Mauna Loa Proposed as Site for World-Class Trail System

Feasibility Study Indicates System Could Have Many Cultural, Education and Economic Benefits

Honolulu,Hawaii—December 8, 2005—The Big Island’s Mauna Loa volcano has been proposed as a site for a spectacular long-distance trail system that has the potential to become a world-class attraction for residents and visitors, according to a new study released today by The Nature Conservancy and Kamehameha Schools.

Modeled after highly successful long-distance trails systems in New Zealand, Europe and the United States, the proposed system would encircle Mauna Loa volcano at the mid-elevation ranges (4,000 to 7,000 feet) and exceed 350 miles in length. It would be the first long-distance trail system of its kind in the Hawaiian Islands.

“This is not just another place to walk,” said Rob Shallenberger, Hawaii Island Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy. “If done right and developed with care, Mauna Loa could provide a seamless system of interconnected trails that celebrates the very special natural and cultural resources of the Islands. It could be a truly spectacular experience with many cultural, educational and economic benefits.”

Almost 70 experts with knowledge or responsibilities relating to long-distance trail systems were interviewed for the study. “The idea received overwhelming support,” said Shallenberger, the principal author of the report. “But there was also a consensus that if we were going to do it, it had to be done right.”

The concept of an extended trail system that would cross the diverse landscapes and ecosystems surrounding Mauna Loa has been considered for many years, but until now it has been difficult to implement because hundreds of thousands of acres of privately owned lands were closed to public access.

That situation began to change in 2003 when the National Park Service, with support from The Nature Conservancy, acquired the 116,000-acre Kahuku Ranch from the Damon Estate. The acquisition expanded Hawaii Volcanoes National Park by more than half and linked the forested Kau/Kapapala region at the southern end of the island with the forested watershed of the leeward Kona region. In addition, Kamehameha Schools expressed support for a potential trail system that would cross their Kona lands.

“The study being done in support of the Mauna Loa Trail System is part of Kamehameha Schools' preliminary investigation into possible appropriate uses of our mauka lands,” said Peter Simmons, Regional Asset Manager for Kamehameha Schools. “While the results of this phase of the study are encouraging, the complete feasibility analysis needs to be complemented with cultural, educational, economic studies and detailed environmental studies. Time is needed to digest the work at hand and to initiate and complete the additional studies to ensure that the land is going to be better off because of this approach to its management.”

According to Shallenberger, tourism data for 2003 indicate that nearly a quarter of all U.S. visitors to Hawaii engaged in backpacking, hiking or camping. A trail system demand study for the project predicts that nearly 200,000 people may use the proposed system annually, although the actual level of use would depend, in large part, on the type and extent of infrastructure.

“What we learned in looking at other trail systems is that they become economic generators,” Shallenberger said. “Local communities benefit from the sale of equipment and food. Property values on neighboring lands increase. Eco-tourism operators benefit by escorting people in the trail systems. The real winners are often the private landowners who chose to build eco-lodges, cabins and other facilities in support of the trail. Around the world, a number of these trail systems have become so popular that trail users must make reservations months in advance.”

The Mauna Loa Trail System would provide for a wide diversity of activities and experiences, such as hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, birding and hunting. “With the exception of one short segment of trail that would have to be built, the entire system has been designed around existing trails and four-wheel drive ranch roads,” said Shallenberger. “In that respect, it would be relatively easy to implement and both maintenance costs and potential environmental damage would be reduced.”

Shallenberger emphasized that the depicted routing of the Trail System across private lands is a proposal and that the final selection of trails and roads would ultimately be determined by participating landowners.

“The concept of a range of wholesome, family-friendly recreation that would also strengthen our resource management efforts – including security, fire control, cultural interpretation and preservation, and even lost-hiker response capacity – is attractive in many ways,” Kamehameha’s Simmons said. “Kamehameha Schools is very supportive of this effort.”

Many challenges remain before the proposed trail system can be realized. Potential conflicts between various user groups must be resolved, largely through spacing and timing of activities. Potential adverse impacts to natural and cultural resources will be addressed through a combination of education, guiding of trail users, regulations and enforcement. The limited availability of water presents a difficult challenge. Issues of concern to landowners, such as liability and interference with ranch operations, must also be addressed.

The feasibility study recommends several important next steps, including establishment of a Trail System Coordinator, steering committee and non-profit association; official “designation” of the trail system; effective collaboration with public agencies, community organizations, the academic community and landowners; compliance with a wide variety of pertinent laws, regulations and policies; an aggressive outreach and marketing program; pursuit of diverse funding opportunities; implementation of a well-conceived interpretation and education strategy; and development of a comprehensive volunteer program. The National Park Service recently announced that it will assist in the implementation of the Mauna Loa Trail System through its Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kamehameha Schools provided funding for the Mauna Loa Trail System Feasibility Study. The Nature Conservancy managed the project and developed the report. Several subcontractors contributed to the study and final report. A copy of the 192-page study and the subcontractor reports can be downloaded at:

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/projects/index.html