I read your 2024 article about trying to save the area near Punalu’u Black Sand Beach from the massive development proposed by Eva Liu, et al.
It occurs to me that if funds could be obtained to buy the land and keep it wild or maybe create a park, the issue would be resolved. I’ve written to The Nature Conservancy (they have an office in Honolulu), HILT the Hawaiian Land Trust, as well as Earthjustice and the Environmental Defense Fund. I hope at least one of them can help.
Nature Conservancy is known for buying land to protect it. I am thankful that The Center for Biodiversity has stopped the development for now for environmental reasons. Supporting them is a good idea too.
It also occurred to me to reach out to the billionaires (philanthropic) who own land in Hawaiʻi to see if they’ll fund a buyout of Liu.
I’m sure you are aware of the latest – Eva says they want to “clean up the area” and put in better parking and a farmers’ market. Yet she’s talking about restricting access and has already bulldozed the sign. It could be that they decided to change tactics and slip things in gradually – once the bulldozers are there, they may stay.
I hope the Kaʻū community with the Center for Biodiversity can oversee this “clean up” and subsequent activity. Meanwhile, we need a permanent solution.
Patty Buchanan
California
