MEDIA RELEASE

WHAT: Representatives of the National Park Service, state of Hawaii, and county of Hawaii join together as three levels of government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to focus on establishing the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and to set forth the roles and responsibilities of each partner agency to protect and preserve the 175-mile trail corridor.

WHO: Lt. Gov. James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr.; Hawaii County Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau; National Park Service Pacific West Region Deputy Regional Director Patty Neubacher; Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairperson Laura Thielen; and Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 21
11:00 a.m. – Ceremony begins
Noon – Official signing of documents

WHERE: Spencer Beach Park at Ohaiula in Kawaihae, South Kohala

DETAILS: The primary focus of the agreement will be the implementation of the Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which was designated by the U.S. Congress in 2000.

The CMP, released in May 2009, establishes management guidelines needed to fulfill the preservation and public use goals that were the result of community input gathered at island-wide meetings.

Attendees are invited to enjoy the whole day at the park, but should be prepared for hot weather.