HONOLULU— The Hawai‘i Board of Land and Natural Resources today approved a landmark agreement that will protect habitat and imperiled species at the Marconi Point Condominium property on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

As part of the agreement, one of the property owners, who had been the subject of an enforcement action, agreed to donate more than 4 acres of coastal land to the North Shore Community Land Trust and remove a wrought iron fence that is dangerous to native species.

“After a challenging and heartbreaking start earlier this year, this decision marks a pivotal moment for the protection of Hawai‘i’s native biodiversity,” said Maxx Phillips, Hawai‘i director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I applaud Yue-Sai Kan for taking a commendable step toward safeguarding our endangered and native species and the places they live. This agreement sets a strong precedent for collaborative conservation efforts.”

The agreement resolves a portion of the significant enforcement actions brought against the property owners by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, which were aimed at protecting habitats crucial to species like the Laysan albatross (mōlī) and the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee (nalo meli maoli).

“The Conservation Council for Hawai‘i commends the board’s decision to prioritize the restoration of critical habitats. This settlement not only benefits our native species but also underscores the importance of private landowners taking their kuleana seriously,” said Jonee Peters, executive director of the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i.

“The Aloha Marconi Alliance is encouraged with the board’s approval of this settlement. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities and the state agencies work together to protect our natural resources. Ms. Kan’s commitment to removing barriers and restoring habitats is a big step in the right direction,” said Denise Antolini, a steering committee member of the Aloha Marconi Alliance.