The Hawaii County Council has given full approval to a resolution urging the Department of Finance to move ahead with acquiring 364 acres of culturally and environmentally significant coastline in Puna known as Honolulu Landing.
The measure passed 9-0 on Wednesday, drawing strong backing from Mayor Kimo Alameda and widespread community support throughout the process.
“I just want to mahalo nui the community for showing up big time during committee, in-person, with Zoom and written testimony,” said Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, who introduced the resolution. “It’s really heartening to see so many community members, nonprofits, lineal descendants step up and want to see this happen so that we can protect this really important aina.”
The property — situated between Waiakahiula and the Nanawale Forest Reserve — includes roughly 4,000 feet of shoreline and has been a county preservation priority since 2007. Its name dates back to the early 1900s, when cattle were driven across lava fields and shipped out to Honolulu, a practice that reflects the area’s unique historical role.
Honolulu Landing is home to archaeological features first documented by the Bishop Museum in 1932, including burial sites, village complexes, heiau, house platforms and traditional farming areas. It qualifies for the Hawaii Register of Historic Places.
The current owners, who live in North Carolina, are in ongoing discussions with the county regarding the sale.
Following the 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kilauea, which cut off many traditional pathways to the ocean, restoring public shoreline access in Puna has become increasingly urgent.
The resolution also underscores the importance of culturally informed land management, calling for collaboration with lineal descendants, cultural practitioners, scientists and conservation organizations.
Email Daniel Farr dfarr@hawaiitribune-herald.com
