KAILUA — A Hawaiian environmental group will become curator for Na Pohaku O Hauwahine, a significant cultural site in Kawai Nui Marsh, under an agreement with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The action follows seven years of stewardship of the site by 'Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, which has invested more than $170,000 worth of community volunteer labor and $200,000 in grants, said Chuck Burrows, president of 'Ahahui. There are only 12 such groups in the Islands.

'Ahahui, established in 1996, sought the designation after the state Land Division proposed a $2,000-a-month fee for the group to continue its activities there, including preserving the site, restoring it to its natural condition and conducting guided tours, Burrows said.

"Under the curatorship agreement, it's doing what we were doing in the past but not paying the money for it," he said.

Burrows said the group also is working to re-establish taro fields below the Ulupo Heiau in the marsh, and hopes to become the curator of those fields.

Na Pohaku O Hauwahine is a huge rock outcropping where legend says the guardian spirit of the pond resides at times. The 12-acre site provides a panoramic view of the marsh and Kailua.

The property, owned by DLNR, was managed by its Land Division until earlier this year when management was transferred to DLNR's Division of State Parks. Curator status can only be granted for lands managed by the parks division.

The state's Curator Program began in 1987 as a joint effort with the Historic Preservation Division to give citizens greater opportunities in maintaining significant cultural and natural resources, protecting them from vandalism, natural forces and unintentional human damage, said Daniel Quinn, state parks administrator. The program also provides more public access to the sites and resources.

In supporting 'Ahahui's bid to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources last month, Quinn said a 1994 marsh master plan recommended the site be designed as a scenic overlook with trails and viewing platforms, and that the native dry land forest ecosystem be restored.

The nonprofit organization has done that and has also installed a $13,000 water-catchment system, sponsored regular workdays and led tours for interested groups, he said.

"Today, Na Pohaku offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to see and learn about Hawai'i's endangered water birds and the plants of the marsh, to hear the mo'olelo (stories) of Kawai Nui, and to understand the geological and natural history of the ahupua'a," he said.

The group will sign a five-year contract that outlines responsibilities that include expanding the restoration efforts, broadening the educational and interpretive program, exploring options to implement other aspects of the 1994 master plan and developing a long-term management strategy for Na Pohaku, Quinn said.

Peter Young, chairman of the BLNR, said the department seeks partnerships with community groups to care for and manage the state's valued historic and cultural sites.

"Organizations such as 'Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi have demonstrated their commitment to preservation of Hawaiian culture and native ecosystem, and working with DLNR for long-term management," said Young, who is also director for the DLNR. "We appreciate their assistance and hard work and commitment to Na Pohaku O Hauwahine. Their restoration efforts, partnerships with wildlife management agencies, and educational and interpretive programs, stand as commendable examples of how communities can help make Hawai'i a great place to live."

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.