KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK

For Immediate Release: April 28, 2010

PUBLIC MEETING TO SEEK INPUT ON MASTER PLAN
FOR KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks, invites the public to a community meeting to share information and to provide input to assist the in their preparation of a master plan update and an environmental impact statement for the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

The meeting will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 1 at Konawaena Elementary School cafeteria, 81-901 Onouli Road, in Kealakekua. It will begin with an open house at 1 p.m. and presentations and community input workshop from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m.

The master plan will address the long-term use and management of the park. The desired outcome for this meeting will be that all community members are informed of the current status of the master plan, and also to gather community input on preliminary master plan alternatives.

"Realizing that the park is an integral part of the Kealakekua and Napo‘opo‘o communities, we look forward to the community's participation in the planning process and helping to determine the facilities and programs that best meet the needs of both the park and the community" said Dan Quinn, State Parks Administrator.

Belt Collins Hawaii Ltd. is serving as the consultant for the Division of State Parks. For more information on the master plan update process go to http://www.beltcollins.com/kealakekua . Comments may be submitted in the upcoming meeting, or in writing by mail, or email at kealakekua@beltcollins.com .

For more information news media may contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public information specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320
40 second rip and read: The Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a public information meeting to provide an update on its master plan and environmental impact statement for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

The meeting will be on Saturday, May 1 at Konawaena Elementary School cafeteria, 81-901 Onouli Road, in Kealakekua. An open house starts at 1 p.m., followed by presentations and community input workshop from 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. For more information on the master plan update, go to www.beltcollins.com/kealakekua

Background:
Kealakekua Bay is one of the most significant historic places in Hawaii.

The 216 acres that comprise Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park were set aside to share this history with residents and visitors, to protect the many cultural sites, and to preserve the scenic views and natural resources of the bay.

The Master Plan for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park will assess park facilities and program needs. It will also develop a management strategy for the natural and cultural resources in the park.

The update is needed to be able to better manage park visitors and resources.

DLNR and the community have participated in numerous Kealakekua Bay planning sessions over the past 25 years and once again, the department is calling for the community’s assistance in shaping the future of the park.

The Master Plan will refine and expand the 1997 Conceptual Plan for the park by incorporating new and relevant information and considering new alternatives for park facilities, programs, interpretive concepts and park management.

This second meeting will follow-up the community's input and concerns identified at the first meeting held on November 14, 2009. A summary of the first meeting is also available on the internet at www.beltcollins.com/kealakekua