Agricultural land to be permanently protected on Hawaii Island

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - More than 74 acres of agricultural land along the Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls near Hilo will be permanently protected.

O.K. Farms, Hawaii Land Trust (HILT), and Trust for Public Land (TPL) announced Wednesday the successful completion of the Puueo Mauka conservation easement. The area is an important part of the watershed protecting Hilo Bay.

The Keolanui family, founders of O.K. Farms, has been growing food and caring for the land for over 20 years.

When landowner Ed Olson died last year, his family offered the Keolanui’s a chance to buy the land.

“This land has fed our family and community for generations,” said Troy Keolanui, Co-Founder and Operations Manager of O.K. Farms. “The conservation easement secures not only our ability to keep farming, but also preserves an essential place for Hawaii Island’s local food system and the cultural connections that make this aina so meaningful.”

HILT and TPL raised over $1.6 million to secure the conservation easement, which restricts future development.

“This effort is about more than just protecting land; it’s about honoring the legacy of Ed Olson and the Keolanui Ohana and ensuring that the land continues to feed and support the community,” said Olu Campbell, president and HILT CEO.

O.K. Farms will continue to manage the land where they grow lychee and citrus, as well as spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The farm is one of the largest producers of tropical fruit in the U.S.

“This collaboration keeps Hawaii’s agricultural lands working, supports local farmers, and safeguards our island’s cultural and natural heritage for generations to come,” said Lea Hong, associate vice president and Hawaii state director for TPL.