either the Haina Landing or, going makai, leads to this nominated property. The other is a 1/2 mile walk with public access to the cliffs below Kukuihaele near the old Kukuihaele Landing. This 40 acres, if restored as envisioned above, with productive food forest and restored native forest could, with hiking and and the existing 4-wheel drive trails could have the character of a park even without development as a park as prohibited through the PONC mechanism. That it has capability of a restroom with County Water and potential sewer access makes this vision more convincing. The fishing community would benefit by having access to the important fishing site used by generations which lies on this property. The below picture clearly shows this fishing area with cliff probably 100 ft., with testament to the generations of use by the firmly compacted dirt floor. Note the small table at the cliff edge. An enlarged version clearly shows the boundary pin and the red line is an estimate. If the current discussions between Bishop Estate and Hawaii County State Representative Kusch and County Council Representative Kimball regarding recreational usage of the Lower Cane Haul Road come to fruition then this property with ocean access from this Lower Cane Haul Road road and restroom capability would create a desirable embarkment, rest stop or end point. The public benefits by having a school program instill knowledge of the native forest and the bounty of culturally guided food-forest in the children-turning-adults. Hands-on lessons in care for the Aina by the youth is provided, in addition to learning the skills necessary to perpetuate this most fundamental of relationships. 2) Describe any significant historic, cultural, or natural resources on the property. A Coastal site on this property has been used for generations of fishermen which should therefore be considered an important natural resource. The packed earth shown in the accompanying photograph testifies to the generations of extensive use. The significant historic and cultural resources have mostly been erased in the plantation era. However there are two important historical/cultural aspects to this nominated property. First, there should be recognition of the historical importance of the adjoining property to the east, where the old maps included in these papers show the presence of an `old heiau'. These maps are from 1870 and 1880. No remnants have been found in the archaeological survey approximately 3 years ago. This most likely represents the site of the Ka Loa heiau as described by Thrum. Secondly this property roughly approximates the property which was bestowed on William Rickard by Royal Grant. The Heritage Center has property of the very extensive writings and records of Mr. Rickard and his grandson is on the Board of the Center. Originally the heiau was located on the property line between Mr. Rickard and the adjoining property but subdivision with closing of the plantation in 1995 has placed the heiau location in the adjoining property. 3). Describe any significant relationship to larger historical, cultural, and/or natural landscape. Again, this has been described above in Attachment B and 2) above with accompanying maps, both current and as far back as 1870. Again, I emphasize that this property lies at one end of a natural landscape that stretches, below the Lower Cane Haul Road, along the coast all the way to Kukuihaele, and is interrupted by only one house and two `cottages'. This is a strikingly beautiful coastline with uniquely beautiful features at Kawela and Melanahae. This is 8 or 9 miles of cattle grazed slopes and rolling grasslands interrupted for about 3/4 mile by the Agricultural Coop. Thus, to initiate restoration of native forest and `food-forest' here, below Honokaa, seems appropriate with possible long term vision to extend westward. Currently, the Sugg.26-03 nominated property is not fenced and there is cattle grazing as exists on most of the properties in this area. 4). Describe the level of urgency. This property has been `For Sale' for one year however there has been a recent reduction in sale price by$500,000 to a current $1.9 million. The property tax appraisal is at $1.6 million. The property is zoned Ag 40. Whether the sewage treatment plant on the adjoining property to the west or the prominent truck garage and outbuilding adjoining on the east side of the opposite boundary might be a modest impediment to sale is unknown. The predominant wind pattern should carry any sewage fragrance from the treatment plant away from this nominated property. 5) Describe any special opportunities for acquisition that presently exist. No special opportunities for acquisition are known. 6). Have partnerships with other government agencies or private or nonprofit entities been identified to leverage resources? [ ] Yes [ ] No [X] Unknown I have had lengthy discussion with Hawaii Land Trust and have submitted a letter of support for this purchase. The conversation left me with the impression that consideration would be given to participating in acquisition process should there continue to be sufficient interest, however I think that this was not to be placed in the realm of `expectation'. There was expression that it would be desirable to continue the conversation. HILT has recently assisted with the public acquisition of the Mahukona properties. Trust for Public Land did not have current capacity to engage with further projects, however did allow that I would converse with them again after several months. I will also contact the Legacy Land Commission in the next few days and report that interaction to the PONC administration. 7) Is the property available for acquisition? [X] Yes [. ] No [ ] Unknown This property is now listed `on the market' and the Realtor, a Honokaa resident is enthusiastic about the possibility of acquisition by the County representing the Public. Of course, her obligation to the owner is to pursue possible sale whatever direction that might take. The realtor reported that the current owners were happy to hear of potential for public acquisition. 8) Are there any covenants, encumbrances, restrictions, (association or maintenance) or easements on the property? [X] Yes [ ] No [ ] Unknown There is an Easement for access to the East side coastal property across this nominated property's mauka section on its east side boundary. This easement has allowed a compacted gravel road from the Lower Cane Haul Road to the adjoining property below. There does exist a Restrictive Covenant from the subdivision of the six or seven privately owned properties of approximately 20 acres each marching eastward from this nominated property. My reading of this restrictive covenant does not give rise to concern that the vision which I have painted in these nomination papers would be in jeopardy. I saw no point in which there would be conflict with the proposal for creation of an active agricultural food-forest or efforts at reforestation, or any other likely utilization. The document can be obtained by contacting the realtor at 808-345-2591, Stacy Disney. Stacy explained at no point in the 25 years had the covenant been invoked and was felt to be, on a practical level, inoperative. Sugg.26-03 9) Describe any known hazards on the property. This property contains a relatively short coastline. This coastline is comprised of a cliff sloping from probably 50 ft. above sea level to possibly 100 ft. above sea level. The area, perhaps 15 to 20 yards in length, used by the fishermen seems well protected by a raised rocky boundary. However, all cliffs are dangerous. The upper cliff on the property has a spectacular view, but might be considered more hazardous in that the ground contours downward toward the cliff. This hazard would be compounded if wet. There are however relatively frequent trees in this more hazardous area. E If there were to be youth nearby, it might be well to consider a cordoned boundary, if necessary with hazard tape. Investigation will be initiated as to whether the Plantation might have discharged toxic materials or fluid onto the mauka section of the property over its 100 years of operations. The initial presumption is that this did not occur as the well known discharge areas were onto properties west of this nominated property by several hundred yards. I was referred by the Heritage Center to speak with a lifetime plantation worker now in his mid 80s, but with excellent memory faculty. He was unable to remember whether dumping occurred below the cane haul road. It is unknown whether a toxic materials survey will need to be undertaken in light of the fact that the proposal in this application presumes the presence of youth working the earth. Caution might be justified in this case. I had been told that a preliminary survey of substantial area such as this might cost in the neighborhood of$30,000. Sugg.26-03