Maui's giant manta rays are threatened. Three scientific publications and a doctoral dissertation describe more than 300 majestic giants that utilize Maui's Olowalu reef habitat for removing parasites, and for social and reproductive behaviors.
This unique habitat is one of a handful in the world but is threatened by the proposed development of Olowalu town, where 1,500 new homes will be built adjacent to the only healthy reef left on Maui's leeward side. Shoreline development has already destroyed 25 to 90 percent of our corals at Kihei, Maalaea and West Maui.
Please be a voice for the manta rays and for the future of the children who will ultimately pay the true cost of this project and tell the Maui County Council to consider an alternative location for Olowalu town. Once the reef is gone, we can't bring it back.
Mark Deakos
Lahaina
