The Ala Kahakai: What is it?
In November 2000 President Bill Clinton
signed into law S. 700, the "Ala Kahakai National Historic
Trail Act." Ultimately, the "Ala Kahakai" (Trail
by the Sea) will be a continuous walking path, extending along
the coastline of Hawai`i for approximately 175 miles. As much
as possible the Ala Kahakai route will follow ancient and historic
Hawaiian paths that are known to have existed in the past. It
will also use, in ways that are acceptable to the Hawaiian people,
those ancient and historic paths that still exist today, having
survived centuries of changes: natural changes due to lava flows,
floods and high surf and man-induced changes such as golf course,
resort and other urban developments, and in a few places, conversion
of traditional foot-trail routes into horse and cart trails, jeep
roads and macadamized roads.
Where is it?
Presently, no part of the Ala Kahakai is officially open to visitors
as a National Historic Trail. The Ala Kahakai is proposed to extend
from `Upolu Point in North Kohala District to Waha`ula Heiau at
the eastern boundary of the Volcanoes National Park, roughly a
distance of 175 miles. However, the exact routing has not yet
been set. The exact location of the trail will be determined after
consultation with native Hawaiians, landowners, the Na Ala Hele
State-wide Trail and Access System, National Park Service, and
other key stakeholders in every affected region or ahupua`a.
How the Ala Kahakai came to be
* In 1973 the State of Hawai`i's Departments of Land & Natural
Resources and Planning and Economic Development proposed that
a statewide trail system be established and called, Na Ala Hele
("Trails for Walking"). Further it was recommended that
a 50-mile long Ala Kahakai ("Trail by the Sea") demonstration
project be established to show how Federal, State and County agencies
could cooperate in a trails management system that would benefit
citizens, and protect the island's natural and cultural resources.
* In 1988 after a major citizens' lobbying effort, the Na Ala
Hele Statewide Trail and Access System was established as part
of the Department of Land & Natural Resources.
* In 1992 Hawai`i's Senator Daniel Akaka introduced legislation
proposing to expand the National Trails System to include the
Ala Kahakai. As a result, the National Park Service undertook
a study of the Ala Kahakai.
* In 1998 following extensive meetings and consultations with
individuals and groups in Hawai`i, the National Park Service released
a National Trail Study and Final Environmental Impact Statement
which recommended designation of the Ala Kahakai as a National
Historic Trail.
* In 1999 Senator Daniel Akaka introduced S. 700, the "Ala
Kahakai National Historic Trail Act" which was approved by
the Senate and House and signed by President Clinton in November
2000.
What happens next?
The National Park Service is the lead agency. It is working to
secure funding for administration of the Ala Kahakai and completion
of a comprehensive management plan (CMP). A CMP is needed to ensure
that the resulting trail system will be managed properly and will
not harm the numerous cultural and natural resources nearby. Advice
from the community, Hawaiians, adjacent landowners, and others
will be sought in the planning process.
When will the Ala Kahakai be ready for public use?
It is anticipated that certain sections of the Ala Kahakai will
be ready for public use before other sections. "Readiness"
of a trail section for public use will depend on, among other
things, having an approved, cultural impact assessment, a means
of maintaining a clean and safe trail, a means of monitoring public
activity, availability of needed facilities, interpretive and
educational signage to ensure that users know where to go and
how to behave, etc.
At this time, no part of the trail is officially open for visitors
as a National Historic Trail administered by the National Park
Service. It is very likely that it will be years before this trail
is officially open. Coastal trails within the National Parks on
the island are open, but will not be marked as part of the National
Historic Trail until a CMP is completed and trail markers agreed
upon. The four National Parks are: Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic
Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Pu`ukohola
Heiau National Historic Site, and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Are any trail sections presently open?
The Ala Kahakai does not officially exist until the National Park
Service develops it. This website is still under construction.
The creator of this website, the nonprofit organization, E Mau
Na Ala Hele ("To Perpetuate the Trails"), will add information
as it becomes available.
Please respect the Hawaiian trails
When designating the Ala Kahakai a National Historic Trail, the
U.S. Congress recognized the national significance of Hawaiian
trails of Hawai`i island. While it will be good to share Hawai`i's
rich cultural heritage and fascinating historic events through
the Ala Kahakai, we must remember that such a national treasure
requires care and respect. Let's ho`omanawanui ("be
patient") as we wait for the Ala Kahakai to be made ready.
How can I help?
Our organization, E Mau Na Ala Hele, which has designed this website,
is a non-profit group whose purposes are to promote the preservation
and enjoyment of ancient and historic Hawaiian trails, and to
advocate the protection of historic and natural areas found along
trail routes. If you are interested in joining our organization,
you may send dues in the amount of $10 a year to E Mau Na Ala
Hele and receive our newsletters. We welcome your suggestions,
donations, and assistance as we continue to work with the local
community and the National Park Service in developing a management
plan for this trail. Our address is:
E Mau Na Ala Hele
P.O. Box 6384
Kamuela, HI 96743
or
Barbara Schaefer
schaefer@keck.hawaii.edu