DHHL highlights 322‑acre West Kewailani parcel for large‑scale homestead potential near Hilo campus

Riley presented West Kewailani as a 322‑acre, agricultural/open‑zoned DLNR parcel adjacent to the Hilo campus that could enable large‑scale residential and agricultural homestead development. "This is a 322 acre property," he said, and noted proximity to services including Hilo Medical Center (3.6 miles), Kuhio Plaza (2.7 miles) and the airport (about 5 miles).

Because of the parcel's size and vacancy, Riley said economies of scale make lower‑cost homesteads possible, but he emphasized several technical studies are required before acquisition: geotechnical surveys to check for subsurface constraints (lava tubes, unsuitable soils) and a State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) review for cultural or historic sites that could constrain development. Commissioner Aniakoa praised the finding as "amazing" and asked staff to confirm adjacent land uses; Riley confirmed residential development on both sides of the highlighted parcel and emphasized the need for community outreach.

Staff said the department would use existing consultant capacity under a current contract (G70) to perform much of the due diligence and stressed community engagement to ensure beneficiaries would want to be located there.