What does the future of Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach look like?
By Kaʻū News Staff
Many questions arise in discussions concerning the future of Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach. Whether in person, on social media, or at community gatherings, the underlying theme centers on a single question: What will the future look like for this beloved Kaʻū beach park?
For decades, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation has operated Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach. The public had reasonable reassurance that trash would be consistently removed, grounds and buildings maintained, parking kept free and restrooms regularly cleaned and stocked. Should the county purchase the park's land, these critical services are nearly guaranteed to continue indefinitely.
The process and fees associated with pavilion rentals would align with all other county-operated public parks. Any proposed operational or fee changes by the county must go through established, transparent public procedures. Most importantly, a deed restriction mandated by the Hawaiʻi County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) Charter requires the purchase to be in perpetuity, prohibiting the land from ever being resold.
However, should Black Sand Beach LLC assume operation of the park, little specificity exists regarding its future. Kaʻū News attempted to gain clarity on that potential scenario by sending a formal inquiry to the company's address of record in early July. The letter submitted the following questions to Black Sand Beach LLC:
Will Punaluʻu Beach Park remain open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC implement parking fees for the Punaluʻu Beach Park parking lot, or will parking remain free?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC continue providing trash receptacles and daily waste removal similar to county operations?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC charge fees for public pavilion use? If so, will rental rates align with county fees at other public beach parks?
What will be the process for the public to obtain permits or reservations for pavilion rentals?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC continue allowing overnight camping at Punaluʻu Beach Park? If so, will permits be required, and will fees align with county camping permit rates?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC maintain regular groundskeeping, including lawn care, as the county historically has?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC install a gate blocking the parking lot near the pavilions?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC erect any new fencing around the park property?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC continue providing free restroom facilities to the general public?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC regularly stock and clean the restrooms similar to historical county maintenance?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC maintain existing pavilions and structures to county historical standards?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC place any limitations or restrictions on who can receive a permit or reservation for facility use?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC maintain and allow public use of the kitchen in the large pavilion?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC require liability insurance for public use of pavilions or other facilities?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC institute restrictions on pets or animals within the park?
Will Black Sand Beach LLC permit pole tents on the property? If so, will a permit and fee be required, and will pricing align with county pole tent permits at other beach parks?
Are there currently any liens against the properties?
Does Black Sand Beach LLC intend to leverage or encumber these properties with liens in the future?
Does Black Sand Beach LLC commit to paying all utility bills (e.g., water and electricity) in a timely manner to prevent service interruptions at the pavilions?
How does Black Sand Beach LLC intend to coordinate and maintain enduring partnerships with Native Hawaiian organizations and community stakeholders to ensure responsible stewardship of this wahi pana, conserving and restoring its cultural resources, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and essential environmental functions of this ʻāina in perpetuity?
Has Black Sand Beach LLC performed a comprehensive long-term cost analysis demonstrating that these operations are feasible indefinitely? If so, will the company make that financial analysis available for public review?
Does Black Sand Beach LLC commit that its responses to these operational questions will remain in effect indefinitely, similar to county ownership?
Is Black Sand Beach LLC willing to attach deed restrictions ensuring these operational standards carry over to any subsequent owners indefinitely?
As of this publication, Black Sand Beach LLC has not responded or provided comment.
The company's most recent public statement regarding Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach was included in a June 19 press release announcing a lease extension:
"Black Sand Beach LLC remains committed to preserving and enhancing Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park as an important cultural, recreational, and community asset. The company appreciates the continued engagement of the county and recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving a positive outcome."
In light of recent findings that Black Sand Beach LLC is over $141,000 delinquent in real property taxes on surrounding Punaluʻu parcels it owns, questions remain regarding the financial feasibility of operating the park without substantial changes — specifically regarding generating sufficient revenue to cover operating expenses without significantly increasing public fees for Punaluʻu Black Sands Beach facilities.
