An area of the 8.6 acres of Hamoa lands recently acquired by the Hana-based nonprofit Ke Ao Hali‘i is shown. The land is concentrated with important Native Hawaiian cultural sites. Photos courtesy Hawai‘i Land Trust
A Hana-based nonprofit has completed the purchase of 8.6 acres of Hamoa lands for permanent cultural preservation and stewardship, the latest step in the organization’s long-term plan to preserve 150 acres of East Maui coastal lands.
The Hamoa lands are located on Haneoo Road just above Hamoa Beach. In the past they were used for pasture, and the lands are concentrated with cultural sites where alii lived due to the nearby heiau, loko (fishponds), surf and rich soil for agriculture, according to a news release.
The 8.6-acre acquisition by Ke Ao Hali’i is part of the Save Hana Coast campaign and builds on the nonprofit’s commitment to reconnect generational families and the community to aina, informed by cultural practice and protocol, the news release said. These lands also provide an ideal space for Ke Ao Hali’i to create an aina stewardship headquarters and gathering area for the local community.
Maui County contributed $800,000 and the state Legacy Land Conservation Program put $247,500 toward the purchase. Community members also donated countless hours of in-kind services.
A map shows the undeveloped coastal lands that a Hana-based nonprofit has been working with the Hawai‘i Land Trust and the state and the county to preserve.
“The people of Hana, Maui live in deep connection with the ‘aina,” said Mary Ann L. K. Kahana, a member of the Ke Ao Hali’i Board of Directors. “This is just a small portion of the lands that need to be protected. Ke Ao Hali’i has been blessed to be trusted with sacred lands, critical landscapes such as Hamoa complex that holds historical significant value to the Hana people, especially with Hale O Lono and Kaluanui heiau nearby.”
Kahana thanked the Hawai’i Land Trust, the county, state and private landowners for their support.
The Save Hana Coast campaign spans two decades of efforts by landowners, Maui County’s Open Space Program, the state Legacy Land Conservation Program, the Hawai’i Land Trust and the Hana community.
In 2002, the land trust worked with landowner Hana Ranch to protect 46 acres at Makaalae fronting Pohakuloa Bay, adding another 14 acres in the area with conservation easements in 2014, according to the news release.
In 2018, Ke Ao Hali’i was created to protect undeveloped, open space lands in Hana. The community-based nonprofit completed its first purchase of 27 acres at Mokae overlooking Hamoa Beach in partnership with the land trust, the state and county in 2020.
Ke Ao Hali’i, with the help of the land trust, the state and the county, next acquired another 30 acres at Makaalae in 2021 and 33 more acres in 2022. Protected lands under the nonprofit’s care grew earlier this year when HRP Hana donated another 60 acres that had been previously protected under a conservation easement.
“Mindful protection of our ‘aina is critical now, perhaps more so than ever before,” said state Rep. Mahina Poepoe, whose House District 13 includes Hana. “Supporting the Legacy Land Conservation Program, as well as community organizations committed to cultural and ecological preservation and undeveloped open spaces, is a priority we must not disregard. This significant milestone establishes a precedent for future wise stewardship of all our sacred lands, which must be replicated throughout our State.”
Maui County Council Member Shane Sinenci, who holds the East Maui residency seat, expressed “great appreciation for Ke Ao Hali’i.”
“Their willingness to take on the kuleana to acquire, manage and malama our culturally important lands strengthens our community by helping to ensure our cultural heritage is honored and protected,” Sinenci said.
-
- An area of the 8.6 acres of Hamoa lands recently acquired by the Hana-based nonprofit Ke Ao Hali‘i is shown. The land is concentrated with important Native Hawaiian cultural sites. Photos courtesy Hawai‘i Land Trust
-
- A map shows the undeveloped coastal lands that a Hana-based nonprofit has been working with the Hawai‘i Land Trust and the state and the county to preserve.
