Hawaii County Council is considering seizing 29 acres of land in Kau to develop a new wastewater treatment plant in Naalehu. The land is owned by Ala Kahakai Trail Association and was designated for a treatment plant in an agreement signed in 2019. However, the Department of Environmental Management has not been granted access to the land to start planning for the plant. The Council passed a resolution to authorize the use of eminent domain to acquire the land, with the hopes that it will encourage both sides to work together. The president of the Ala Kahakai Association stated that they would be willing sellers if communication remains open. The eminent domain proceedings could take up to 12 months, with a completion deadline set for the end of 2027. Despite some opposition, the Council agreed that passing the resolution would be a step towards progress for the wastewater treatment plant project. The outcome of the next Council meeting will determine if the resolution is adopted and if the eminent domain proceedings will move forward.
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Hawaii County considering using eminent domain for proposed sewage plant
