A voluntary working group representing the state of Hawaii, local nonprofits, community members and Turtle Bay Resort is making real, tangible progress on a conservation plan that will leave a lasting legacy for Hawaii.

The group has been diligently developing a mutually beneficial conservation partnership plan that will permanently protect more than three miles of treasured coastline between Kawela and Kahuku, while strengthening jobs for Koolauloa and North Shore residents.

As proposed, this plan will keep Turtle Bay lands in private ownership, where the natural areas outside the existing resort footprint are home to publicly accessible trails and native species. These will be protected in perpetuity from development. Fulfillment of this proposal is being achieved through a conservation easement process, which has a precedent of success for preservation of lands throughout Hawaii and beyond.

Over the last three years, Turtle Bay has collaborated with the North Shore Community Land Trust and the Trust for Public Land to permanently protect 469 acres of agricultural land it owns on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway using this same conservation easement approach.

As a first step to concluding the Malama Kawela-Kahuku plan and acquiring the conservation easements needed, Gov. Neil Abercrombie has requested $40 million in general obligation bonds for use toward the purchase.

As with most real estate negotiations, reaching agreement on a fair purchase price for the conservation easements is chal- lenging, but significant progress is being made.

Going forward, support from the Legislature and other partners will be needed to complete the process of funding this effort to forever preserve this priceless coastline. To facilitate negotiations, the Turtle Bay lands are being addressed in three phases.

Phase I is the area around Kawela Bay and Kawela Point. Phase II cover the areas of Puna-ho’olapa marsh and Kahu-ku Point, as well as undevel- oped open space surrounding the golf course. Phase III is the middle portion of the property near the existing hotel where two additional hotels and amenities are planned.

Phases I and II are included in the current agreed-upon conservation scope, while Phase III remains for future consideration based on the landown- er’s desire to further explore Phase III’s potential to provide significant economic benefits to the community.

Oahu’s North Shore is renowned worldwide as a surfing mecca and cherished locally as a country refuge for residents. Turtle Bay is the only destination resort on the North Shore and offers an ideal setting for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Kawela-Kahuku coastline.

This expansive area is a favorite location for nature lovers, beachcombers, hikers, fishers and paddlers, and a sanctuary for native monk seals, turtles and birds. Furthermore, the Kawela-Kahuku coastline adjoins the 1,100-acre James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku, and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary offshore.

With the support of Abercrombie and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the partnership evolving with Turtle Bay will create an unmatched gathering place where ocean enthusiasts, surfers, residents and visitors can enjoy one of the last truly great places in the world.

This legacy is within our grasp.