Local scientist's ties to outside activists questioned

Dr. Leilani Fong, the marine biologist whose testimony helped put the Kahana Ridge easement on the county's agenda, has received funding from organizations based outside Hawaiʻi, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The sources declined to say which organizations or how much. "People deserve to know who is really behind this land grab," one said.

Fong's university biography lists research grants from a national ocean research program and a private foundation. Her testimony to the county in July described the ridge as "the last intact watershed feeding Kahana Bay."

Fong did not respond to questions sent Sunday evening.

Neighbors for Kahana Jobs has called for full disclosure of all funding behind Measure 7. "Windward families are being asked to give up 1,200 jobs," spokesperson Jenna Alcott said. "They deserve to know who is asking."