HILO, Hawaii — Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi’s plan to sell 737 acres of land to help balance the Hawaii County budget has hit a snag.

Members of the county council’s Finance Committee want the county corporation counsel’s office to nail down exactly who owns the land above Paauilo.
Deputy Corporation Counsel Gerald Takase told the committee at a Tuesday meeting that based on information provided by a title research company, the county owns the land.
But some Native Hawaiians at the meeting said they have paperwork to prove their ancestors owned the land long ago.
South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford and Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole want the Native Hawaiians to talk over their case with Takase’s office.
County officials say the land is worth $8 million.
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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, www.hilohawaiitribune.com