Posted on: Friday, April 8, 2005
Pu'uwa'awa'a center proposed
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has asked the community to come up with ways to develop an environmental education center on state lands at Pu'uwa'awa'a that run from Kiholo Bay up the northwestern slope of Mauna Loa on the Big Island.
The effort is the latest in a series of such programs approved or proposed by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources for involving private organizations in improving public access to state lands and providing more information on natural areas. Others include a Hawai'i Nature Center site planned at Kaua'i's Wailua Reservoir and the Kokua Kalihi Valley educational nature center on O'ahu. The department also plans soon to solicit suggestions for the Wahiawa Freshwater Park on O'ahu.
The DLNR is asking for preliminary requests for interest in the Pu'uwa'awa'a site, where it hopes a private entity will conduct environmental education programs, some of them in conjunction with schools, as well as perhaps operating some commercial activities such as camping, hiking, motorized and foot tours and coastal kayaking that can provide revenue to support the center.
"We're just looking to see what creative ideas are out there," said Mike Donoho, the state's Pu'uwa'awa'a ahupua'a coordinator.
Pu'uwa'awa'a is a broad swath of land from sea level up to 6,500 feet in elevation that comprises native forest in several climate zones. It includes remnants of native dryland forest and contains a number of endangered species. Donoho said several conservation initiatives are under way on the land, much of which is a state hunting preserve.
The state has two little-used buildings at Pu'uwa'awa'a that could house activities — the former Loretta Lynn residence at the coast at Kiholo and the meeting house in the mauka lands at an elevation of about 2,400 feet.
More information on the proposal is available at the DLNR Web site or by calling Donoho at (808) 937-2501. Proposals must be submitted by April 22. Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.
