Celebration for the County's Acquisition of Honolulu Landing

On Saturday, community members gathered to commemorate Hawaii County’s acquisition of 364 acres of land along the Puna coast, known as Honolulu Landing. The property’s purchase ensures its preservation in perpetuity, capping off decades of local advocacy and collaborative efforts to safeguard the site’s cultural and ecological value.

A Historic Preservation Effort Along the Puna Coast

The newly acquired land stretches between Waiakahiula and the Nanawale Forest Reserve. Its significance is rooted both in its environmental features and its role as part of a traditional ahupua‘a—a Native Hawaiian land division system emphasizing sustainability and resource access. The site’s unique location covers coastal areas and stretches inland into jungle terrain, making it one of the rare remaining semi-intact lowland forests in the region.

Longstanding Community Advocacy Leads to Success

For nearly 20 years, Honolulu Landing was listed as a priority for acquisition by Hawaii County’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC). The commission employs a dedicated fund, sourced from 2% of annual property tax revenue, to purchase lands of major cultural, ecological, and recreational value. The push to acquire the property intensified in 2025 when it was put up for sale and local advocates, organizations, and lineal descendants united to encourage its acquisition through PONC.

Key Figures and Moments in the Acquisition Process

In September 2025, Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz introduced a resolution to authorize the county’s purchase of the parcel, which the council unanimously supported. By May of 2026, Mayor Kimo Alameda officially announced the completion of the $3.7 million purchase.

The weekend’s celebration was attended by prominent advocates, including former councilmembers Emily Naeole and Eileen O’Hara. Naeole, who advocated for its preservation as early as 2006, described the day as "awesome" and reflected on her efforts during her council tenure. O’Hara, now executive director of Malama O Puna, credited the outcome to thousands who supported petitions and testified during public meetings.

Cultural Heritage and Ahupua'a Restoration Plans

The celebration at Waiakahiula Park featured a blessing and cultural performances by members of Kawaiʻula, students from Pahoa High School, and Halau Unuehu. Special oli, pule, and hula created by Taupouri Tangaro were dedicated to the occasion, underlining the deep cultural connection to the land.

Lineal descendant Lilinoe Keliipio-Young shared plans to restore historic village structures and offer educational programs centered on the ahupua‘a lifestyle. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with Puna kamaaina (longtime community members) to honor and revive traditional values and practices tied to the land.

Public Access, Open Space, and Ecological Significance

The acquisition ensures that Honolulu Landing will not be developed despite its prior A1A zoning, which could have allowed subdivision into one-acre parcels. Community advocate Jan Marshall expressed relief, noting the prevention of potential development and the preservation of open space.

PONC representative Amadeo Markoff highlighted the importance of public access, especially in light of recent losses of ocean access in the district due to natural events. He described the land as environmentally and ecologically significant and reaffirmed local desires for more coastal access.

Looking Ahead

With county ownership now established, local organizations are eligible for grants to steward and manage the preserved area. The community envisions a future where Honolulu Landing continues to serve as a living embodiment of cultural heritage, ecological stewardship, and open space preservation.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com.