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A third reason is for a community park in this growing area that area residents can use for leisurely and resourceful activities such as: 1. A walking/jogging path through a quiet forest preserve. 2. Individual garden and orchard plots for food supplement use and relaxation. 3. General purpose area for approved community events. 4. Easy access for a developmental and resource area for use by the nearby Kaumana Elementary School and/or other schools. 5. A County maintenance support facility as a hub for servicing other area parks and resources. 6. A staging area for Federal, State and County emergency services. Explain the intent, long-term vision, and/or strategyo f this proposed acquisition or project Current Situation: Kaumana Caves State Park is owned by the State of Hawaii but is managed and maintained by the County of Hawaii Parks and Recreation Department. The total park size is currently 4.87 acres with about a quarter acre (0.27 acre) for Kaumana Caves State Park on the north side of Kaumana Drive. The parking lot is located on the opposite side of Kaumana Drive of about 0.11 acre and is able to accommodate about a dozen cars. As of November 2025, speed tables, pedestrian crosswalk signals and advanced warning beacons have been installed on Kaumana Drive for the park. Proposed Land Acquisition Area Details: The area is forest land comprising of Ohia trees and Uluhe ferns and other common Hawaiian forest foliage. It covers an old pahoehoe lava field, hiding all of its naturally hazardous features. Included in this area is the opposite end of the Kaumana Cave State Park entrance. It located at a point approximately 500' southwest of the existing Kaumana Caves Parking Lot and about 900' east of Kilua Road. General GPS location is about 19' 41.131'N, 155' 7.919'W. This section of the cave is closed, although there have been the occasional unauthorized spelunkers that have exited from the cave in this area and then had to "cut trail" to get back to their cars. Wildlife in this area comprises of the usual feral pigs and birds including hawks. Surrounding the area are residences on Kaumana Drive, Kilua Road (across from Kaumana Elementary School) and residences on the north end of Mele Mann Street, accessed from Kaumana Drive. Intent of this acquisition: The intent of this acquisition is for the preservation of Kaumana Cave system as well as the forest environment surrounding the cave network. In the longer term, should a cave exploratory survey allow, the inclusion of the South Kaumana Cave section as a continuation of the cave exploring experience enjoyed by visitors of the north section of the Kaumana Cave network. Also envisioned would be walking/jogging paths within the area similar in style to walking paths at the old Kona Airport and at the Lava Tree State Park in Puna. Its desirable to have access to a peaceful and scenic walking path for families to occasionally get away from a busy and stressful life that is common these days. Pg4of 10 Sugg.26-01