BY LOUISE ROCKETT , Lahaina News
WEST MAUI - "Now, therefore, I, Shan S. Tsutsui, acting governor of the State of Hawaii, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2014, as Lipoa Point Day in Hawaii."
This was a proclamation heard around the world.
Congratulations and celebrate, West Maui - a miracle has happened.
It's official. Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc. has conveyed approximately 250 coastal acres stretching along the rugged northwest shoreline from Honolua to Honokohau to the State of Hawaii for $19.5 million.
"It's huge. This is the realization of a dream that everybody had," beamed a very proud State Rep. Angus McKelvey.
State Sen. Roz Baker was equally pleased.
"This acquisition action, which culminates today, will ensure the protection and preservation of one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii while securing pension benefits for 1,600 retirees of the former Maui Land and Pineapple Inc. (MLP). This was all made possible with the passage of Act 241, which the Maui delegation and our colleagues at the legislature strongly supported.
"These lands hold important historical and archaeological sites and sits above a nationally recognized marine reserve. I am proud of the work that we have done to preserve these lands for our future generations to experience and enjoy, and that the funding set aside by this act goes to preserve pension benefits for many MLP and International Longshore & Warehouse Union retirees," Baker observed.
The road to preservation was not always clear.
In 2007, in response to the threat of the development of 40 homes and a golf course along the pristine shoreline, the powerful Save Honolua Coalition (SHC) was formed, and the march toward preservation began.
A groundswell of support came from all quarters - environmentalists, surfers, students, marine biologists, snorkelers, legislators and open space advocates.
Honolua Bay is a world-class surf spot and federal marine preserve.
Petitions were signed, placards were waved, bumper stickers and T-shirts were made and hours upon hours of testimony were heard.
All along, the message was loud and clear; and our county and state elected government representatives heard the collective plea: Save Honolua!
The county acted first, kick-starting preservation efforts in 2008 with a $1 million appropriation.
Our state lawmakers responded in 2013 with House Bill 1424, introduced by Representatives McKelvey, Mele Carroll, Kaniela Ing, Joe Souki, Kyle Yamashita and Justin Woodson.
It was signed into law (Act 241) by Gov. Neil Abercrombie mid-2013 in Wailea. Read more...
