Zoning Committee advances two major Clean Water and Natural Lands conservation projects
Justin Limasa, City and County of Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management | June 25, 2026
Aerial photograph of the Ke Kīpuka o Kalaeuila property in Kahuku showing coastal dunes, open natural landscape, and shoreline proposed for permanent protection through a conservation easement.
The Honolulu City Council’s Zoning Committee today advanced two significant conservation measures that would permanently protect culturally and environmentally important lands on Oʻahu through the City’s Clean Water and Natural Lands (CWNL) Fund.
The committee recommended approval of resolutions authorizing the acquisition of perpetual conservation easements for Ke Kīpuka o Kalaeuila in Kahuku and Puʻuhonua o Wailupe. Both measures now move to the full Honolulu City Council for consideration.
Together, the projects represent a major investment in the long-term protection of Oʻahu’s natural resources, cultural landscapes, and coastal ecosystems. If ultimately approved by the full Council and completed, the lands protected through the CWNL Program will exceed 1,500 acres.
The recommendations reflect years of collaboration among community organizations, conservation partners, cultural practitioners, government agencies, and the Clean Water and Natural Lands Advisory Commission. Through the Clean Water and Natural Lands Program, DHLM continues to advance projects that permanently protect Oʻahu’s natural and cultural resources while supporting long-term stewardship and community-based conservation.
Aerial photograph of the 170-acre Ke Kīpuka o Kalaeuila property in Kahuku.
Ke Kīpuka o Kalaeuila is a collaborative effort between the Trust for Public Land, the North Shore Community Land Trust, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). The proposal would establish a perpetual conservation easement over approximately 170 acres in Kahuku, protecting one of the last intact coastal dune ecosystems on Oʻahu. If completed, OHA would acquire the property, the City would hold the perpetual conservation easement, and long-term stewardship would focus on restoring native habitat, protecting cultural resources, and providing managed public access.
Aerial photograph of the Puʻuhonua o Wailupe property.
Puʻuhonua o Wailupe is a community-led conservation effort led by Puʻuhonua o Wailupe, in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the City and County of Honolulu. The proposal would permanently protect nearly three acres in Wailupe containing culturally significant burial sites (iwi kūpuna), archaeological features, and an important cultural landscape. Under the proposal, OHA would acquire the property, the City would hold a perpetual conservation easement, and Puʻuhonua o Wailupe would continue serving as the long-term cultural steward, ensuring the site’s protection, restoration, and educational use for future generations.
Conservation transactions of this scale often require years of planning, partnership building, due diligence, and coordination among landowners, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders. The City recognizes and appreciates the leadership of CWNL Advisory Commission Chair Jason Kekahi “Kahi” Pacarro, and his fellow commissioners who volunteer their time, hard work and dedication in considering, vetting and recommending these transactions.
DHLM also extends its gratitude to the dedicated staff of the City’s Clean Water and Natural Lands Office, whose work helps guide these complex conservation projects from application through Council consideration.
The City appreciates the continued support of the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning Committee and all of the partners working to permanently conserve Oʻahu’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring these special places remain protected for generations to come.
