HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2026-15 TNC Request for CDP Guidence for HileaBOARD OF TRUSTEES
Duke E. Ah Moo Kris Billeter Anne S. Carter Kaʻiulani de Silva Daniel J. Dunn Dave Eadie Jan Elliott Matt Emerson Hon. Judith Epstein Dr. Alan M. Friedlander Benjy Garfinkle Puni Jackson David Lassner Brett MacNaughton (Chair) Janet Montag Alicia Moy Katherine G. Richardson John R. Sabas Bradley E. Smith Julie Smolinski Vern Yamanaka
Ihupani Advisory Council: Christopher J. Benjamin Kenton T. Eldridge Eiichiro Kuwana
Duncan MacNaughton Jean E. Rolles Crystal K. Rose Nathan E. Smith
Founders: Samuel A. Cooke Herbert C. Cornuelle
The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra
923 Nu‘uanu Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817
Tel (808) 537-4508
nature.org/HawaiiPalmyra
hawaii@tnc.org
Shalan Crysdale
Director, Hawaiʻi Island Terrestrial Program The Nature Conservancy 5/26/2026
Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee
Subject: Request for Guidance and Support – Protection of Makanau and Adjacent Lands
Dear Members of the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee,
Aloha and mahalo for your continued leadership in advancing the Kaʻū Community Development Plan (CDP) and its vision for mālama ʻāina and community stewardship.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is currently pursuing the protection of a 1,916-acre property in Kaʻū that includes Makanau, a prominent hill specifically identified in the CDP as being vulnerable to development and in need of conservation. As noted under Focused Initiative 4.2, Community Action 2, Makanau—along with Puʻu ʻEnuhe—is recognized as “relatively unprotected from development” and a priority for securing “in public trust (fee simple or by easement)” to achieve community objectives.
Our effort is directly aligned with the needs and immediate next steps outlined in Initiative 4.2, including:
•Protecting priority lands through acquisition or conservation easements
•Supporting the work of organizations such as TNC and other land trusts
•Advancing nominations and recommendations for conservation through mechanisms such asthe Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC)
•Engaging landowners in long-term protection strategies
Given this strong alignment, we respectfully seek the Action Committee’s manaʻo, guidance, and potential support for this effort. Specifically, we would greatly value:
•Affirmation that protection of this property is consistent with CDP priorities under Initiative 4.2
•Any recommendations regarding community engagement, cultural considerations, orstewardship approaches
•Consideration of formal support, such as a letter or resolution, consistent with the Committee’srole in advocating for priority lands
•Guidance on coordination with partners and agencies identified in the CDP
Communication No. 2026-15
The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi and Palmyra
May 26, 2026
Page 2
We recognize that the CDP calls for the Action Committee to provide leadership by affirming priorities, supporting conservation partnerships, and advocating for protection of critical lands such as Makanau. We believe this project represents a timely opportunity to advance those objectives in a meaningful and lasting way.
TNC remains committed to working in close partnership with the Kaʻū community to ensure that conservation outcomes reflect local values, cultural significance, and long-term resource stewardship goals.
We would welcome any opportunity to brief the Committee and provide additional details on the project. Mahalo for your consideration, and we look forward to your guidance.
With respect and appreciation,
Shalan Crysdale Director, Hawaiʻi Island Terrestrial Program The Nature Conservancy