The Size of Maha`ulepu

How large is the area that Malama Maha`ulepu wants to preserve?

The ahupua`a or watershed of Maha`ulepu is about 2700 acres. The land is classified conservation (1100 acres) and agricultural (1600 acres). Although the coastal area is most beloved and critical, preservation of the whole area would continue to allow continuation of agriculture, wetland restoration, buffer coastal resources and build upon the legacy of Kipu Kai. Kipu Kai is the adjacent watershed that is deeded to become a state preserve.

We also hope to preserve about 300 acres of important coastal land between Maha`ulepu and the Po`ipu Bay Golf course. This area contains the Makauwahi sinkhole, Kapunakea pond and the Waiopili heiau.

National Park Service (NPS) Reconnaissance Survey
A National Park Service (NPS) Reconnaissance Survey, completed in February 2008, has found Maha`ulepu to be worthy of protection. The study determined that this area is significant (worthy of protection), suitable (there is nothing like it in the federal park system, and feasible (it could be managed).

Based on preliminary evaluations, the National park Service Pacific West Region recommends that a Special Resources Study be authorized under these stipulations of Public Law 105-391, so long as it focuses on non traditional management alternatives that involve local partners and b) include options for continued farm and ranch operations on private agricultural lands.

We are excited that the study looked at more than Maha`ulepu. The study took a regional look at the resources of lands and waters emanating from Mt. Ha`upu.

The NPS Reconnaissance Study is a first step in what could become, with public support and Congressional approval, a deeper study and large public process to consider many options - not only federal but state, county, private - for protecting the natural, cultural, agricultural and recreational resources between two growing urban areas.

Malama Maha`ulepu is very grateful to Senator Daniel K. Inouye, the Park Service study team and to Grove Farm, Inc. and other landowners who graciously cooperated with the field study team.

To learn criteria for new national parklands and the public process for park creation, go to http://www.nps.gov/legacy/criteria.html.

Click here to view the Maha`ulepu Reconnaissance study.