Big Island park doubles in acreage
Associated Press
The Trust for Public Land and the National Park Service announced on Thursday they had acquired 238 acres on the Big Island that would more than double the size of Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park.
In an effort to fend off development of the area, known as Kiilae, the trust purchased the tract surrounding the park in 2001 to give the National Park Service time to find funding for the land.
Hawaii's congressional delegation, led by Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka, secured the $4.6 million in federal money to preserve the acreage.
Both Akaka and the late Rep. Patsy Mink introduced bills in 2001, which became law, to include the lands within an expanded park boundary.
The new acquisition means the park will expand from 182 acres to a total of 420 acres, including an ancient agricultural field system in the highland area.
Recent studies have identified more than 1,000 archaeological sites on the new land.
The coastal Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park features a restored sacred compound and receives about half a million visitors each year.
A dedication ceremony for the new lands is planned for January.