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Virgin koa forest for sale in Hakalau

Ohana Sanctuary (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers)

Ohana Sanctuary (Photo courtesy of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers)

MEDIA RELEASE

The third largest privately owned old-growth koa forest on the planet is for sale on the Big Island.

Named Ohana Sanctuary, the property covers nearly five square miles of pristine koa cloud forest and is listed for $22 million.

Beverly Molfino of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers is representing the sellers in the transaction.

Situated on the slopes of Mauna Kea along the Hamakua Coast, the property encompasses 3,127 acres and features more than 50,000 trees, including koa (Acacia Grey), ohia, mamane, hapuu, eucylyptus and more.

In addition to vast tracts of ancient growth koa, the property contains several waterfalls, including Sanctuary Falls and Haiku Falls, both named by the current owner. The waterfalls and streams merge and flow into the ocean.

The current owners, a family on the East Coast, are selling the property because they want to pursue others projects.

A recent timber inventory estimated that the property contains 16.5 million board feet of koa wood, with an initial harvest of 6.5 million board feet and a sustainable yield rate of 6 percent to 8 percent per annum.

Given the popularity and scarcity of koa, a prized Hawaiian hardwood, the availability of this amount of Big Island land particularly a koa cloud forest, is highly appealing to a variety of potential buyers, Molfino said.

She adds that the property appeals to those looking to purchase the property for harvesting purposes or preservation.
Zoned as conservation resource, the potential exists to harvest the timber on site.

Molfino points out that potential buyers need to do their own due diligence regarding the appropriate permits. Creating and generating hydroelectric power on site is another potential possibility given the number of waterfalls on the property.

The land itself is easily accessible from Chin Chuk Road. It is also within short driving distance to the transportation hub of Hilo, the second largest town in the state of Hawaii. Hilo is home to the largest port in east Hawaii, as well as an international airport.

For more information about the property, contact Molfino at 937-7246, email beverly@beverlymolfino.net or visit: www.beverlymolfino.net

3 Responses to “Virgin koa forest for sale in Hakalau”

  1. nitediver says:

    Awesome property – the forest resource alone is so underpriced. Hope someone sees the potential and creates jobs for the island!!

    • defender says:

      hope buyers realize what an epic battle they will have with locals.

      • nitediver says:

        That is so sad – the locals, if anyone, should understand that with true forest management and applied forestry sciences that it is the ONLY way to save this rare and endangered Cloud Forest from destruction by invasive species. Guava will slowly creep in and not allow this magnificent forest to regenerate as it will not allow the keikis (seedlings) to propagate and renew the koa, ohia and other native trees populations. Select harvesting, scarification and natural seed regeneration are this beautiful portion of God’s primal rainforest only hope. Jobs are merely a bonus – so it truly is win win all around.

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