A self-storage operator is helping protect more than 2,000 acres of agriculture land in Hawaii from being developed.

Ed Olson, chairman of A-American Storage Management Co. Inc., has entered into a voluntary conservation easement agreement with the newly formed Hawaiian Islands Land Trust to protect 1,276 acres of land on the slopes of Oahu's Waianae mountains. The agreement also covers 907 acres in the Big Island's Kau district.

No development, including homes, commercial, roads or power lines will be permitted. Most of the acreage is currently used by three small ranchers, who will continue to lease the land.

Olson serves on the Hawaiian Islands Program Advisory Board for The Trust for Public Land, a national, nonprofit land-conservation organization. Hes also a partner in O.K. Farms LLC on the island of Hawai'i. The farm produces coffee, macadamia nuts, honey, tropical fruits, avocados, citrus, and hearts of palm.

The non-profit Hawaiian Islands Land Trust oversees stewardship and protection of over 17,400 acres across the state.

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