The Catholic Diocese says it is not interested in selling Paradise Park, disappointing Manoa residents who had high hopes for the site as a cultural and ecological research hub.

Bill Burton, business manager at the Catholic Diocese, said the decision to not sell Paradise Park comes as the church is reviewing all of its properties.

In the past, the diocese had entertained suggestions for the site and was open to discussing a possible sale, though it never officially put the park on the market.

Meanwhile, the church's announcement hasn't stopped the University of Hawai'i from moving forward on a $200,000 appraisal of the former attraction.

Sam Callejo, UH vice president for administration, said the university decided to go ahead with the appraisal in spite of the church's decision to not sell the property, because the estimate could be used if the state were to condemn Paradise Park.

The appraisal funds were appropriated in 2002 and released this year. A report will be completed in mid-July. Previous estimates put the value of the property at between $1 million and $5 million. A lease on the site expires in 2041.

Paradise Park, a 152-acre rain forest that featured an exotic-bird exhibit and botanical garden, opened in 1968 and closed in 1994. It was operated by the Wong family, which retains the site's lease. Tree Tops Restaurant and a charter school, Halau Ku Mana, continue to operate on the property, which borders Lyon Arboretum and the state's Manoa Falls hiking trail.

People have been talking about what to do with Paradise Park since its closure. In the past six months, a resurgence of interest has resulted in several public meetings.

The city had once considered acquiring the rainforest through condemnation, intending to turn it into a large public park. Private investors have also offered suggestions, including a spiritual retreat and a wedding chapel. Many, including state Rep. Kirk Caldwell, back the university's proposal to build an ecological and Hawaiian cultural research center.

Four years ago, the state Legislature set aside $5.5 million to help build the center. The money has not been released by the Lingle administration, but could still be used.

Caldwell said he was discouraged to hear that the diocese does not want to sell the park, but is still optimistic a deal can be made. The university's appraisal, he added, is a first step.

"Before you can really talk about who gets what in terms of money, you really need to know how much it's worth," he said. "The appraisal at least helps bring reality to the issue."

Caldwell, D-24th (Manoa), said a land swap could be a possible avenue for the state to get Paradise Park. However, the long lease on the property could foil those plans, he added.

Chuck Pearson, president of Malama O Manoa, agreed that the Honolulu Diocese might be more open to an exchange — especially for a developable property.

He added that the church's decision not to sell Paradise Park was a barrier, but certainly would not stop residents from considering the site's future.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.