Public input sought on site management plan, environmental assessment of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is seeking community feedback on its Comprehensive Site Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Kahuku Unit.

The plan proposes increases in visitor access and recreational opportunities, including a day-use permit system for Kahuku-Pōhue, according to a news release from the national park. The plan also includes protection for the diverse natural and cultural resources of the area.  

The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Unit is located in Kaʻū, 42 miles (about an hour drive) south of the main park entrance. The unit includes Upper and Lower Kahuku mauka of Highway 11 and Kahuku-Pōhue (makai of the highway).  

Input from the Kaʻū community, focus groups and local organizations during public meetings in 2024 helped inform the plan, the release stated.   

The comment period started Tuesday, June 2. There is a talk story session scheduled for June 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station, located off of Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 11) near mile marker 70.5. 

Another session is scheduled on June 16  from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nāʻālehu Community Center, located at 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd.

Public comment closes on July 1, at 8:59 p.m. Review the Comprehensive Site Management Plan and Environmental Assessment and submit comments online here. A visual StoryMap with project highlights is also available.