Preserves access to the Poamoho ridge trail by authorizing the department of land and natural resources to condemn the land for the trail and for the adjacent hunting area C access roads.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii trails are important to allow residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii, and they offer access to valuable recreation for hiking and hunting. The Poamoho ridge trail on the windward side of Oahu is a Hawaii trail that has unfortunately been cut off from public access by a private landowner. The legislature believes that it is important that access to this and other Hawaii trails remain open for recreation, study, and cultural appreciation.

The purpose of this Act is to ensure that there is access to the Poamoho ridge trail.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources shall use its eminent domain powers to institute condemnation proceedings to purchase the lands for the Poamoho ridge trail and the adjacent hunting area C access roads on the island of Oahu.

The acquisition of these lands is necessary to preserve, protect, and provide public access to this historical trail.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, to acquire lands by eminent domain for the Poamoho ridge trail and adjacent hunting area C access roads.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.