Hawaii County has agreed to buy Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park on the Big Island, a win for residents and visitors who wanted the shoreline kept in public hands.

• The county will pay $1.46 million for the 7-acre property.
• The deal keeps the beach park open to the public instead of opening it to private development.
• Mayor Kimo Alameda announced the agreement, which also commits the county to fixing traffic problems along the nearby loop road.
• Punaluu is one of Hawaii's best-known black sand beaches and a popular stop for turtle watching.

Outlook: The purchase still needs to close, after which the county takes on upkeep and the promised traffic fixes.