For Immediate News Release: December 21, 2018

DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SOUGHT THROUGH JANUARY 14, 2019

HONOLULU — Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) is one of Hawaii’s most iconic geological features and a significant natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resource. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks (Hawai‘i State Parks), is seeking to improve and diversify the visitor’s experience and recreational opportunities at Diamond Head State Monument. Long-time co-tenant, the State Department of Defense (State DOD), is transferring its areas that are currently closed to the public, inside and outside Diamond Head crater, to the DLNR State Parks for public use. This transfer of previously closed State DOD areas will allow the Department to implement access and improvements identified in the 2003 Diamond Head State Master Plan Update.

The Department is proposing improvements to the Diamond Head State Monument to enhance the visitor experience in and around the crater. One of the first phases of this transfer proposes to open the Kapahulu Tunnel and the adjacent historic structure of Battery Harlow as the sole pedestrian (vehicle free) entrance into Diamond Head crater. The Department seeks your participation in this planning process. Your input is valued, and we would love to hear from you!

Hawai‘i State Parks is starting the new year off with two giveaways each day from Monday, December 24, 2018 through January 14th, 2019. Participating is easy. Enter by visiting the link to our story map below for a chance to win FREE merchandise from the Diamond Head Visitor Center! PBR Hawai‘i will contact the winner via email for delivery of the merchandise. To learn more, visit http://arcg.is/11miOi or http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/

“Diamond Head, or Lē‘ahi, is an iconic monument recognized and associated with Hawai‘i around the world. The State DOD’s transfer of these areas DLNR- Division of State Parks, creates a unique opportunity to improve access and the visitor experience to Diamond Head,” said Division of State Parks Assistant Administrator Alan Carpenter.

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Media contact:

Deborah Ward

Communications Specialist

Hawaii Dept. of Land & Natural Resources

Communications Office

[email protected]

(808) 587-0396 (Communications Office)