Communication No. 2019-10- NKCDP RR Trail Plans

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Comm. No. 2019-10 NORTH KO HALA RAI L-TRAI L& TRAIL CONNECTIVITY PLAN Document Purpose & Use This document looks at the potential of having the very first railroad of Hawaii converted into a trail for public use and enjoyment. While being the very first railroad may warrant people to preserve it and tell the story, this is just one piece to a rich and vibrant past that has formed the communities of North Kohala into what it is today. This document provides a snapshot into this past, and the potential to continue the stories of place that can keep the memories and lessons alive for future generations. This report can be used in various ways. There is information to provide a deeper understanding of the history of the railroad itself. This is essential to the preservation of the corridor. The laws and policies from the Kingdom of Hawaii, the Territory, and the State present complexities that define public right- of-way (ROW), public roads and infrastructure. Part of the purpose of this report is to understand the legal framework of the Railroad ROW, and to determine if further work by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Na Ala Hele Division is warranted to establish a formal public trail. The report provides historical background to better understand the importance of the past, as well as the future. This document attempts to show major changes in land tenure and economic uses, population dynamics and changes, and how it relates to the concepts of public access and rights to traverse lands. It should be used to help identify and guide a process by which the community can come to agreement to how they want to preserve the past, perpetuate lessons and stories, and be able to traverse the landscape unimpeded. While the main purpose is to explore the old Railroad ROW and connecting mauka-makai access trails for a public use, the report will touch on the essential pieces of the past that define North Kohala, and why it is so important to be able to continue to have access to the lands, tell the stories and lessons of the past, while also building upon them with our future generations.