Refuge plan clears path for Kahili quarry road improvements, landowner pledges work once permits issued

The Kilauea Neighborhood Association heard that the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge has finalized and approved its Comprehensive Conservation Plan, a step that organizers said moves the community closer to improving the Kahili quarry road.

President Yoshi L’Hote summarized the timeline and permitting steps and said the property owner on the west side of Kilauea Valley, Charles Somers, "has agreed to begin improvements" once required permits are filed and approved. The meeting noted that the refuge plan and subsequent permit applications are preconditions to opening access and carrying out road work.

Why it matters: the Kahili quarry road provides one of the primary access routes toward the Kilauea Point reserve and nearby shoreline easements; improvements could affect traffic, public access and maintenance responsibilities between private landowners and public agencies. The association emphasized that written permits and a government/community management plan must be in place before access changes are implemented.

The discussion did not include a construction schedule or a county permit filing date. Speakers said the next procedural steps are filing permits and agreeing the management plan that will govern use and maintenance responsibilities.