PAPAIKOU, Hawaii – The community met in Papaikou on Tuesday evening to talk about the eminent domain proceedings to acquire the trail to Papaikou Mill Beach.

The trail has been a huge point of contention between locals who have used the shoreline access for generations, and the landowners who say the trail is their property and can be managed as they see fit. Last year, the Hawaii County Council approved a resolution to go ahead with the taking for public purpose. Recently, the county set a preliminary appraisal for the path at $28,500.

Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter and Corporation counsel Lincoln Ashida answered questions about the process. Also in attendance: former Hamakua Councilman Dominic Yagong, who introduced the resolution to initiate the eminent domain proceedings last year.