Public Comment Sought for Project Planning at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking the public’s input as they move through the early stages of project planning to remove and replace the existing maintenance facilities at Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

The purpose of this project is to remove the intrusive temporary facilities from their current location, restore the historic scene of the site and construct replacement facilities in more suitable locations elsewhere in the park. Alternative sites for the replacement facilities are being considered based on their potential effect on park resources, benefit to park operations and their impact on visitors and community experience.

“The facilities are visually intrusive to the physical and cultural landscape and are located in a coastal area subject to high waves, storm surge, tsunami inundation and anticipated sea-level rise,” NPS officials stated in a press release.

The existing maintenance facilities were originally built in the 1960s with the stated intent to be temporary structures. The facilities are inadequate to meet the needs of the Park and their location inappropriately occupies an area known to contain both historic and ancient archaeological resources.

New facilities will be located and designed in accordance with NPSʻs commitment to fulfill its responsibility as a steward of this special landscape and protect the wahi pana and interconnected cultural and natural resources of the Hōnaunau, Kēōkea, and Ki’ilae ahupua’a for the benefit and inspiration of all who may visit this special place.

NPS will hold two public meetings in an effort to work with residents and help guide their decisions on the care of the parklands and its cultural resources.

The first meeting on Wednesday, July 14, will be virtual. It will start at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Click here to join the conversation by Zoom.

An in-person meeting will take place July 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. It will be held at the Amphitheater at Park Visitor Center in Honaunau.

Click here to make a comment on the National Park Service (PEPC) Planning, Environment & Public Comment