Representatives for the Kauai Public Land Trust want to acquire surrounding lands to expand the county’s Black Pot Beach Park on Hanalei Bay. The idea is to expand recreational activities for residents and visitors. And while the whole matter remains
Representatives for the Kauai Public Land Trust want to acquire surrounding lands to expand the county’s Black Pot Beach Park on Hanalei Bay.
The idea is to expand recreational activities for residents and visitors.
And while the whole matter remains in the talking stages at this point, representatives aren’t talking much.
The discussions between members of the group and local government officials, federal agencies and potential private donors have been going on for the past 14 months, according to the group’s newsletter.
Dr. Gary Blaich, a board member, declined to comment on any land-acquisition plans by the group for the expansion of the park, which is located by the Hanalei Pier and the mouth of the Hanalei River.
An expansion of the park is needed to accommodate more people and increased recreational uses, according to Mel Nishihara, parks director for the County of Kaua‘i.
The park is particularly busy on weekends, and gets resident and visitor usage, Nishihara said.
Nishihara said as far as he knows, trust group representatives have yet to contact Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste’s administration on acquiring lands for the expansion of the county beach park.
“When they firm up (plans), then they will probably meet with the mayor,” Nishihara said. “Nothing (is) official at this point.”
The newsletter noted that the group has put together a “comprehensive case for support to further our acquisition efforts.”
The newsletter also noted that parcels near the county park are up for sale.
“This ambitious project is ongoing and many donations, large and small, are needed to make it happen,” according to the newsletter. “We welcome your contributions.”
The group can be reached at 828-1438.
During the administration of Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, county officials looked at acquiring privately owned land for the park’s expansion, but no progress was made in that direction.
Staff Writer Lester Chang may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net.
