I realize the hearing is already pau, but hopefully it is not too late to be submitting my testimony in support of the ‘Aina Kupuna bill. I recently retired in 2020 after having serve as the Kahu at Keawala’i Congregational Church in Makena for 29 years. Over the last three decades, I have see tremendous changes in the surrounding communities of South Maui and especially in Makena.
It is a well known and documented fact that many of the Hawaiian families for whom Makena was home, have been taxed out of the area as a result of high-end resort and residential development. The few families who remain have had to sell some of their land in order to cover the skyrocketing land taxes driven by this speculators.
There are other families and communities in the same situation. The ‘Aina Kupuna bill will benefit lineal descendants in their respective communities.
I support the bill and call upon the members of the board to do the same.
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony on the ‘Aina Kupuna Tax Relief Bill. I submit testimony in support of the Aina Kupuna Tax Relief Bill.
My lineage has deep roots on the Valley Isle. My paternal grandmother was Annie Kaaka Makekau, born in Lahaina, our Makekau ohana maintains a large presence in Maui. My maternal grandmother was Anastacia Hamole Ho’opi’i, born in Kaupo from east Maui. Her Tutu’s were John David & Maria Hamole Nohua of Kaupo, their descendants are the Kaleikini’s, Needham’s, Kekiwi’s, Hai’s, Pi’imauna’s, Kalaehano’s & Ho’opi’i’s.
My 2nd Great Grandmother Maria Hamole has an interest in Land Grant:2577, located in Kaupo, this property predates the State of Hawaii, and has been cared for by the Nohua ohana for Generations. This bill will help kama’aina preserve what’s left of our ancestral land.
Mahalo nui,
Don Jugoz (Kona)
(808) 381-8493
www.koatree.net
donjugoz@gmail.com
I am in support of BFED-78 CC 21-29 COUNTY PROPERTY TAX REFORM (BFED-78.
Council Committee: Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee:
I encourage you to let your conscience and heart be your guide today, to listen to the 'Aina Kupuna and to hear their whispering voices in the wind.........to right a wrong that will stand for generations to come.
Aloha Chair and Budget Committee,
My name is Mavis Oliveira-Medeiros and I'm an employee of Councilmember Shane Sinenci. I'm writing in support of BFED-78 CC 21-29. I've lived in Hana most of our lives and have watched as families upon families lose their aina because of property taxes they can no longer afford. It's very sad to watch and not be able to help because many times, their tax bill has gone up in the thousands and thousands of dollars. Tens and Hundreds of thousands for some. I can name the families who have lost or are close to losing their family aina. They don't qualify for "Kuleana taxes" but have been on the aina for gennerations.
My maternal side ohana also have aina that have gone up recently and even though there's a "fund" for collecting monies to pay the taxes, it has been hard to keep up. My Mom's ohana have been on the aina for many generations since the 1800's. Many are resting on the lands now owned by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. This is where the Waianapanapa State Park and Cabins are located. My great great Tutu Ahukiniala'a Kahanaole is buried way out past three beaches, where Tourist walk everyday on the beach trail, near the airport. She passed in 1900. My great Tutu's are buried in three different family grave sites in the State Park. My Tutu's, Mother, Aunties, Brother and Sister are all buried within the State Park lands.
This should show you how long our family have resided in Honokalani. The road to enter the Cabins and State Park is still privately owned by our ohana.
My husbands Kalawa ohana has also been on this aina since his Great Grandfather, who is buried on this aina we live on, but we do not qualify for Kuleana taxes. Kalawa purchased then married English and has been on this aina from a long long time ago, at least three, now four generations. We can still afford it right now, but very concerned for the future of our children and theirs.
Oprah bought two homes just down the road from us (Kingdom Come?) and owns large pieces of land on either side of us. We can't compete with O. Please pass this bill so our people can remain on the aina for many more generations to come.
Mahalo nui loa,
Mavis Oliveira-Medeiros
P.O. Box 215
Hana, HI 96713
(808)866-7409
E ke Kōmike Moʻohelu, ʻOihana Kālā a me ka Hoʻomohala Hoʻokelewaiwai,
Aloha ʻoukou;
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony today in support of the ʻĀina Kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief to long-standing kamaʻāina families. In the bill's definition, ʻāina kūpuna are ancestral lands that have been in families for at least 3 generations.
ʻOhana living on their ancestral lands have made important contributions to Maui communities through their genealogical, cultural, scientific, and historical ties to the ʻāina. Places have their names, and community knowledge has been developed through working and living on the land over time. Such things as the movement of water, farming, fishing, and sustainability practices were developed, harnessed, and transmitted from one generation to another. ʻĀina kūpuna are a substantial part of our very identity and we serve as the stewards to the ʻāina.
As time has passed and the landscape of our communities has changed, those with ʻāina kūpuna who have found a way to hold fast to their lands are having an almost impossible time struggling to pay for their property taxes as it has increased beyond reasonable means and average local incomes. For example, the property tax where my father grew up and lives (at 89 years old) increased 380% between 2015-2019 due to high-end speculation homes built on surrounding properties. Owners in these homes visit only a few weeks a year are not residents and sell them later for a huge profit.
I humbly ask that you support the ʻĀina Kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 and pass it out of your committee and encourage others in the Council to do so. Standing for this bill is also standing for our Maui long-time kamaʻāina families and the many contributions they have made to our County and these precious places we call home from our various ʻāina kupuna, our ancestral lands.
Aloha e ke Kōmike Budget, Finance, and Economic Development. I am writing in support of the BFED-78 CC 21-29 that would provide tax relief to the 'ohana, who despite so many historical and modern challenges, have managed to maintain their beloved family lands. As a culture-historical researcher, I have seen and spoken to many 'ohana who shared stories of making the difficult decision to sell their ancestral lands because the taxes are too much of a financial burden. Although I live on Hawai'i Island my maternal grandparents are from Kanaio, Maui thus I feel a kuleana to raise my voice in support of this bill. Please support the bill by passing it through your committee. Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony.
Aloha,
I strongly support the ʻĀina Kupuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descendants who are connected to the lands of their ancestors. By providing tax relief for lineal descendants is another tool for us as kanaka moali to exercise our right to keep what is rightful ours.
Mahalo piha,
Pualani Kamaunu
Aloha kākou, As a Native Hawaiian descendant whose family has had our kuleana lands in jeopardy from being stolen through quiet title and quitclaim suits, I strongly support the ʻĀina Kupuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who are connected to the lands of their ancestors. Our ʻohana had to pay thousands of dollars in land taxes before we were lucky enough to receive tax exemption for our kuleana lands in Hāna, Maui. This support should be offered to all those ʻohana whose lands have been in their families for generations. Mahalo for your support to keep Hawaiian lands in Hawaiian hands!
Kelley Lehuakeaopuna Uyeoka
Aloha! As a descendant the Kukahiko Family, I strongly support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that will provides tax relief for the families who continue to live and care for their ancestral lands. I ask you the committee to please support the bill & pass it to keep out taxes down so we can keep family lands in family hands.
I, Oralani Koa support the 'aina Kupuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who continue to live and care for their ancestral lands. It is our kuleana to ensure these lands remain in place for generation to come. Please support the bill by passing it through your committee.
Aloha e ke Kōmike Budget, Finance, and Economic Development,
My name is Kananinohea Mākaʻimoku, the eldest granddaughter of Eddie & Laureen Chang that reside in Mākena. They are one of the few remaining family members who live on our ancestral lands in Mākena. For over 30 years, I have watched my grandfather plan, organize, and make many sacrifices so that the land can be passed on to future generations.
My grandfather grew up in Mākena. There, he learned to fish, farm, raise pigs, live off the land, share with others, and care for the land's resources. As a result, he can identify the traditional names and stories of the points, the bays, the prime fishing spots, and the significant areas of his beloved homeland. It was at Mākena that he observed and learned from the older generations and the community that shaped his values of kuleana in serving your community.
It is because of the efforts of my grandfather that I am tied affectionately to Mākena. Yet, every time I return to Mākena, I am heartbroken by the drastic changing landscape and the people that occupy Mākena. I fondly remember:
-Playing with cousins and other local kids from families that would camp over the weekends.
-Walking to my aunties' and uncles' house for a family party.
-Chatting with family members after church service.
And many, many cherished memories. Memories that are etched in my heart and that have shaped my identity. Experiences that I fear my children and grandchildren will never experience in Mākena.
Mākena is overwhelmed by empty vacation homes and tourists that aren't concerned about the welfare of the land, the conservation of Mākena's natural resources, or its community. I ask you to visualize the long-term impacts on Mauʻiʻs land, Mauiʻs resources, and Mauiʻs people. The very core of Maui's cultural fabric relies on the decision you make today.
Please support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who continue to reside and care for their ancestral lands, the natural resources, and the community's people.
I realize the hearing is already pau, but hopefully it is not too late to be submitting my testimony in support of the ‘Aina Kupuna bill. I recently retired in 2020 after having serve as the Kahu at Keawala’i Congregational Church in Makena for 29 years. Over the last three decades, I have see tremendous changes in the surrounding communities of South Maui and especially in Makena.
It is a well known and documented fact that many of the Hawaiian families for whom Makena was home, have been taxed out of the area as a result of high-end resort and residential development. The few families who remain have had to sell some of their land in order to cover the skyrocketing land taxes driven by this speculators.
There are other families and communities in the same situation. The ‘Aina Kupuna bill will benefit lineal descendants in their respective communities.
I support the bill and call upon the members of the board to do the same.
Me ka ha’aha’a,
Kahu Kealahou Alika, Retired
Budget Finance and Economic Development Committee
Wednesday September 29, 2021
6:38 PM
Testimony on COUNTY PROPERTY TAX REFORM (BFED-78)
Aloha Chair Keani N.W.Rawlins – Fernandez, Vice-Chair Tamara Paltin, and Committee members:
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony on the ‘Aina Kupuna Tax Relief Bill. I submit testimony in support of the Aina Kupuna Tax Relief Bill.
My lineage has deep roots on the Valley Isle. My paternal grandmother was Annie Kaaka Makekau, born in Lahaina, our Makekau ohana maintains a large presence in Maui. My maternal grandmother was Anastacia Hamole Ho’opi’i, born in Kaupo from east Maui. Her Tutu’s were John David & Maria Hamole Nohua of Kaupo, their descendants are the Kaleikini’s, Needham’s, Kekiwi’s, Hai’s, Pi’imauna’s, Kalaehano’s & Ho’opi’i’s.
My 2nd Great Grandmother Maria Hamole has an interest in Land Grant:2577, located in Kaupo, this property predates the State of Hawaii, and has been cared for by the Nohua ohana for Generations. This bill will help kama’aina preserve what’s left of our ancestral land.
Mahalo nui,
Don Jugoz (Kona)
(808) 381-8493
www.koatree.net
donjugoz@gmail.com
I was raised on kupuna Aina and I still return home. I see the blessings and burden it has been to my families. Please Support out local families!
Esther Melani Chang
I strongly support this bill!
I support
I support aina kupuna bill.
I am in support of BFED-78 CC 21-29 COUNTY PROPERTY TAX REFORM (BFED-78.
Council Committee: Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee:
I encourage you to let your conscience and heart be your guide today, to listen to the 'Aina Kupuna and to hear their whispering voices in the wind.........to right a wrong that will stand for generations to come.
I strongly support of passing this bill
I strongly support!
E kākoʻo i nā ʻōiwi i ka ʻāina hoʻopulapula i ola mau nā pua! E mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono!!!
Aloha Chair and Budget Committee,
My name is Mavis Oliveira-Medeiros and I'm an employee of Councilmember Shane Sinenci. I'm writing in support of BFED-78 CC 21-29. I've lived in Hana most of our lives and have watched as families upon families lose their aina because of property taxes they can no longer afford. It's very sad to watch and not be able to help because many times, their tax bill has gone up in the thousands and thousands of dollars. Tens and Hundreds of thousands for some. I can name the families who have lost or are close to losing their family aina. They don't qualify for "Kuleana taxes" but have been on the aina for gennerations.
My maternal side ohana also have aina that have gone up recently and even though there's a "fund" for collecting monies to pay the taxes, it has been hard to keep up. My Mom's ohana have been on the aina for many generations since the 1800's. Many are resting on the lands now owned by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. This is where the Waianapanapa State Park and Cabins are located. My great great Tutu Ahukiniala'a Kahanaole is buried way out past three beaches, where Tourist walk everyday on the beach trail, near the airport. She passed in 1900. My great Tutu's are buried in three different family grave sites in the State Park. My Tutu's, Mother, Aunties, Brother and Sister are all buried within the State Park lands.
This should show you how long our family have resided in Honokalani. The road to enter the Cabins and State Park is still privately owned by our ohana.
My husbands Kalawa ohana has also been on this aina since his Great Grandfather, who is buried on this aina we live on, but we do not qualify for Kuleana taxes. Kalawa purchased then married English and has been on this aina from a long long time ago, at least three, now four generations. We can still afford it right now, but very concerned for the future of our children and theirs.
Oprah bought two homes just down the road from us (Kingdom Come?) and owns large pieces of land on either side of us. We can't compete with O. Please pass this bill so our people can remain on the aina for many more generations to come.
Mahalo nui loa,
Mavis Oliveira-Medeiros
P.O. Box 215
Hana, HI 96713
(808)866-7409
E ke Kōmike Moʻohelu, ʻOihana Kālā a me ka Hoʻomohala Hoʻokelewaiwai,
Aloha ʻoukou;
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony today in support of the ʻĀina Kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief to long-standing kamaʻāina families. In the bill's definition, ʻāina kūpuna are ancestral lands that have been in families for at least 3 generations.
ʻOhana living on their ancestral lands have made important contributions to Maui communities through their genealogical, cultural, scientific, and historical ties to the ʻāina. Places have their names, and community knowledge has been developed through working and living on the land over time. Such things as the movement of water, farming, fishing, and sustainability practices were developed, harnessed, and transmitted from one generation to another. ʻĀina kūpuna are a substantial part of our very identity and we serve as the stewards to the ʻāina.
As time has passed and the landscape of our communities has changed, those with ʻāina kūpuna who have found a way to hold fast to their lands are having an almost impossible time struggling to pay for their property taxes as it has increased beyond reasonable means and average local incomes. For example, the property tax where my father grew up and lives (at 89 years old) increased 380% between 2015-2019 due to high-end speculation homes built on surrounding properties. Owners in these homes visit only a few weeks a year are not residents and sell them later for a huge profit.
I humbly ask that you support the ʻĀina Kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 and pass it out of your committee and encourage others in the Council to do so. Standing for this bill is also standing for our Maui long-time kamaʻāina families and the many contributions they have made to our County and these precious places we call home from our various ʻāina kupuna, our ancestral lands.
Support
Aloha e ke Kōmike Budget, Finance, and Economic Development. I am writing in support of the BFED-78 CC 21-29 that would provide tax relief to the 'ohana, who despite so many historical and modern challenges, have managed to maintain their beloved family lands. As a culture-historical researcher, I have seen and spoken to many 'ohana who shared stories of making the difficult decision to sell their ancestral lands because the taxes are too much of a financial burden. Although I live on Hawai'i Island my maternal grandparents are from Kanaio, Maui thus I feel a kuleana to raise my voice in support of this bill. Please support the bill by passing it through your committee. Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony.
Aloha,
I strongly support the ʻĀina Kupuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descendants who are connected to the lands of their ancestors. By providing tax relief for lineal descendants is another tool for us as kanaka moali to exercise our right to keep what is rightful ours.
Mahalo piha,
Pualani Kamaunu
Aloha kākou, As a Native Hawaiian descendant whose family has had our kuleana lands in jeopardy from being stolen through quiet title and quitclaim suits, I strongly support the ʻĀina Kupuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who are connected to the lands of their ancestors. Our ʻohana had to pay thousands of dollars in land taxes before we were lucky enough to receive tax exemption for our kuleana lands in Hāna, Maui. This support should be offered to all those ʻohana whose lands have been in their families for generations. Mahalo for your support to keep Hawaiian lands in Hawaiian hands!
Kelley Lehuakeaopuna Uyeoka
Support
Aloha! As a descendant the Kukahiko Family, I strongly support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that will provides tax relief for the families who continue to live and care for their ancestral lands. I ask you the committee to please support the bill & pass it to keep out taxes down so we can keep family lands in family hands.
- Ivory Awai-Pascual
Aloha nui,
I, Oralani Koa support the 'aina Kupuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who continue to live and care for their ancestral lands. It is our kuleana to ensure these lands remain in place for generation to come. Please support the bill by passing it through your committee.
Aloha e ke Kōmike Budget, Finance, and Economic Development,
My name is Kananinohea Mākaʻimoku, the eldest granddaughter of Eddie & Laureen Chang that reside in Mākena. They are one of the few remaining family members who live on our ancestral lands in Mākena. For over 30 years, I have watched my grandfather plan, organize, and make many sacrifices so that the land can be passed on to future generations.
My grandfather grew up in Mākena. There, he learned to fish, farm, raise pigs, live off the land, share with others, and care for the land's resources. As a result, he can identify the traditional names and stories of the points, the bays, the prime fishing spots, and the significant areas of his beloved homeland. It was at Mākena that he observed and learned from the older generations and the community that shaped his values of kuleana in serving your community.
It is because of the efforts of my grandfather that I am tied affectionately to Mākena. Yet, every time I return to Mākena, I am heartbroken by the drastic changing landscape and the people that occupy Mākena. I fondly remember:
-Playing with cousins and other local kids from families that would camp over the weekends.
-Walking to my aunties' and uncles' house for a family party.
-Chatting with family members after church service.
And many, many cherished memories. Memories that are etched in my heart and that have shaped my identity. Experiences that I fear my children and grandchildren will never experience in Mākena.
Mākena is overwhelmed by empty vacation homes and tourists that aren't concerned about the welfare of the land, the conservation of Mākena's natural resources, or its community. I ask you to visualize the long-term impacts on Mauʻiʻs land, Mauiʻs resources, and Mauiʻs people. The very core of Maui's cultural fabric relies on the decision you make today.
Please support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who continue to reside and care for their ancestral lands, the natural resources, and the community's people.
Me ka ʻoiaʻiʻo,
Kananinohea Mākaʻimoku