The Hawaii County Council has given the green light to acquire the Honolulu Landing property, a 364-acre stretch of coastline in Puna, Hawaii. The resolution, which received full approval, urges the Department of Finance to proceed with the purchase. This move highlights the county's commitment to preserving the area's cultural and environmental assets, following nearly two decades of community interest in the project. Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz acknowledged the strong community support in backing the acquisition hawaiitribune-herald.com.
Honolulu Landing, located between Waiakahi‘ula and the Nanawale Forest Reserve, holds significant cultural and ecological value, as noted by thegardenisland.com. The property's history dates back to the early 1900s when cattle were driven across the lava flow to the bay. The County Council authorized pursuing the land acquisition through the county’s Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund, as reported by bigislandnow.com. The total assessed value of the land is over $1 million.
For Hawaii's real estate and development sectors, the acquisition represents a strategic shift towards prioritizing conservation alongside potential future development. This decision could influence land use policies and create opportunities for environmentally conscious projects. Furthermore, the preservation of Honolulu Landing could generate eco-tourism prospects, adding a new avenue for revenue within the local economy. This aligns with broader trends in Hawaii, where there's an increasing focus on sustainable practices within the business framework. This move is a pivotal moment for Puna’s community and serves as a case study for future land conservation initiatives in the state.
