Hawaiʻi County, Black Sand Beach LLC reach tentative agreement for Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park
Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda reached a tentative agreement with Black Sand Beach LLC for the preservation of Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park in Kaʻū.
Direct talks between Alameda and the company resulted in terms for sale of the 6.8-acre site, now owned by Black Sand Beach LLC and previously maintained and operated as a park by the county through a lease.
The agreement is subject to finalization by the county and company.
“After a couple years of mostly working through attorneys, the landowner and I met in person at Punaluʻu so that we could find a resolution that works for everyone,” Alameda said. “As a result of these direct conversations, we reached a compromise that preserves Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park for future generations while honoring the landowner’s own interests and concerns.”
Hawaiʻi County would purchase the property through its Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission program for the assessed value of $1.46 million under the agreement, ensuring the park remains open to the public in perpetuity.
The county also agrees to take steps to reduce impacts of park and beach traffic on portions of Black Sand Beach LLC-owned Nīnole Loop Road, maintaining about a quarter-mile section of private roadway connecting the park to the county-owned part of the road, with the landowner guaranteeing public access on that segment.
“Protecting Punaluʻu requires both parties — the county and landowner — to work together, and I look forward to continuing to build this partnership for the benefit of our community,” Alameda said.
The park — located on the south side of the beach and including parking, pavilions, bathrooms and campgrounds — was leased by the county since at least 1954 from private landowners to provide public recreational opportunities and shoreline access.
It closed after the county’s lease ended Aug. 29. It will remain closed until the purchase of the property is completed, which is anticipated to take several months, or until a temporary lease agreement is reached in the meantime.
