HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-26 Kumukahi Letter of Support - Signed 07-05-2025
County of Hawai‘i
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
(808) 961-8288 • Fax (808) 961-8742
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
Gregory Henkel, Vice Chair Jennifer Scheffel Martha Morishige Kanoe Wilson Leilani DeMello, Chair
Vacant Leila Kealoha Susan Osborne Franny Brewer
June 26, 2025
Hawai’i County Mayor’s Office
County of Hawaiʻi
25 Aupuni St #2603
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject: Letter of Support for PONC Suggestion 25-07: Acquisition and
Consolidation of Kumukahi, Puna, HI
Aloha PONC Commissioners:
The Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee (AC) met on June 26, 2025, at the
Keaʻau Community Center. Included on the agenda was discussion and decision-making on
whether to submit a letter of support for PONC suggestion 25-07: acquisition and consolidation
of Kumukahi, Puna, HI. Following deliberation, the committee voted unanimously to submit the
letter collectively, identified as Communication 2025-07.
Sincerely,
Leilani DeMello, Chair
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
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26\Communications\Communication No. 2025-07 Kumukahi PONC Letter of Support.pdf
Leilani DeMello (Jul 5, 2025 09:13 HST)
June 26, 2025
Aloha PONC Commissioners:
On behalf of the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee, we write in strong support of the proposed public acquisition and consolidation of 11 parcels—encompassing approximately 2,000 acres—located in the ahupua‘a of Kula at Kumukahi,
in the Puna District. This effort is vital to the long-term protection of one of Hawai‘i’s
most culturally, ecologically, and historically significant wahi pana and aligns closely with the goals of the Puna CDP.
We are pleased to note in the application, that all landowners of the 11 parcels have been
consulted and have provided letters of support, indicating their willingness to sell their
properties for the purpose of conservation and cultural preservation through the PONC process. This rare alignment of Government, non-profit and community with landowner cooperation, presents a unique opportunity for the County to take decisive and impactful action. Two non-profits Ho`oulu Låhui, a well- established 30 year non-profit, founded
on the protection and education of our wahi pana and the Kuamo`o Legacy Foundation
have committed to taking the lead in the preservation and management of the area.
Cultural and Historical Preservation Kumukahi is a wahi pana of immense cultural and spiritual significance. Traditionally
recognized as the first place the sun touches Hawai‘i each day and as a sacred leina
(spiritual transition point), it is closely tied to the arrival of Pele and serves as a wahi ilina (burial site) for generations of kūpuna. The Puna CDP prioritizes the protection of such sites: 2.1.1 Goals
o a. Structures and cultural sites that are significant to Puna’s history and
cultural traditions are preserved.
The acquisition will enable implementation of a Burial Treatment Plan, ensuring the respectful care of iwi kūpuna, and provide permanent access for lineal and cultural
descendants to maintain ceremonial and traditional practices.
Environmental Protection and Stewardship The area supports endangered and native species such as the Hawaiian petrel (‘Ua‘u), Hawaiian hoary bat (‘Ōpe‘ape‘a), and native coastal plants and trees. The parcels'
consolidation supports:
2.1.1 Goals o e. The native forests of Puna are revered as part of the native culture andare provided with permanent protection from degradation and loss.
A unified approach will allow for comprehensive ecological restoration, invasive species management, and the protection of fragile habitats.
Communication No. 2025-07
Community Access, Education, and Managed Use This initiative opens opportunities for community-based stewardship, including
educational programming, interpretive trails, and managed visitor access that honors the
cultural and natural significance of the area. 2.1.1 Goals
• d. Awareness and appreciation of the host culture is expanded.
Preservation of Coastal Areas and Public Safety The project ensures that access to this delicate coastal region is carefully managed to prevent environmental degradation and safeguard public safety.
Conclusion The Puna Community Development Commission fully supports this acquisition and consolidation initiative as it embodies the CDP’s core values: community-based resource management, cultural integrity, ecological protection, and sustainable land use. The
support of all the identified collaborators reflects a shared vision for stewardship and
preservation. We urge the County to move forward with this acquisition and honor this opportunity to protect Kumukahi for current and future generations. A list of the 11 parcels is included
as an attachment to this letter.
Mahalo for your thoughtful consideration. Respectfully,
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
Leilani DeMello (Jul 5, 2025 09:13 HST)
Kumukahi Letter of Support - sign
Final Audit Report 2025-07-05
Created:2025-06-27
By:Kawelo Kalili (kawelo.kalili@hawaiicounty.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAyScTXxnacUBmxvFtakQs-E3FX8tzv0It
"Kumukahi Letter of Support - sign" History
Document created by Kawelo Kalili (kawelo.kalili@hawaiicounty.gov)
2025-06-27 - 7:52:23 PM GMT
Document emailed to m.leilani.demello@gmail.com for signature
2025-06-27 - 7:52:26 PM GMT
Email viewed by m.leilani.demello@gmail.com
2025-07-05 - 7:08:51 PM GMT
Signer m.leilani.demello@gmail.com entered name at signing as Leilani DeMello
2025-07-05 - 7:13:52 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Leilani DeMello (m.leilani.demello@gmail.com)
Signature Date: 2025-07-05 - 7:13:54 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2025-07-05 - 7:13:54 PM GMT