Hawaii Land Trust hosts Mahukona talk story sessions

Hawaii Land Trust, a statewide nonprofit organization that protects, stewards and connects people to the lands that sustain Hawaii, welcomes the public to learn more about these efforts in a series of special talk story sessions from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. each Wednesday through Dec. 13 at Mahukona in North Kohala.

Hawaii Land Trust ‘Aina Steward and Educator Keone Emeliano will lead a discussion of the stories of this wahi pana, which holds layered histories of a bustling harbor town, and has served as a piko for noninstrumental navigation for the last 1,000 years. He will also provide updates on Hawaii Land Trust’s efforts to purchase and protect these 642 acres of cultural, historical and environmentally significant land.

For more information and to register, visit www.mahukona.org.

To reach the destination, from Akoni Pule Highway, make a left onto Mahukona Park Road. Follow the road to the county parking area near the historic Railroad House.

With the support of Hawaii County, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private contributors, Hawaii Land Trust has raised nearly $18.3 million toward the total project goal of $20 million.

These funds will be used to purchase the land, cover project acquisition costs, and ensure the trust can support community co-stewardship of Mahukona.

Donations are being accepted at www.mahukona.org to help the trust raise the remaining $1.5 million by Dec. 15. For more information, visit HILT.org.