The grassroots effort to preserve the Ka Iwi Coastline deserves praise, and support, for raising more than 70 percent of the $500,000 in private funds needed to keep Oahu’s south shoreline pristine.

Small businesses, activists, neighbors and friends have kept the momentum going as the Aug. 30 deadline looms to raise the last chunk of the $4 million needed to purchase the 182 acres above the 7-mile stretch of Ka Iwi Coast. So far, more than $359,000 has been collected.

Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, representing groups that have advocated protection of the coastline, and The Trust for Public Land have shepherded the effort to pull together the donations needed to make the purchase. The land is tied up in bankruptcy and must be sold quickly. There is also a backup buyer in line if the fundraising effort fails.

The decades-long fight to fend off development of the land mauka of Kalanianaole Highway between the Hawaii Kai Golf Course and Makapuu needs community backing in this homestretch.

Smaller groups will canvass neighborhoods in East Honolulu and Kailua; some will wave signs.

Burger joints, Pilates instructors and ice cream shops are among those stepping up to sponsor fundraising events, said Elizabeth Reilly, president of Livable Hawaii Kai Hui.

Waimanalo families are hosting an event at Olomana Golf Links on Aug. 20 to support the cause.

“It’s always been a people’s movement,” said Reilly, who is holding out hope for an “angel donor.”

The citizen upswell has been bolstered by city and state commitments. Thus far, $3.5 million in city and state funds have been raised — $1 million from the state Legacy Land Conservation Program and $2.5 million from the city Clean Water and Natural Lands Program. Most of the $359,000 in private donations has come from grassroots, Reilly said.

The acquisition would preserve the sweeping views and cultural sites along the Ka Iwi Coast, which has been targeted over the years for development. The latest proposal was for 180 vacation cabins and a golf academy. It’s a noble cause to keep special interests from taking over the coastline and to preserve public access.

In 2001, the state paid Kamehameha Schools $12.8 million for 215 acres closest to the ocean between Queen’s Beach and Makapuu Lighthouse, three years after it launched condemnation proceedings against the landowner and the lessee, Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp., to protect the land from development. Kaiser Aluminum had plans to develop a golf course on the property.

The 182 acres, known as Ka Iwi mauka, is home to undocumented ancient Hawaiian cultural sites such as numerous traditional Hawaiian drystack walls and enclosures and balancing stones.

If the remaining $141,000 is raised by month’s end, The Trust for Public Land will purchase the land and transfer it to Livable Hawaii Kai Hui to steward.

The effort is a major undertaking that deserves broad community support — not just among East Oahu residents. The entire state and its visitors stand to benefit if the coast remains undeveloped.