City completes conservation of final 3.5 acres to protect Paikō Ridge hillside

An aerial view of the 3.497-acre parcel at Paikō Ridge in Kuliʻouʻou — the final piece completing protection of the hillside through Honolulu’s Clean Water and Natural Lands program.

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu, through its Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) and the Clean Water and Natural Lands (CWNL) program, announced the successful closing of a conservation easement on October 3, 2025, to permanently protect 3.497 acres at Paikō Ridge in Kuliʻouʻou. The $1,700,000 investment secures the final remaining privately owned section of the Paikō Ridge hillside, completing a decades-long effort to preserve the entire ridgeline in perpetuity — safeguarding cultural sites, natural habitat, and watershed lands for future generations.

To mark the achievement, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Council Chair Tommy Waters joined representatives from Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou, Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui, and DHLM for a press conference in the Mayor’s Office, celebrating the successful closing and the long-standing partnership that made the preservation possible.

“This closing marks an important milestone for Honolulu and for the community partners who have worked tirelessly to protect Paikō Ridge,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “This achievement reflects years of collaboration, trust, and shared purpose between the City, Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou, and Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui. Together, we’ve completed the final piece of a long-standing effort to safeguard one of East Honolulu’s most significant cultural and natural landscapes — a commitment that will endure for generations to come.”

Situated along the lower western slope of Kalapa o Maua above Kalanianaʻole Highway, Paikō Ridge was once said to have been placed under kapu by Kamehameha the Great for its precious water resources. Many mo‘olelo of Kuli‘ou‘ou describe the area as home to large coastal wetlands, including the ʻElelupe spring and ʻawa grove. The Paikō Ridge property contains archaeological features linked to historic Native Hawaiian land use, including terraces and planting pits. Its preservation not only protects these sensitive resources but also maintains the ridge-and-valley viewplane and provides public benefits such as erosion control and watershed protection.

The site was first submitted for CWNL funding in 2012 and was formally approved for acquisition in 2022 by the Honolulu City Council. With the closing now complete, ownership has transferred to Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou, which serves as the landowner and grantor of the easement. Stewardship responsibilities will be carried out through a long-term management plan to protect the property’s conservation values in perpetuity.

“This easement represents a commitment to caring for this land as our kūpuna once did,” said Waipākawiwoʻole Parker, Board President of Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou. “For generations, Paikō Ridge has been a place of cultural practice, where terraces, trails, and native forests speak to the deep connection between people and ʻāina. We are humbled by the opportunity to carry forward that stewardship in partnership with the City and community, and to ensure that the values and traditions tied to this land are respected and perpetuated. This is more than a legal agreement — it is a kuleana we take seriously, and one that we hope will inspire future generations to continue caring for the lands that care for us.”

Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Council Chair Tommy Waters, and community partners gathered at Honolulu Hale to celebrate the completion of the conservation easement protecting the final 3.5 acres of Paikō Ridge.

“Caring for the ʻāina is more than just a responsibility; it is a legacy passed down from generation to generation and from leader to leader. The Kuliʻouʻou and East O‘ahu communities have worked tirelessly to protect the lands at the back of the valley that hold such critical environmental significance for our island state,” said Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters. “As the councilmember representing this district throughout this effort, I have a deep respect for the perseverance and courage of the many community members who never gave up on this vision. Preserving Paikō Ridge honors the history of this special place and ensures future generations will continue to benefit from open space, clean water, and healthy watersheds. I’m deeply grateful to all of our partners, and remain committed to supporting the City’s Clean Water & Natural Lands program so we can continue to protect Oʻahu’s most precious resources.”

“Paikō Ridge is part of the vital upland system that helps capture rainfall, recharge groundwater, and sustain the aquifers that provide clean drinking water for Oʻahu’s residents,” said Ernest Y.W. Lau, P.E., Manager and Chief Engineer of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. “Protecting our watersheds is the first line of defense in ensuring a reliable and resilient water supply. We’re grateful to our partners at DHLM, Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou, and Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui for their shared commitment to caring for the lands that feed our island’s water resources.”

“This 3.5-acre parcel is the missing piece of the puzzle that completes protection of the Paikō Ridge hillside,” said Elizabeth Reilly, President of Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui. “By securing this final section, we’ve connected more than 300 acres of previously conserved land and ensured that the entire ridgeline — from mauka to makai — will remain protected. This moment represents years of collaboration, advocacy, and trust between partners who shared a common vision: to preserve the natural and cultural integrity of this valley for generations to come.”

The Paikō Ridge closing underscores the City’s broader commitment to conservation through the CWNL program, which was established by voter-approved charter amendment and funded by a portion of annual real property tax revenues. Since its inception, CWNL has supported the acquisition of lands across Oʻahu that provide cultural, ecological, and public benefits — protecting critical watersheds, preserving native habitats, and supporting the wildlife and natural systems that sustain our island. Paikō Ridge stands as the latest example of this important legacy, safeguarding a place where forested slopes and clean water come together to keep our island healthy and thriving for generations to come.