WAIMEA, Oahu, Hawaii -- An out of court settlement helped to save Waimea Valley from development. Now the new owner, the Office of Hawaii Affairs, faces millions of dollars in management and maintenance fees to keep the valley pristine.

Many people on Oahu's North Shore say the price is worth it.

Hiker Sue Cortes stopped to admire the beauty of the centerpiece of Waimea Valley on Saturday.

"I am very excited. When I read this morning's paper and got the good news, it just really warmed my heart," Cortes said.

Cortes was overjoyed that the city and other partners are purchasing the valley from developer Christian Woffer for $14 million.

Tate Antolini Newfield, who was at Waimea Valley with his mother, said it is a relief.

"Now we can enjoy, be happy. We don't got to be worried," he said.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will assume ownership. The Audubon Society, which manages the site, now, will continue to manage the valley.

"It is a very daunting task for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs," OHA Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona said.

OHA will assume maintenance costs that can soar to $600,000 a year. There are also a number of repairs that must be completed including buildings and potholed roads.

"The reality is the park has been badly maintained for years," said Scott Foster, of Stewards of Waimea Valley.

Foster said his organization will help OHA by fundraising and providing volunteers to do repairs.

Besides the costly maintenance, another issue for OHA in the future will be whether it will allow archaeological excavations of what are thought to be hundreds of sites farther up the valley that have not been surveyed.

OHA will also have to worry about insurance for liability from possible rock falls.