Volcanoes park
expansion wins
favorable review
The National Park Service
By Pete Pichaske
tells a U.S. Senate hearing it
hopes to add 1,950 acres
Star-BulletinWASHINGTON -- Hawaii's biggest park, the 220,000-acre Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, soon could be even bigger.
A proposal to add 1,950 acres of wilderness to the Big Island park got a favorable review yesterday during a Senate hearing.
The land is a triangular piece of property at the southwest corner of the park, bordering on the ocean.
"This parcel of land xxx contains significant natural and cultural resources," said William Shaddox, acting associate director of Professional Services for the National Park Service.
He said the land includes ancient Hawaiian house sites, shelters and terraces.
Recent proposals to develop this and nearby property, including plans for a civilian space launch facility and a geothermal energy plant, make acquiring the land necessary to protect the park, said Shaddox.
"Such development on this land would prevent the public from enjoying its special nature," he said during the hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
The property is owned by a local recreation company, Hawaii Outdoors Inc., which has indicated a willingness to sell to the Park Service. The Interior Department is appraising the property, which has been advertised for $3.5 million.
The owners' decision to list the property about a year ago is what prompted parks officials to lobby for its addition, according to Hawaii Volcanoes Park Superintendent James Martin.
"It's a nice piece of property and it certainly fits with the park," Martin said.
He noted that the land includes "a good representation of different periods of volcanoes" and 21/2 miles of coastline.
"There's development being talked about all the time to our bordering area, and some of it would include intense lighting that would not be good for the park," he said.
Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, a member of the energy committee who is sponsoring the proposal to expand the park, said the land is criss- crossed with ancient Hawaiian trails and religious sites.
He said the coastline is habitat for rare local species such as the hawksbill and the green sea turtles, and noted that federal wildlife officials might reintroduce the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Akaka called the area "one of the most remote and unspoiled in Hawaii," and added that, "This is a great opportunity to preserve a magnificent piece of land."
Shaddox said he is not aware of any opposition to expanding the park.
