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Council Authorizes Talks to Buy Royal Vistas to Protect Kona Open Space
Summary
After extensive testimony from residents and conservation groups, the council adopted Resolution 561-24 directing the finance director to initiate negotiations to acquire roughly 68.84 acres identified in Hualualoa, North Kona, using the PONC land fund.
The Hawaii County Council voted to adopt Resolution 561-24 on Aug. 7, authorizing the director of finance to enter negotiations to purchase, using the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) fund, approximately 68.84 acres identified as TMKs 7-6-02:1016 and 017 in Hualualoa, North Kona.
Supporters from the community and conservation groups emphasized cultural, archaeological and environmental values of the property. Joel Gimple, vice president of the Pualani Estates at Kona Homeowners Association, told the council the property's protection "would help the property owner recover his costs and make a reasonable profit while preserving the important and irreplaceable historical and cultural assets." Chuck Flaherty of the Sierra Club said the resolution "is simply acknowledging the fact that this is what the county general plan would ask for" and urged passage to protect drainage ways and open space.
Council member Villegas, who moved the resolution, pointed to the Kona Open Space Network and watershed priorities, warning of "devastating hundred-year flooding" in parts of Kona and highlighting ecosystem services and groundwater recharge benefits. Opponents voiced timing concerns and the prospect of negotiating with an unwilling seller; Council member Galimba said she was wary of using county resources to pursue unwilling owners while certain land-use decisions were pending. The motion carried 6–3, placing the county in a position to negotiate but not obligating a purchase.
