The National Park Service is soliciting feedback from the community, particularly descendants of Kauleolī, via an in-person meeting and online surveys scheduled now through May 15 to protect cultural sites along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawaiʻi Island.
NPS acquired the 95-acre Kauleolī shoreline parcel in two phases: 63 acres were acquired in August 2016, and an additional 32 contiguous acres were acquired in 2021, according to the Kauleolī Unit Management Plan website.
“Prior to acquisition, Ala Kahakai received community support, particularly from descendants, on the acquisition of the property. Kauleoli was acquired to protect the ala loa (aka Kingdom Road), associated cultural and natural resources; and the view plane from Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park to the south,” Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki told Aloha State Daily by email.
“Lands in the state conservation district, like Kauleolī, allows for the construction of one dwelling. Hence the acquisition and the support received from community,” he continued. “The NPS has heard initial ideas to address needs from community and staff members. This is the kickoff of the public engagement; no broad public engagement has occurred before now.”
The plan aims “to guide natural, cultural, and biocultural resource protection and establish appropriate uses for the unit, with an emphasis on recognizing and supporting the important connections of community to Kauleolī,” the website reads.
Arakaki said that management costs will be determined when the Unit Management Plan for Kauleolī is completed and adopted. He anticipates that this plan will be completed by 2027 and funded by NPS’ fund source for Unit Management Plans.
When asked why this plan is needed now, he noted, “Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail did not own land prior to the acquisition of Kauleolī. Managers need guidance on protecting resources, responding to environmental changes, and identifying activities and experiences that are desired and appropriate. The plan will also evaluate the facilities and infrastructure that are needed.”
A public meeting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook. Those interested in attending can expect trail managers to share preliminary concepts, answer questions, gather ideas, and learn about Kauleolī. Any updates will be made here.
To submit comments virtually through May 15, click here.
NPS says its overall goal is “to meet legal and policy requirements and fulfill its kuleana to Kauleolī.”
“We have much to learn about Kauleolī and hope the public can share knowledge about her past, what has changed, and how she should be cared for in the future,” Arakaki said. “The plan will outline a long-term vision for Kauleolī, aiding trail managers in protecting resources, exploring ways to enhance meaningful visitor experiences, and identifying necessary facilities and infrastructure for visitor use and NPS management.”
He adds: “Ala Kahakai NHT Comprehensive Management Plan call for ahupuaʻa community-based management of the trail. Consistent with this, the overall goal is to engage those with ancestral and historic ties to the area in management planning and plan implementation in a manner that is inclusive of all residents.”
More information about Ala Kahakai can be found here.
The next major phase of the process will include identifying and drafting documents about environmental impacts.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
