Punaluʻu Beach Future In Negotiations

Leased parcels mentioned in this article outlined in blue

By Tim DeLozier

The leases of three ocean-front contiguous parcels leased by the County of Hawaiʻi were set to expire on June 30, 2026. Black Sand Beach LLC and the County of Hawaiʻi reached an agreement to extend the leases through September 1, 2026 on June 19.

The County of Hawaiʻi has leased parcels TMK 9-6-001-006 (5.992 acres), 9-6-001-011 (0.442 acre) and 9-6-001-012 (0.188 acre) for use as a public beach park from various land owners since 1946 for $1. The current lease was executed in 1998. The parcels contain multiple pavilions, a paved parking lot and public restrooms totaling approximately 6.622 acres per County tax records.

Kaʻū News contacted Hawaiʻi County for information about the status of Punaluʻu Beach Click to open side panel for more information . Executive Assistant to Mayor Alameda (Public Information Officer), Tom Callis, replied with the following:

“During lease negotiations, the County said it was interested in pursuing purchase of the leased parcels through the County’s Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission (PONC) program. That process requires the property to be appraised, and the County has hired an appraiser in order to continue pursuing this option. Purchases through PONC require a willing seller and the County cannot offer more than the maximum purchase price established by the appraisal. That appraisal is expected to be done in July.”

For the properties to be eligible for purchase with PONC funds, the properties are required to complete the PONC process. Public records indicate that the properties were nominated, reviewed and ranked by the PONC Commission in 2006, in accordance with PONC requirements. Resolution #169-07 to purchase the parcels was introduced and approved in 2007 by the Hawaiʻi County Council. These 3 parcels have successfully completed the PONC process and are eligible for purchase by Hawaiʻi County with PONC funds pending successful negotiations with the current owner.

Because the properties have successfully completed the PONC process, please refrain from contacting PONC about the purchase of these parcels.

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For more information about the PONC Commission, visit openspace.hawaiicounty.gov.