Maui resolution would
preserve historical area

The move authorizes the county
to buy land to stop development

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By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

WAILUKU >> Maui County lawmakers appear ready to stop a shopping center development as they try to preserve a Lahaina area once used as a private pond and residence by Hawaiian royalty.

Council members passed out of a budget committee a resolution authorizing the county to spend up to $4 million to buy a parcel planned for the Harbor Village shopping center.

A substantial part of the proposed shopping center parking lot extends over the former Mokuhinia Pond, where Kamehameha I lived on Mokuula islet, according to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

The pond was filled in with dirt more than a half century ago, and two houses used as businesses currently sit on the proposed shopping center site.

Several native Hawaiian groups have opposed the shopping center project because they fear it could affect future plans for restoring the pond and islet.

"I am very happy with the council and the administration's commitment to ... the preservation of a very important place," said Akoni Akana, executive director of the Friends of Mokuula, a group advocating the historic restoration.

Ezekiela Kalua, executive director of the West Maui Taxpayers Association, said his group representing 3,500 members believes restoration of the pond and island would benefit Maui culturally and economically.

Six council members were in favor yesterday of sending the resolution to the full nine-member council.

Only five votes are needed to pass the resolution when the council meets on June 21.

Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana's administration estimated the price may be as high as $4 million for the 18,912-square-foot parcel.

Council members indicated they planned to look at buying an adjacent parcel owned by the Catholic Church and another by a private group.

Harbor Village official Terry Lee was unavailable for comment.