Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 10, 1 October 2003 — Input sought on new Volcanoes Park land [ARTICLE]

Input sought on new Volcanoes Park land

Puhlie input is sought at meetings that will assist the National Park Service in planning for the management of Kahuku, the recent 116,000-acre addition to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The meetings will be held 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Nā'ālehu Community Center; Oct. 22 at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park; and Oct. 23 at Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo. "We look forward to engaging the puhlie in a planning process that will make possible the opening of Kahuku in a manner that will conserve the resources while providing for visitor use and enjoyment," said Park Superintendent Jim Martin. Kahuku runs along the slope of

Mauna Loa from about 2,000 feet to 13,000 feet in elevation, a sprawling natural wonder of lava flows, koa and 'ōhi'a woodlands, and rainforests harboring plants, birds, insects, and other creatures found only in Hawai'i. The area also contains precontact sites including trails, rock walls and religious features, some of whieh date back more than 700 years. Comments may also be sent via email to HAVO_Superintendent @nps.gov, regular mail addressed to Superintendent, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawai'i National Park, HI, 96718, or fax 808-967-8186. For more information on Kahuku, visit the park website at nps.gov/havo, or eall Mardie Lane at 808-985-6018.