PLDC begins to show its agenda

Many have wondered what the Public Lands Development Corporation intends to do with state lands. More information is now becoming available.

Ikaika M Hussey

On its July 25 board meeting, the PLDC will be asking the land board to transfer 837.8 acres on the Big Island and O‘ahu to its jurisdiction. That includes 545 acres in the Puako forest in Kohala; 124 acres at Olomana Golf Course in Waimanalo; and 168 acres in Kapolei.

The items are posted in an amended agenda, reprinted here.

7. Requests to Land Board

a. Request to Land Board to transfer the development rights for Puako Forest, TMK (3) 6-9-001:015 (545.025 acres) and to begin preliminary discussions with the current lessee, Volcano Island Honey, Co. , regarding a new lease agreement for the entire 545.025 acres which would be more consistent with the South Kohala Community Development Plan.

b. Request to Land Board to transfer the development rights for Olomana Golf Course, TMK (1) 4-1-013:010 and 012 (134.633 acres) and to begin preliminary discussions with the current lessee, Hawaii Golf Properties Inc., regarding a lease extension to facilitate capital improvements to the golf course, as well as adjustments to the current, restrictive fee pricing.

c. Request to Land Board to transfer the development rights for East Kapolei
Parcels, TMKs (1) 9-1-16:08 (31.915 acres), (1) 9-1-17:97 (36.365 acres), (1) 9-1- 18:05 (59.088 acres) and (1) 9-1-18:08 (40.731 acres) and to explore development opportunities for those parcels.

Puako

Ikeda said that they intend to bring Puako land use in line with the “South Kohala Community Development Plan. That document was very critical of Colony Capital’s plans to develop a golf course on 500 acres in the forest. Colony Capital is a Los Angeles-based international private equity firm, and the owner of Orchid at Mauna Lani and Hilton Waikoloa resorts.

The South Kohala Community Development Plan also emphasized opportunities for food (i.e, Volcano Island Honey) and kiawe production.

“Kiawe wood can be sold as firewood or other related products such as kiawe flour, honey, and artisan wood could be provided,” the plan said.

“Money earned from the sale of kiawe wood could go back into the management of the forest.”

Add information to this story

If you have additional information about the three areas under discussion by the PLDC, please add your voice in the comments section below, or in the Discussion Boards for Puako, Olomana Golf Course, and East Kapolei.

The PLDC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25, 2 pm in the Kalanimoku building, room #132.