Governor Ben Cayetano has released $1.2 million for the acquisition of 37 acres around Lumaha -i Beach to protect scenic views and to preserve the area for public use. In response to concerns raised by the public, the state acquired
Governor Ben Cayetano has released $1.2 million for the acquisition of 37 acres around Lumaha -i Beach to protect scenic views and to preserve the area for public use.
In response to concerns raised by the public, the state acquired the land from the Wilcox family to protect the parcel from overcommercialization and development.
The land, which extends from the ocean to the bluff along Kuhio Highway near Hanalei, will be officially transferred to the state by the end of the month, according to Jackie Kido, spokeswoman for Cayetano.
The land was purchased with federal funds and money from the Trust for Public Land, a national non-profit land conservation organization. None of the funds will be used for improvements on the land, which is apparently going to be managed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The beach, touted by the tourism industry as one of the most picturesque in the world, was the site of the movie “South Pacific.”
The purchase of the property had been supported by Kaua -i state legislators, according to an aide to Rep. Hermina Morita (D-12th District), who represents the north Kaua -i area in which the beach is located.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
