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Maui County has purchased nearly 270 acres of former pineapple plantation land near the famous “Jaws” surf break for $9.49 million, according to an announcement from the Mayor’s Office.
The 267.74 acres near Peahi in East Maui has four lots and includes a heiau and an access easement to the Jaws lookout, the office reported.
The county purchased the land with money from the Open Space, Natural Resources and Scenic Views Preservation Fund. Money for the purchase was budgeted for fiscal 2016-17.
On Sept. 2, the County Council approved a resolution authorizing the purchase. The property had been owned by Alexander & Baldwin.
Mayor Alan Arakawa agreed to the purchase “in the spirit of cooperation,” his office said, although he expressed some reservations.
“There are questions that remain about public access for sporting events at Jaws, water issues, land maintenance as well as other concerns,” he said. “However, the council felt strongly enough about this purchase that they approved $9.5 million to be included in the budget, coupled with the fact that many members of our community say they want to start farming organically. So, if they say they are willing to deal with the challenges this land presents, I am willing to support the purchase.”
During committee discussion of the land purchase, concerns were raised about the cost of developing the area, which lacks water and electrical service. Some pointed out that homeless people are in the area, which has been used at times as a dumping ground for abandoned vehicles.
The mayor asked Council Members Don Guzman and Elle Cochran to come up with a master plan for the area, which the council refers to as the “Hamakualoa Open Space Park Preserve.” The preserve will include the community’s first Organic Agricultural Park.
The Mayor’s Office referred questions about planning for the preserve and/or organic ag park to Guzman at 270-5501 or Cochran at 270-5504.