Bennet Group assists in announcing Trust for Public Land’s preservation of more than 16,000 acres of ʻāina

Earlier this month, our team led the announcement of Trust for Public Land’s efforts to transfer ownership and stewardship of Pōhue Bay to the National Park Service (NPS), preserving the area’s unique natural and cultural resources from development. The 16,451-acre parcel is now part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

“Our mission to connect everyone with the benefits and joys of the outdoors aligns perfectly with NPS’ longstanding dedication to preserving the Kaʻū district’s most important natural, archeological, cultural, and scenic resources. And, as an addition to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit, we know that Pōhue Bay will be well cared for and preserved,” said Lea Hong, Associate Vice President, Hawaiian Islands State Director of Trust for Public Land.

Nestled in the Kaʻū District of Hawaiʻi island, Pōhue Bay is home to numerous well-preserved and significant Hawaiian cultural sites, including the largest recorded abrader quarry in Hawaiʻi, ancient lava tube burials, mauka-makai trails, fishing shrines, remains of once-thriving coastal villages, and petroglyphs.

The environment is also a critical nesting and pupping habitat for endangered and rare Hawaiian species, including the Hawaiian Hawksbill Turtle and Hawaiian monk seal, and is home to the ʻōpaeʻula that live in the area’s anchialine ponds. Pōhue Bay is often frequented by native and migratory birds, including ʻiwa, koaʻe kea, kōlea, ʻūlili, and ʻaukukuʻu.

Our very own Catherine Coleman, Senior Account Manager, and Megan Tsuchida, Senior Vice President, led the thoughtful and strategic communications efforts alongside Hong and in coordination with the NPS team.

“At Bennet Group, we’re driven to support clients pursuing and leading positive change,” said Coleman. “It is our sincere honor to support Trust for Public Land and their numerous efforts to protect ʻāina in the spirit of stewardship and community.”

“Lea’s commitment to preserving Hawaiʻi’s significant landscapes is a shining example of how our clients are helping build a better future for Hawaiʻi,” said Tsuchida.

News of the new stewardship was first published by the Associated Press, detailing the significant cultural, historical and environmental importance of the purchase and NPS’ future involvement. Nationally syndicated coverage soon followed from heavyweight media outlets, including USA Today, The Washington Post, Thrillist, and more.

Local media outlets in the islands highly publicized the land transfer with front cover stories in The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and West Hawaiʻi Today, a full feature in Pacific Business News, and broadcast coverage on KHON, KGMB, and Hawaii News Now, respectively.

Please visit the Trust for Public Land’s website here to learn more about their Aloha ʻĀina program and how to support future initiatives. You may view our full press release on the Pōhue Bay land transfer here.