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Home My WebLink About2026-02-11 PL-CRC-2025-000022 CRC Comment Letter County of Hawai‘i PLANNING DEPARTMENT CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Aupuni Center • 101Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 Phone (808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742 www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Mayor Matthew Clark, Chair Desmon Haumea, Vice Chair Darde Gamayo Kealohanuiopuna Kinney Janet Six Aaron Spielman February 11, 2026 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: ʻĀinakō Subdivision Housing Project Consultation Request (PL-CRC-2025-000022) Location: Ahupuaʻa of Punahoa 2 and Piʻihonua, South Hilo District, Hawaiʻi TMK(s): (3) 2-3-030:001 (por.), 004, and 2-3-031:001 (por.) At its public meetings held on December 10, 2025, January 14, 2026, and February 11, 2026, the Cultural Resources Commission (CRC) reviewed the proposed ʻĀinakō 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 ahupuaʻa (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 Waiānuenue and Wailuku, further demonstrate the historical presence and significance of wai. These names reflect traditional knowledge 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 Benjamin Barna, Ph.D. Stantec Government Services Inc. February 11, 2026 Page 2 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 ʻili, smooth, water-worn pebbles, which are often recognized as symbols of spirituality and the connection between people and the ʻāina (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 ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian bat) in a nearby puʻu (geological cone). Commissioners requested that potential project impacts be evaluated and that opportunities to protect the ʻōpeʻapeʻa be considered.  Commissioners expressed support for the concept of a “memory bank,” consisting of protected or restricted areas designated to preserve sensitive cultural resources.  A list of former residents and families who have ties to the area is included as an attachment to this letter. This list was received from a kahu (pastor) of the association, Ronald Fujiyoshi, Reverend at Olaʻa Church.  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. Mahalo, Desmon Haumea, Vice Chair Cultural Resources Commission KLT:cn V:\PL\PL\planning\public\wpwin60\Cultural_Resources_Commission\Projects\Ainako Housing Development (PL-CRC-2025-000022)\2026-02- 11 PL-CRC-2025-000022 CRC Comment Letter.doc Attachment: Lineal Descendant List 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) Desmon Haumea (Mar 4, 2026 17:23:24 HST)