Amid discussions of the new law that will bank private funds for the purchase of "legacy lands," a grassroots effort on behalf of a potential North Shore legacy has been moving forward quietly.

The push to acquire a stretch of Pupukea-Paumalu property for public use soon will grow a lot noisier. In one week, the North Shore Community Land Trust (www.northshoreland.org) will kick off a fundraising drive aimed at collecting $1 million, the estimated remaining amount needed to acquire 1,129 acres of pristine land that for 30 years has been owned by Obayashi, a Japanese construction company.

Continuing talks with Obayashi, according to principal negotiators, have been proceeding in a productive, friendly atmosphere. Last month, musician Jack Johnson added his voice to the those conversing with corporate leaders; a commissioned painting of the area by local artist Bill Braden and other gifts were presented to Obayashi as goodwill gestures. It's encouraging to hear that executives are listening attentively and considering ways to make a deal that reflects well on everyone.

It's even possible that this project could itself be among the first beneficiaries of the Legacy Lands Act. Given that negotiations take time and that legacy funds could become available a year from now, there could be a need for a final grant to bring the campaign over its goal.

However, it seems clear that the public sector has done its part. A combination of federal and state money, as well as a hefty pledge from the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land, has raised $7 million to date.

It's time for the private donors, companies as well as individuals, to sweeten the pot with some of their own money. Participation in the fundraising drive not only would bring in needed revenue, but would demonstrate how much Hawai'i cherishes this land.

Preserving this view plane and recreational resource is a mission that must draw support from the entire spectrum of the community, both the businesses and residents for whom the North Shore is home and those of us who treasure the opportunities to visit.