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C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. f+`..�`.. • <br /> Mayor ��,Ii;;; Matthew Clark,Chair <br /> Desmon Haumea,Vice Chair <br /> ' � '" Darde Gamayo <br /> ' — -- Kealohanuiopuna Kinney <br /> 44.OF' ►'vai Janet Six <br /> Aaron Spielman <br /> County of Hawai'i <br /> PLANNING DEPARTMENT <br /> CULTURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION <br /> Aupuni Center • 101Pauahi Street,Suite 3 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Phone(808)961-8288 • Fax(808)961-8742 <br /> Date <br /> Benjamin Barna, Ph.D. <br /> Stantec Government Services Inc. <br /> 737 Bishop Street, Suite 3050 <br /> Honolulu, HI 96813 <br /> Email: ben.barna@stantecgs.com <br /> Dear Benjamin Barna: <br /> SUBJECT: 'Ainako Subdivision Housing Project Consultation Request (PL-CRC-2025-000022) <br /> Location: Ahupua'a of Punahoa 2 and Pi'ihonua, South Hilo District, Hawai'i <br /> TMK(s): (3) 2-3-030:001 (por.), 004, and 2-3-031:001 (por.) <br /> At its public meetings held on December 10, 2025, and January 14, 2026, the Cultural Resources <br /> Commission (CRC) reviewed the proposed 'Ainako Subdivision Housing Project and offers the <br /> following comments to inform the preparation of the Environmental Assessment. <br /> • Commissioners requested that additional research and field testing be conducted to <br /> determine the origin and function of the boulders and rock mounds present on the <br /> parcel. Such mounds may be burials, heiau (shrine), or agricultural features. Proper <br /> identification is essential to determining appropriate preservation and treatment <br /> measures. <br /> • Punahoa, the name of the ahupua'a (land division), translates to "friendly springs," <br /> suggesting a historical reliance on wai (water) in the area. Historically, native Hawaiian <br /> communities frequently settled near reliable water sources, which supported food <br /> production and provided materials for shelter. The number and variety of cultural <br /> features in the area, although many are no longer intact, indicate the presence of a <br /> once-thriving community. <br /> • Surrounding place names such as Waianuenue and Wailuku, further demonstrate the <br /> historical presence and significance of wai. These names reflect traditional knowledge <br /> www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov Hawai'i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning@hawaiicounty.gov <br />