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| Kapāpala Ranch lands are being transferred from state Department of Land & Natural Resources to state Department of Agriculture to ensure long-term productive use of appropriate state lands for agriculture. Photo from Kapāpala Ranch |
MORE THAN 7,000 ACRES OF STATE LAND was approved for transfer by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to the state Department of Agriculture on Friday during the Board of Land & Natural Resources meeting.
The nine leases and 25 revocable permits represent a continuation of the transfers under Act 90. Passed by the legislature in 2003, the act is to “ensure the long-term productive use of public lands available to be leased by the DLNR for agricultural purposes by allowing those lands to be transferred to and managed by DOA," says a statement from DLNR. "This process under Act 90, ensures that both BLNR and Board of Agriculture agree on which parcels of land are appropriate to be transferred from DLNR to DOA."
BLNR Chair Dawn Chang said, “We have appreciated the collaborative process of Act 90 to ensure that there is a balanced approach between supporting sustainable ag and protection and preservation of important public lands for forestry management, watershed protection, recreational trail access, and hunting.”
A statement from DLNR says it "previously processed executive orders setting aside approximately 24,528 acres to Department of Agriculture. Last year, the BLNR and the state Board of Agriculture approved an additional 24,767 acres in Kaʻū under lease and revocable permit to Kapāpala Ranch for transfer to DOA, but surveys and subdivision are needed before an executive order can be completed for the transfer. In addition, late last year, the Board of Agriculture approved acceptance of 21,672 acres. Under the terms of Act 90, more than 70,000 acres of ag land has been transferred, or approved for transfer, so far."
In the latest transfer, most of the land is in pasture, with two parcels described as being utilized for “intensive agriculture.” Five acres will be under a revocable permit to Volcano Island Honey Co. in Kamuela for an apiary. The largest transfer, this time around, is to Parker Ranch, with approximately 4,529 acres of pastureland.
The DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) indicates it needs to establish public or management access over nine additional leases and permits before those lands are transferred to DOA. Those leases and permits will require further coordination with DOFAW on the location of access points before staff can make a recommendation to the BLNR.
Comments on the land transfers were solicited from state, county, and federal agencies and no objections or responses were received. In the event the lands are no longer needed for agricultural purposes, the set-asides will be cancelled or amended as appropriate, and those lands will be returned to the DLNR inventory.
BLNR Chair Dawn Chang said, “We have appreciated the collaborative process of Act 90 to ensure that there is a balanced approach between supporting sustainable ag and protection and preservation of important public lands for forestry management, watershed protection, recreational trail access, and hunting.”
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| A new round of transfer of lands from DLNR to Department of Ag was approved on Friday. Photo from DLNR |
In the latest transfer, most of the land is in pasture, with two parcels described as being utilized for “intensive agriculture.” Five acres will be under a revocable permit to Volcano Island Honey Co. in Kamuela for an apiary. The largest transfer, this time around, is to Parker Ranch, with approximately 4,529 acres of pastureland.
The DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) indicates it needs to establish public or management access over nine additional leases and permits before those lands are transferred to DOA. Those leases and permits will require further coordination with DOFAW on the location of access points before staff can make a recommendation to the BLNR.
Comments on the land transfers were solicited from state, county, and federal agencies and no objections or responses were received. In the event the lands are no longer needed for agricultural purposes, the set-asides will be cancelled or amended as appropriate, and those lands will be returned to the DLNR inventory.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.
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| Two National. Park Service firefighters and helicopters assigned to the Makaopuhi Fire, which continues to smolder. It was started by a lava flow within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Area trails were closed but reopened on Friday. NPS photo |
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The Makaopuhi Fire continues to threaten Hawaiian ecosystems and rare plants in the area. NPS photo |
Park staff will be stationed at the Maunaulu parking lot to provide fire information and keep visitors clear of helicopter operations.
A statement from the Park says, "The fire was ignited by the Sept. 15 eruption of Kīlauea volcano. Fire activity recently increased due to lack of recent rainfall, low humidity and wind. Firefighters are challenged by difficult terrain, dense vegetation, multiple burning snags, and reburn potential. The Makaopuhi Fire continues to threaten Hawaiian ecosystems and rare plants in the area."
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| National Park Service firefighters in hardhats and yellow and green Nomex walk across fresh hardened lava in Nāpau Crater within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Area trails reopened Friday. Firefighters came from as far away as American Samoa. NPS photo |
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KAʻŪ KEIKI ARE INVITED TO BOO AT THE ZOO in Pana'ewa. County Department of Parks & Recreation and Friends of the Panaʻewa Zoo will present the second annual Boo at the Zoo event on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, from 3-6 p.m.
"Last year was our first-ever Boo at the Zoo event, and it was so well-received that we decided to add a second day to this year's event," said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & Recreation. "Our maintenance team, zookeepers, and FOZ have been working hard to ensure the zoo is ready to receive our guests, and we look forward to another fun event."
Know Before You Go: FOZ will sell trick-or-treat bags for $1, which will be required to receive treats. Proceeds will enhance the zoo and exhibits. Boo at the Zoo is a cash-only event. The zoo will close its gates to regular visitors at 2 p.m. on the event days. Petting Zoo hours will be 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 26.
Event parking will be at the zoo parking lot and the Pana'ewa Equestrian Center parking lot.
"We're thrilled to once again offer a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience for our keiki at Pana'ewa Zoo," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "By extending the event to two days, we hope to welcome even more families, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the fun and excitement of 'Boo in the Zoo.'"
"We are so excited to be bringing this event to our community!" said Mindy Runnells, Zoo Administrator. "It's more than just a trick-or-treat evening; it's an opportunity for families to come together safely, experience the zoo in a unique light, and create a new fall tradition."
For table rentals, further information, contact Mindy Runnells at 808-959-7224.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.
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5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.    |
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