State Rep. Matthias Kusch to host meeting next week about proposed state park in Hilo

State Rep. Matthias Kusch is hosting a special community meeting next week to discuss ideas for a proposed state park aimed at expanding access to nature, recreation, culture, and wellness for East Hawaiʻi.

The Passive Recreation Wilderness State Park in Hilo is envisioned as a natural, low-impact sanctuary, preserving the area’s open space — nearly 300 acres — while providing residents with safe, family-friendly recreation opportunities.

The park would be located off Akolea Road at the specified tax map key parcels, 2-5-008-026, 2-5-008-027, 2-5-008-025, and 2-5-008-003.

“This project is about creating a peaceful, restorative space for the people of Hilo,” Kusch said. “A place where keiki, kūpuna, families, and pets can enjoy safe outdoor recreation while supporting mental, physical, cultural, and environmental health.”

The upcoming community meeting will provide the first public look at the project’s potential and long-term benefits. Residents are encouraged to attend and share their manaʻo (thoughts, ideas).

Some ideas to be considered include:

• Walking trails through natural landscapes
• Bicycling paths
• Leashed dog-walking areas for pet-friendly recreation
• Picnic pavilions for ʻohana gatherings
• Preservation and options for cultural activities
• A Safe Route to School corridor to improve daily student access
• Creating pedestrian connectivity between subdivisions for residents to walk or bike
• Preservation and expansion of native flora, fauna, and habitat
• Open space for quiet reflection and nature-based wellness

According to Kusch, some of the benefits of the state park would be:

• Improved community wellness through walking, biking, and outdoor activities
• Green, accessible recreation at no cost to families
• Improved pedestrian safety for students and nearby residents
• Decrease in local school traffic congestion
• Environmental preservation and habitat protection
• Enhanced quality of life through clean, quiet, open space
• New gathering opportunities for neighborhood engagement and cultural activities

Following the discussion, Kusch will provide other District 1 and East Hawaiʻi legislative highlights and will host a question-and-answer session.

The special meeting will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Hilo High School cafeteria.