Hawaii County Fights for Land to Widen Scenic Seaside Route

Hawaii County is moving forward with acquiring 3.74 acres via eminent domain to widen the Government Beach Road in Puna. A Hawaii County Council committee unanimously approved a resolution for this action, marking a significant step in a decade-long conflict.

The dispute began in 2014 when the county mistakenly paved asphalt outside the road's right of way onto private land. Efforts to negotiate a settlement with the landowner, Lum Family Enterprises LLC, have failed over the years.

Deputy Corporation Counsel Sinclair Salas-Ferguson stated the county must pursue condemnation to resolve the issue. The legal process is expected to involve court proceedings to determine fair compensation for the landowner.

Landowner Wayland Lum expressed concerns that a wider road would attract increased crime and that the compensation offered is inadequate. He hopes to present his case in court, emphasizing the historical and family significance of the land, which has been in his family since the early 1920s.

The resolution, having passed the committee, will now be presented to the full council for a final decision in the coming weeks. The land acquisition aims to allow the Department of Public Works to make necessary improvements to the scenic route.