Public meetings scheduled on Kiholo master plan

The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks will conduct two public meetings in October on the pre-final master plan and environmental assessment for Kiholo State Park Reserve in North Kona.

State Parks and its consultants from Planning Solutions, are developing a master plan that will preserve the area’s natural wildland character and its significant archaeological and cultural features, protect the unique coastal resources, and determine the public’s recreational use of the area. An interim management plan has been in operation since October 1, 2011, and provides overnight camping at eight designated sites.

The interim plan has contributed to the restoration of the shoreline area whose significant natural resources — such as ponds, pebble beaches, and wildlife — had been degraded by years of uncontrolled public use. The pre-final master plan can be found on the internet at: (http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/default.aspx).

Two meetings are scheduled.

The first will be on Monday from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Gateway Center, 73-4460 Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Kailua-Kona. Upon entrance to the grounds of the energy lab, take the first left and then make a second left turn into the Gateway Center’s parking lot.

The second will be on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the conference room of the State Office Building located at 75 Aupuni St., Hilo. State Parks encourages the public’s attendance at the meetings to share their thoughts, issues, and concerns about Kiholo State Park Reserve and to become involved with the master planning process.

Anyone that requires accommodation for special needs due to disability should contact the Division of State Parks at 587-0293, at least six days prior to the meeting dates.