Kamehameha Schools enters agreements with hiking clubs to manage access at Kaluanui

December 6, 2013

Contributed by ksinfo

The agreements help KS mitigate further degradation to its conservation-zoned lands in Kaluanui caused by unrestricted foot traffic into the area. Both groups, which focus on environmental preservation, take necessary precautions to protect the environment and show respect to surrounding neighborhoods when accessing trails.

"Our goal is to manage access to the area and prevent any further erosion of the land. This is a coordinated effort that aligns with our Natural Resource Management Plan, which guides our restoration and protection of natural habitat on our lands," said KS senior land operation manager Todd Gray. "Based on past interactions with the leadership of both hiking groups, we are confident that the area will be respected and cared for by members of their clubs."

The "trail," also known as Mariner's Ridge, is on private property and has never been officially open to the public. Residents of the neighborhood and members of both hiking clubs support Kamehameha's new access management policy. A new fence and gate on the property will help deter unauthorized access.

"As an organization, we support trail access in a safe, legal manner. We appreciate the opportunity to continue having access to Kamehameha's property and doing it in a way so that the public can still learn about and see the beauty of Hawaii's undeveloped, wild places," said Robert Harris, President of the Sierra Club.

Kamehameha Schools previously met with area residents on various occasions to address a surge of complaints relating to neighborhood disruption relating to unrestricted access to the undeveloped ridge property. The entry agreements and fencing are intended to address community concerns and protect the land from further degradation.

"No kākou ke kuleana," said Gray. "The responsibility to care for the environment is for all of us, together."

Individuals wishing to hike Kaluanui Ridge may contact the Sierra Club or the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club via their websites to gain access in the future. Kamehameha Schools may also allow access to Kaluanui to other bona fide cultural, environmental and education-oriented groups on a case-by-case basis.

For a list of public hiking trails, please visit the N? Ala Hele Hawaii Trail & Access System website at hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov.

To learn more about Kamehameha Schools' Natural Resource Management Plan, visit http://www.ksbe.edu/land/pdf/Natural_Resources_Management_Plan.pdf.

Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club
The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club (HTMC) hikes about 70 different trails each year. Some hikes are members-only and others are open to the public. The Club hikes any given trail at most once per year. Hike schedules are posted quarterly. Hike schedules and other important information, such as hike safety and club membership, can be found on the HTMC website at htmclub.org.

The Sierra Club
Volunteer Leaders of the Hawaii Chapter of the Sierra Club lead weekly hikes and outings to various areas. Members of the general public are welcome. Many outings have a limit on the number of participants. To sign up and learn about the outings go to: sierraclubhawaii.com/get-outdoors. The Kaluanui Trail is on the upcoming schedule for the beginning of 2014.

About Kamehameha Schools
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling over 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 30 preschool sites statewide. Over 40,400 additional learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States. Income generated from its Hawai'i real estate and diverse financial investments fund the Schools' educational mission almost entirely.

Media Contact: Kekoa Paulsen, Phone: 523-6369