What's Being Discussed

The Hawai'i Island Nā Ala Hele Advisory Council — the volunteer body that advises the state on public trails and access on Hawai'i Island — is holding its regular meeting. Key topics include:

• Trail updates for several locations, including Pololū Trail, Muliwai Trail/Waimanu Campground, Puna Trail, Kūlanihākoʻi Mountain Bike Park, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
• Budget news, including $1 million for Pololū parking and lookout construction, $1 million for trail stewards, and concerns about reduced general funding
• Waipiʻo Valley Access Road — the council will review a draft letter to the Mayor of Hawaiʻi County regarding public access rights along this road
• Wailuku River Confluence Lookout (also known on social media as "Narnia") — ongoing work to find historically accurate naming and address access concerns in coordination with the local community
• Nāʻālehu Hills Subdivision — reviewing a proposed subdivision's potential impact on trails and public access
• An update on revising state administrative rules (HAR 13-130) that govern the Nā Ala Hele program
• A discussion on the proposed Punahoa State Park
• An update on the Hawaiʻi County General Plan as it relates to trails and connectivity

Decisions Expected

• A vote to approve the April 2, 2026 meeting minutes
• A vote to send a letter to Mayor Alameda about the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road
• A vote on recommending a new council member, applicant Topher Fast

Who Should Pay Attention

• Hikers, cyclists, and outdoor recreationists on Hawaiʻi Island
• Residents near Waipiʻo Valley, Wailuku River, Nāʻālehu, and the Puna region
• Off-highway vehicle (OHV) users seeking riding areas on the west side of the island
• Anyone interested in public trail access, land use, or state park planning