Aloha,

Kamehameha Schools now has an SMA Minor permit to start their "Archaeological Preservation Plan Activities" in Keauhou Bay. They want to build their Bungalow Resort Development in the vacant trees behind the canoe club, where their archaeological work will be held.

The permit also says "Tree Clearing." I went to the Hawai'i Planning Department and learned that this only allows them to clear three coconut trees. I let Kamehameha Schools know I would be watching them, and if they cleared any more than three coconut trees, I would take photos and let Hawai'i Planning know of their violation. 

I am calling for help from Keauhou Bay Hawaiian descendants because the Iwi Kupuna Conference I went to told me that it is in the Hawaiian Burial Rights for descendants to be allowed to monitor any archaeological work done on their ancestral lands. If you are a descendant, will you please help?

Can you please forward this and ask anyone who is a Keauhou Descendant if they want to Help Save Keauhou Bay from becoming a resort by monitoring Kamehameha Schools' archaeological work to ensure they stay respectful of their ancestors? The more descendants who want to come forward and help monitor, the better, because it will show them we are all very serious about protecting Keauhou Bay. 

You don't need any experience. You just have to want to be there and watch what they are doing. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your ancestral lands. 

Please contact Kamehameha Schools Rep Marissa Harman (8088951865) Email address maharman@ksbe.edu, and let her know you are a descendant of Keauhou Bay and want to be there to monitor their archaeological work. If she says that can't happen, please let me know, and I will help you. 

Here is IWI KŪPUNA: NATIVE HAWAIIAN BURIAL RIGHTS  info: https://luc.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5.-Iwi-Ku%CC%84puna-Summary_June-2022.pdf

Thank you so much for standing up to protect your Keauhou Bay. I know it's extremely special to ALL of us.

If you have any questions please contact me 8086994331.

Mahalo, 

Rebecca Melendez