Committee backs CD1 to secure conservation easement over 171 acres on North Shore

The Zoning and Planning Committee on June 25 amended and reported out Resolution 26‑134 CD1, a measure to use Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund monies to acquire a perpetual conservation easement over approximately 171 acres along Oʻahu’s North Shore known in the record as Kapuka/Kalai Wheela.

The proposal described a multi‑party transaction in which the Office of Hawaiian Affairs would acquire the property’s fee simple interest, the city would hold a perpetual conservation easement to ensure long‑term protection, and the Northshore Community Land Trust would operate stewardship and restoration on the ground. Trust for Public Land (TPL) staff said TPL would act as project manager to handle negotiations and due diligence.

Funding and scope: presenters said the modified CD1 provides for up to $14 million from the Clean Water and Natural Lands Fund to acquire a conservation easement subject to an appraisal and negotiation. TPL and partners reported $3 million already raised from the state legacy land conservation program and $4 million from the Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program toward the transaction. Original applicant materials estimated a full fee sale at about $25 million with city easement value in the $10.5–$16 million range depending on appraisal.

Why supporters backed it: OHA CEO Summer Silva (online) described stewardship as core to OHA’s mission and said the Board of Trustees supports the initiative. Trust for Public Land’s Raina Ramallete and Northshore Community Land Trust leaders described intact coastal dune ecosystems, habitat for native and endangered species, cultural sites and opportunities for restoration and community education. The Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission testified in unanimous support.

Committee action: following presentations and broad public support from conservation organizations, scientists, educators and community members, the committee amended the resolution to the posted CD1 and recommended it be reported out for adoption (no objections recorded). The CD1 requires due diligence, an independent appraisal of the conservation easement, title review, and six‑monthly reporting to council while the acquisition is in progress.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 210; topfinish SEG 1246.