The six families living in Kahana Valley Park without residential leases won't be evicted by the state while the 2009 Legislature considers revisions to the law to address the issue, Department of Land and Resources chairwoman Laura H. Thielen announced today.

"We have been working with legislators, some Kahana Valley residents and a member of the original park planning group to identify solutions that would meet the needs of the six families," Thielen said in a released statement.

DLNR had offered to relocate all six families to the residential area of the park. This offer was refused.

"Although we could not resolve this issue with the six families, we are encouraged it will be addressed during the 2009 legislative session," said Thielen, "We trust the Legislature will continue to respect the basic foundation of the public's right to access state parks, keep residential areas separated from the public areas and make Kahana Valley a public park that welcomes and enriches all residents and visitors of Hawai'i."