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The Maui News
Maui County is looking to acquire and preserve about 545 acres in Waiale after the discovery of na iwi kupuna, or ancestral remains, on the property.
The lands were originally intended for attainable housing and affordable rental units. However, Native Hawaiian advocacy groups were critical of the proposed development plan because of historic Hawaiian burials in the area, the county said. Janet Six, principal archaeologist for Maui County, recommended reconsideration of the plans after confirming the findings of iwi kupuna.
"After listening to the community, I've concluded the best use for this 'aina is to dedicate it to the preservation and perpetuation of its cultural significance," Mayor Michael Victorino said in a news release Thursday. "I've since asked members of Malama Kakanilua to lead a working group to advise the county on appropriate land uses for the benefit our community. Maui County residents can rest assured this will not deter us from acquiring other lands to develop attainable housing for our working people."
Victorino is proposing to amend the authorization of Maui County bonds to include the acquisition of the property. The administration is negotiating a purchase from A&B Properties.
"I want to thank Mayor Victorino for doing the right thing after learning about the concentration of burials in the area as evidenced by historic records," said Clare Apana, president of Malama Kakanilua. "Our plan calls for restoring the land to native dryland forest, as it was prior to the introduction of invasive kiawe trees. We also plan to reestablish traditional cultural plants, including specific trees to honor the ancient warriors who fell in battles in the area."