Hawaii County council approves resolution urging purchase of Honolulu Landing to protect cultural sites and shoreline

The Hawaii County Council on Sept. 17 approved Resolution 2 8 6–25 urging the finance director to proceed with acquisition of Honolulu Landing in the Puna district, a roughly 364.4‑acre coastal parcel the county says contains documented cultural and archaeological features.

Supporters told the council the site has house platforms, trails and other Native Hawaiian features and urged the county to secure public ownership for preservation, cultural use and limited public access. Councilmember Ashley Kirkowitz moved the resolution; it passed on a voice vote with nine ayes.

The substance: the resolution asks the finance director to use funds from the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation (PAW) fund to acquire about 364.4 acres (parcels referenced in testimony as TMKs 1-4-003-019 and 1-4-003-020) and to preserve the property’s cultural, natural and educational values. Deputy Finance Director Malia Keikai told the council the administration has already submitted an offer to the owner’s agent and that any purchase would be subject to a county‑required appraisal; she said the appraisal should be completed within about 30 days and that the county is legally limited to the appraised price.

Why it matters: Testimony emphasized loss of coastal access after the 2018 eruption and the site’s role in Native Hawaiian cultural practice and history. Dozens of written and oral testifiers — including lineal descendants and nonprofit stewards — told the council they want the county to complete the purchase quickly so local stewards can begin long‑term stewardship and community access planning.

What council heard from the public: Speakers from multiple Puna communities and Hilo described Honolulu Landing as culturally significant and urged the county to act. Testifiers said they had physically visited the site and observed foundations, coconut and mango groves and other landscape features they described as evidence of past habitation and cultivation. Several nonprofit and stewardship groups told the council they stand ready to steward the property if the county acquires it.

Administrative and legal limits: Keikai told the council the purchase is “subject to appraisal” and that county code limits purchases to the appraised value; she also said the agent representing the owner conveyed that the owner is “excited” and that an offer has been sent. Multiple speakers referenced the property’s long ownership history in testimony; one witness noted the property was last transferred into a limited partnership for inheritance purposes.

Vote and next steps: The council approved Resolution 2 8 6–25 by voice vote; the clerk announced “motion carries 9 ayes.” The resolution urges the finance director to complete negotiations and use PAW funds for acquisition, and the administration said staff will proceed with appraisal work and follow the county’s acquisition process.

Community response and stewardship plans: Several descendants and nonprofit representatives said they had prepared stewardship and education proposals for Honolulu Landing and had presented them to the mayor’s office and to councilmembers in advance. Multiple testifiers cited petition drives and written testimony previously submitted to the council in support of county acquisition. A number of speakers asked the county to ensure that any public access plans respect cultural protocols and descendant stewardship.

Limitations and caveats: The council’s resolution does not by itself effect a purchase; the administration said any sale must conform to county procurement and appraisal rules and that the acquisition remains subject to those steps. Keikai noted the offer is subject to appraisal and other standard closing requirements.