Video by David Corrigan, Voice of Stephanie Salazar

HAWI, Hawaii – On Tuesday, the full Hawaii County Council passed a resolution to negotiate for the purchase of the Banyan Tree Park location in Hawi for public open space.

The one-acre parcel was listed on the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources priority list for 2013. North Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille introduced the measure.

This time around, the council heard some testimony in opposition to the open space purchase. Some business interests in Hawi would rather see the open space be developed as a compliment to the downtown shops and galleries. David Lukas and Shelly White, the owners of the property, were on hand via video conference to answer questions.

Map of the Banyan Tree Park area taken from the 2013 PONC Report to the Mayor

Councilman Dru Kanuha reminded the public that passing the resolution does not make the acquisition a done deal.