Pohue Bay will be added to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to protect its sensitive species and artifacts from development.
Pohue Bay on Hawaii Island is a perfect arc of white sand against the craggy volcanic rock shoreline of Ka’u. Bought by the Trust for Public Land, it has been an undeveloped park for decades. Accessible only by a rugged jeep trail, it used to be the site of several coastal villages. Many foundations and artifacts remain, including fishing shrines, a burial site, and a well-preserved portion of the Ala Loa, the ancient coastal trail system that once connected many Hawaiian villages.
It’s also critical habitat for several federally listed endangered species, including the Hawaiian hawksbill turtle and monk seal.
As of Tuesday, ownership and stewardship of Pohue Bay and its surrounding wilderness has been transferred to the National Park Service. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which included adjacent land to Pohue, is now 16,000 acres larger.
“Aloha ʻaina begins with our commitment to preserving our islands’ precious natural and cultural systems,” said Lea Hong, associate vice president, Hawaiian Islands State Director for Trust for Public Land. “We are grateful the National Park Service will steward the area with the support of the community, ensuring the history, culture and natural beauty of this place are protected for future generations.”
The Trust purchased the land, which was formerly privately owned, to protect it after several resort proposals were submitted. They immediately turned around and donated it to the NPS, along with an $800,000 donation to help build new roads and infrastructure. An entire new access route will be needed, as the old one passed without permission through other private properties.
Meetings between the NPS, the Trust, and the Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development are ongoing to decide best how to develop the site to balance public safety and preservation. In the meantime, access to Pohue Bay is restricted.
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