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Diamond Head State Monument Foundation is Formed to Beautify the Historical Monument

by MICHELE VAN HESSEN
Sun Correspondent
Archived December 2007 article

The Diamond Head State Monument Foundation (DHSMF) is a nonprofit foundation that has been formed from an amalgamation of a number of groups including: Friends of Diamond Head and Diamond Head Citizens Advisory Committee. The Foundation will continue to receive financial support from the East Diamond Head Association, Muriel Flanders Beautification Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation and hopefully many others. All the funds received by the Foundation will be used for improvements to the Diamond Head environs and inside Diamond Head Crater in accordance with the Diamond Head Master Plan. The DHSMF will soon be entering into a curator type agreement with the State DLNR. Their first main effort is the beautification of Diamond Head Road.

Drivers on Diamond Head Road can see where rock fall mitigation needs to be done. Representative Barbara Marumoto has been actively lobbying every year for the betterment of the historical monument and the surrounding areas. These efforts were due in part to Governor Lingle's release of $700,000 from last year's budget and $2 million this year to perform rock fall mitigation inside the crater, especially above trails, which also included the outer slopes of the Monument. The improvements will protect locals, visitors and homeowners.

Kalanianaole drivers may notice an improvement when passing Laukahi Street in Waialae Iki. The Department of Transportation (DOT) removed several iron posts that were remnants of a long-gone chain link fence. The DOT also removed another chain link fence closer to Kalani High School. Volunteers from Waialae Iki also planted naupaka and two Manila palm trees on the private property at the corner.

The appearance along this stretch of Diamond Head Road is particularly important. Residents from around the island frequently pass to sightsee and to enjoy the surf. Numerous tourists, the Honolulu Marathon and the Century Bike Ride, also pass this area. Diamond Head is truly the most recognized symbol of our state and we can take pride in maintaining the area.

Anyone interested in helping to beautify Diamond Head should contact Clark Hatch, President of DHSMF by e-mail: hatch@hawaii.rr.com. Representative Barbara Marumoto may also be contacted by calling (808) 568-6310 or e-mailing repmarumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov.

Mahalo and Mele Kalikimaka to the community for its continued support.