by Robyn Labrador
The Master Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Ka Iwi State Park has been prepared for Department of Land and Natural Resources. The document was prepared by Wilson Okamoto & Associates Inc., in response to house Concurrent Resolution No. 261 H.D. 1, S.D. 1 directing the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The study proposes the establishment of retaining the area for public use and open space in perpetuity.
Master Plan Background
The 316-acre area in question is privately owned by Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate and is in the State Land Use Urban District which would allow resort and commercial development if required City and County Entitlements could be restored. The parcel, known as Queen's Beach and includes most of Makapu'u Head, could be acquired as part of the Hawaii State Parks system. The parcel, hereinafter referred to as the "Ka Iwi site", would be included in the state owned Koko Crater Regional Park.
Supporting testimony shows that this area is the last open space area on Oahu
that is easily accessible and would keep the surrounding park and shoreline
integrated. In addition, the areas uniquely Hawaiian cultural, ecological,
historic and recreational value was cited as making good economic sense for
resident and tourist value and use.
The landowners of the Ka Iwi site, Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate, oppose the State's effort to obtain any more of their land for public use. A spokesperson for the Bishop Estate pointed out that the 1,265 acres of public land from Koko Head to Sandy Beach was originally owned by the estate and that the area was dedicated to the City and County of Honolulu in 1928. The estate is currently pursuing litigation against the City and County of Honolulu to change the current designation from preservation to resort designation. If that designation should change back, the value of the land for park development would be prohibitive, the Bishop Estate spokesperson said.
Several planning efforts have already been implemented for this important area.
Most significantly in 1992, the National Park Service (NPS) sought to
incorporate the area into the NPS system and to be known as the "Koko Rift
Unit". However, the feasibility criteria for such a move could only be met if
all of the State and County Land and private lands were placed under NPS
administration. There are alternative options which could allow for NPS
technical assistance and limited funding for a specified period with State and
County planning and operation management. This would establish national
standards while allowing the State and County to manage the area.
The contents of the Master Plan includes documentation on resource opportunities, recreational demands, land use controls, and jurisdictional management alternatives for the Ka Iwi Site. It further examines the cultural, historic, scenic, recreational, interpretive/educational and ecosystem resources.
Recommended Plan
The recommended plan would incorporate all of the Low-Intensity and most of the Medium-Intensity alternatives which include promoting interpretive and educational uses for the park site as well as passive recreational activities. The area of most concern was resource protection, particularly Makapu'u Head which for the Hawaiian people is an ancient site for the cultivation of healing herbs. The Hawaiian Nation (Ohana Council) proposes establishing a "Healing Center" in this area to provide among other services, counseling and activities for youths; revival of ancient Hawaiian healing traditions; and provide an educational facility for Visitors about Hawaiian traditions and lore.
The cost of funding this development plan, not including land acquisition is $3,960.000.00. This amount does not include costs such as trash removal, vegetation restoration, installation of signs and the creation of the botanical gardens and fish ponds. Most of these activities will require the work of civic, Hawaiian and community organizations.
Once the appropriations have been passed through legislation for the proposed State Park, major funding will come from the State of Hawaii Capital Improvement Program.
Environmental Impact Statement
Project Description:
* Install Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Barriers
* Clean-up Trash, Boulders, and Headland Building Debris
* Restore Shoreline Vegetation
* Implement Tree Reforestation
* Restore Wetland
* Restore Inlet Circulation and Water Quality
* Restore Remnant of old "King's Highway"
* Establish Interconnected Trail System throughout the Ka Iwi Site
* Construct Footbridge across Drainage Channel
* Extend Makapu'u Lookout
* Establish Parking and Access at Queen's Beach and Makapu'u Lookout
* Construct Queen's Beach Comfort Station
* Establish Visitor's Center
* Create Botanical Garden
* Replicate Kaloko Fishpond
* Provide Landscaped Rest Areas
* Establish Scenic Interpretive Venues
* Improve Makapu'u Headland Road
No significant adverse environmental impacts are anticipated and areas where endangered species such as the wetlands will be expanded and protected. The main unresolved issue is the treatment of wastewater from the proposed comfort stations. Possible options include conveying waste to the Hawaii Kai Golf Course Pumping Station or construction of an on-site treatment plant.
For more information, the Master Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement are available at the Waimanalo Public Library, or to get involved, the Ka Iwi Action Council meets every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Waiokeola Church Pre-School. For more information, call 262-7622.