A 17-acre stretch of coastline on Kauaʻi’s North Shore is now protected for public access and long-term conservation, with philanthropic support from Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg helping fund its ongoing stewardship. Kāhili Beach Preserve, also known locally as Rock Quarry, includes a windswept beach, the mouth of Kīlauea Stream and important riparian areas. The Hawaiʻi Land Trust owns the preserve and holds it in perpetuity. Chan and Zuckerberg did not acquire the property themselves. Instead, their endowed gift through the Chan Zuckerberg Kauaʻi Community Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation supports the long-term care of land that was first protected through a private donation in 2003 and later expanded by HILT. The preserve now combines public beach access, habitat protection, restoration and community stewardship. The preserve’s protection means the coastline will remain available for community use while its natural areas continue to be managed for conservation. The long-term stewardship funding also provides support for maintaining the land rather than simply securing its legal protection.
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