Closing of trail opposed

By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

NORTH KOHALA, Hawaii -- A group of Big Island residents plans a "peaceful walk" at noon Saturday to protest the closing of a North Kohala shoreline access trail by a private landowner.

The four-wheel-drive trail to little Keawe'ula Bay was used by the public for more than 30 years until it was blocked earlier this year, said group spokeswoman Patricia Benjamin.

The closure came when the 166-acre property the trail crossed was bought in April by Chandi Heffner, a woman once adopted by billionaire Doris Duke, although Duke later revoked the adoption.

Besides blocking it, Heffner had the trail improved by grading and by adding gravel, Benjamin said.

In response to a complaint, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources determined this summer that Heffner lacked a permit needed because the trail is at least partially in a state conservation district.

The board assessed Heffner $1,300 in fines and costs.