WAILUKU - The Wailuku Main Street Association has reached a settlement with the National Trust for Historic Preservation that will allow the Maui nonprofit to continue using the "main street" name.
Under the agreement, Wailuku Main Street "will be the exclusive licensee of the Main Street mark in the State of Hawaii for the next 20 years," according to an announcement from the organization. Officials with the National Trust declined to comment.
Wailuku Main Street sued last year after the National Trust Main Street Center sent a "cease and desist" letter telling members of the Wailuku group they were not authorized to use "main street" in their name because they did not meet criteria to be an affiliated program.
According to its announcement, Wailuku Main Street would be licensed to use the "main street" mark, while agreeing to recognize the national organization's trademark rights and follow the terms of the license.
The settlement apparently resolves one of several challenges being faced by the organization.
Wailuku Main Street is being investigated by the state Department of the Attorney General for possible violations of Hawaii's nonprofit laws.
Mayor Alan Arakawa has proposed cutting the organization's grant from the county's budget until the investigation and other disputes are resolved.
And the county Planning Department has refused to release any additional funding from the group's current grant until Wailuku Main Street officials provide more information about how they are using public funds and what they have accomplished.
