$1M donation to help build hiking trails in Kamehamenui

An anonymous donor has provided more than $1 million to Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program on Maui with most of the funding going to support planning, design and construction of hiking trails in the recently acquired Kamehamenui Forest in Upcountry, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Tuesday.

DLNR officials noted that the donation comes at an opportune time, with funding cuts likely coming for many programs, including Na Ala Hele, due to the economic damage of COVID-19.

“As everyone knows, due to extreme state budget tightening, we are going to see funding for many programs languish, potentially for years to come,” said David Smith, administrator of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “The Na Ala Hele system is one of the most visible recreational benefits we provide local residents and visitors alike. This allows us to bring more miles into play.”

Na Ala Hele plans to use the funds to build new trails on the 3,433 acres of Kamehamenui that was recently acquired by the state through the Trust for Public Land, which purchased the property from a private trust.

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife plans to add the property to the Forest Reserve System, the DLNR news release said.

A community-based management plan is being developed, DLNR said. Kamehamenui is intended to provide new recreational opportunities on Maui, with hiking trails and places to picnic and grow and gather forest products.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime donation, and we are tremendously humbled and grateful to this donor,” said Scott Fretz, Division of Forestry and Wildlife Maui branch manager. “They clearly care deeply about opportunities for people to get outdoors and experience our forests and coastlines.

“People have asked me how they can thank the donors for this great gift. I tell them the donors are anonymous, but they are avid hikers and you will see them out on the trails. When you do, give them a big smile and a shaka.”