State funds to improve safety, accessibility at Pololū Valley may remain on budget bill

Funds to support the Pololū Trailhead and Historic Trail Improvements Project have been included in the House draft of the state budget bill (HB1800 HD1).

State Rep. David A. Tarnas, representing District 8, which includes North and South Kohala, stated that the $1 million in capital improvement project funding will support planning, design, and improvements to the Pololū Valley trailhead and the historic trail.

The project aims to improve safety and accessibility for residents and visitors while protecting the cultural and natural resources of this iconic North Kohala location.

“The number of visitors at the Pololū Valley lookout overwhelms the available parking space, causing serious traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. The lack of bathroom facilities results in unsanitary conditions and environmental degradation,” Tarnas said. “This funding will allow the Department of Land and Natural Resources to improve the parcel to accommodate parking, build and install interpretive panels, and provide bathrooms and safe pedestrian access to the trailhead. These are much-needed improvements.”

Pololū Valley is one of the most visited scenic and cultural sites on Hawaiʻi Island, serving as the gateway to the historic coastal trail connecting Pololū Valley to Honokāne Nui Valley. In recent years, increasing visitation has placed added strain on the trailhead and surrounding resources, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and management.

A key goal of the project is to engage with community members and lineal descendants connected to Pololū to develop a management plan for the lookout, parking area, and trail that reflects their input and represents the cultural significance of the area.

Proposed improvements include trail stabilization, erosion control, visitor safety measures, and enhancements to the trailhead area to better manage access while preserving the site’s cultural importance.

The proposed funding also reflects longstanding collaboration between state and county agencies, community organizations, and North Kohala residents who have advocated for improvements and better management of the Pololū Trailhead.

The budget bill, HB1800 HD1, now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“I urge all Kohala residents to work with our state Senator, Tim Richards, to make sure the $1 million appropriation remains in the final budget,” Tarnas said.

More information and fact sheets about the Pololū Trailhead and Historic Trail Improvements Project can be accessed on the Department of Land and Natural Resources website.