GOVERNOR LINGLE APPROVES $1.2 MILLION TO EXPAND KEOLONAHIHI STATE HISTORICAL PARK ON THE BIG ISLAND

For Immediate Release:  May 12, 2005

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has released $600,000 and approved the expenditure of $600,000 in matching federal funds to acquire 1.25 acres in North Kona on the Big Island to expand Keolonahihi State Historical Park. 

“The land acquisition will assist the collaborative state, county and federal effort to preserve the historic setting and maintain the open space and view corridors of Keolonahihi State Park,” said Governor Lingle. 

The parcel was once part of the Holualoa Royal Center, a significant archaeological district and cultural site, which was split by the construction of Ali`i Drive in the 1800s.  The 12-acre Keolonahihi complex on the makai side of Ali`i Drive was acquired by the state in 1980 to preserve and manage the archaeological and historical sites.  The 16-acre Keakealaniwahine complex on the mauka side was donated to be included in the historical park in 1998. 

In 2003, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, developed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), identified acquisition of the parcel as a high priority for preserving Hawai`i’s cultural heritage.  Mayor Harry Kim also strongly supported the acquisition as another step toward preserving this significant cultural site in North Kona.

“I am very grateful that Governor Lingle has released the funds for this significant purchase,” said Mayor Kim.  “It was the Hawaiian community that first brought this parcel of land to our attention nearly three years ago, and the state and county have been working together since then to ensure that this culturally significant property is saved from development.  Special thanks are due to the landowner for holding up his plans and giving government the time to obtain funding to accomplish this.”

Currently, zoning for the parcel allows for high-density residential development, which would be detrimental to the historic and cultural landscape of the park.  The landowner, Wayne H. Blasman, had proposed a condominium development for the parcel, but will instead sell the property to the state.

“DLNR appreciates the partnership with the National Parks Service and Hawai`i County to ensure this important historical and cultural site will be preserved for future generations,” said DLNR Director Peter Young.  “We also appreciate Mr. Blasman’s willingness to forgo his original development plans and to sell the property to the state for public use.”

The federal funds are from the National Parks Service, U.S. Department of Interior’s Land and Water Conservation Fund, under an agreement that was reached with DLNR in January.

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For more information, contact:

Peter Young
Director, DLNR
Phone: 587-0400

Lenny Klompus   
Senior Advisor – Communications   
Phone:  586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043