A beautiful limestone cave in Hawaii has been forced to close its doors after funding was blocked by its billionaire landlord, causing a major setback for the reserve.

The Makauwahi Cave Reserve, located on the southern shore of Kauai, has been a hub for both scientific research and tourism for years, thanks to the efforts of paleoecologists David and Lida Burney.

But now, due to financial complications, the reserve’s future is uncertain.

A Vision Turned Oasis

Back in 2004, David and Lida Burney transformed the once-neglected Makauwahi Cave site into a thriving sanctuary.

They established a nonprofit nature park, cleaning up graffiti and restoring the land by introducing over 10,000 native and Polynesian plants.

Their work not only revitalized the area but also attracted up to 80,000 visitors annually, offering guided tours that educated people about the region’s history and ecology.

The Financial Setback

In late October, the Burneys announced they were being forced to sell the reserve due to the cancellation of critical funding.

Their landlord, Grove Farm, which is owned by billionaire Stephen Case, blocked a $2.3 million conservation grant from the Department of Defense and a state grant of $260,000.

Grove Farm had cited internal changes and a desire to avoid “encumbrances” on the property after switching the lease to a month-to-month agreement.

David Burney explained the financial strain: “We simply can’t run the place without being able to obtain grants.”

Despite their best efforts, including expanding existing grants and relying on small donations, the Burneys couldn’t keep up with the costs of operating the reserve, from staff salaries to maintaining the site.

The End of an Era for the Burneys

After 33 years of dedication to the reserve, the Burneys have now started to turn over the property.

They’ve rehomed the reserve’s 1,000-pound tortoises and given away thousands of native plants.

The couple, now in their 70s, explained that continuing the project was no longer financially feasible, and they could not dip into their personal savings to keep it alive.

The situation marks a painful chapter for the couple, who have poured decades of hard work into preserving this special place.

A Community Concern

The Burneys are not the only ones mourning the reserve’s closure.

Elizabeth Okinaka, a docent at the reserve for over two years, expressed her concern about the site’s future.

“Places like Makauwahi Cave Reserve are truly like no other,” Okinaka said.

“Visitors walk out of there with so much knowledge and more respect for the island.”

She emphasized the importance of balancing tourism with education and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources.

Okinaka also highlighted the Burneys’ critical role in saving the cave from destruction.

Without their dedication, she believes the cave might not have survived to become the educational resource it is today.

Grove Farm’s Plans for the Future

Grove Farm, the land management company that now controls the property, has reassured the public that it intends to preserve the cave as a valuable resource.

A spokesperson stated that a new nonprofit will oversee the cave, continuing its educational and research functions.

They have already reached out to current docents, including Okinaka, to maintain the site’s operations.

However, many remain uncertain about what will happen next.

As David Burney put it, “We had a lot of concern about what’s going to happen next.”

The future of the cave, once a cherished haven for both locals and tourists, now depends on the direction Grove Farm takes.

As the Burneys move on, the community hopes that the legacy of their hard work will be honored, and the cave will continue to serve as an educational and cultural treasure for generations to come.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||»Share on Twitter «||»Share on Reddit «||»