Bill would preserve South Kona coastal area

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Big Island Rep. Bob Herkes wants to protect thousands of acres of South Kona land by placing the land in a historic preservation zone.

Herkes, D-5th (Ka'u, South Kona), has introduced a bill that calls for 14,563 acres of coastal land to be preserved because of its historical significance. Herkes wants the areas of Honomalino, Okoe, Kapu'a, Kaulanamauna and Manuka designated as a wilderness park and nature preserve.

The land contains "invaluable archaeological resources, such as ancient dwellings, burial and living caves, and other evidences of Native Hawaiians who lived in these areas" before Western contact, Herkes said.

"These lands must be preserved and protected from exploitation and development and placed under the control of organizations such as Pa'a Pono Miloli'i to ensure that they will be protected for all time," he said.

Herkes said limited access will be allowed for recreational purposes.

Pa'a Pono Miloli'i was formed in 1980 to preserve the Hawaiian culture and heritage, and to improve conditions for the people of the tiny fishing village on the southwest side of the Big Island.

Herkes' bill also calls for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop a plan for the acquisition of private land that will be included in the historic preservation zone.

The areas proposed to be included in the zone are:

• Honomalino, from the shoreline to 1,750 feet inland, and Okoe, from the shoreline to 6,000 feet inland. These two sections cover about 1,458 acres.
• Kapu'a, from the shoreline and going mauka, spanning about 425 acres.
• Kaulanamauna, from the shoreline to the forest reserve boundary, covering about 870 acres.
• Manuka, from the shoreline to the forest reserve boundary, covering 11,810 acres.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Water, Land Use and Hawaiian Affairs, and the Finance Committee.