Proposed development at popular Hawaiian tourist destination Pololu Valley sparks anger
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Libby Leonard
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The Pololu Valley lookout is one of Hawaii s natural treasures.Feng Wei Photography/Getty Images
A proposed development along a pristine coastline is sparking controversy and community opposition on Hawaii s Big Island. Initially pitched as a parking lot, the development has evolved into what could become ridgefront housing.
The lush, unspoiled coastline of Pololu Valley is one of the archipelago’s most sacred places. It has also served as a sanctuary for many of the 6,045 residents in North Kohala, particularly Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) whose families have lived in the area for generations, and where parts of their rich cultural history lie in the headlands.
Community Opposition Grows in Kohala Over Parking Lot Near Popular Pololu Valley Lookout
A private landowner in Kohala agreed to donate five acres to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources for a parking lot and comfort station near the valley lookout. David Smith, head of DLNR’s Forestry and Wildlife Division, says this could help ease traffic in the area. There were six parking spots at the end of the road and they were never full. Now the line of cars will go a quarter mile down the way on both sides of the road. There’s no restroom and it’s a real problem, says Smith, So we’ve been working with reps from the Big Island to try to fix this thing and the community, and this is the fix.