Open Space Funds Purchase Haiku Sugar East Lots, Council to Use Lots for a Nature Preserve and Organic Ag Park

News Release from County of Maui September 29, 2016

Wailuku, Maui - As of this morning the County of Maui purchased 267.74 acres of former plantation land for $9.49 million in East Maui, near Peahi. The land consists of four lots and includes a heiau and the access easement to the Jaws lookout.

The land was purchased using money from the Open Space, Natural Resources and Scenic Views Preservation Fund, which was approved unanimously by the County Council earlier this year. In the spirit of cooperation, Mayor Alan Arakawa agreed to the purchase although he expressed some concerns.

"There are questions that remain about public access for sporting events at Jaws, water issues, land maintenance as well as other concerns," said Mayor Arakawa. "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."

The mayor has asked both Councilmember Don Guzman and Councilmember Elle Cochran to come up with a master plan for the area, which Council refers to in the charter as the "Hamakualoa Open Space Park Preserve." The preserve will include the community's first Organic Agricultural Park.

For more information about the purchase or future plans for the preserve and/or organic ag park, please contact either Councilmember Don Guzman at 270-5501, or Councilmember Elle Cochran at 270-5504.

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