Hundreds of acres in North Kohala, rich in cultural sites and once slated for development, have been approved for purchase to be preserved and protected.
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously approved an agreement on April 22 to subgrant a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Land Acquisition Grant between the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Hawaii Land Trust to acquire lands in Mahukona.
The agreement provides $4 million for the acquisition of fee title to real property totaling 642 acres in North Kohala.
“It is a beautiful spot and it is a very rich spot and as you can tell we’re all very happy that you’re able to do this land protection project and work with the community closely on caring for it,” said board chairperson Suzanne Case before the unanimous vote approving the subgrant was rendered by the board.
The Mahukona Navigational and Cultural Preserve is part of a coastal ecosystem encompassing the ancient Kohala Field System between Lapakahi State Historical and Kapa’a Beach parks, both properties owned by the state. Mahukona contains many federal- and state-listed species and is strategically important for regional invasive species control.
According to the Hawaii Land Trust, the Mahukona Navigation Cultural Complex has been slated for a resort development for years, but the Kohala community has long hoped for the land’s protection.
Mahukona is a historic training ground for traditional Hawaiian navigators. The lands include hundreds of ancient cultural sites including Koa Heiau Holomoana, an ancient site of worship revered by navigators from all over the Pacific. Mahukona’s clear night skies, free from light pollution, allow for star study, and the combination of its calm bay and rough deep ocean waters create the ideal environment to train young navigators. Today, the nonprofit Na Kalai Waa teaches the next generation of navigators at Mahukona, and drydocks the traditional canoe Makalii on site.
The trust is working with the Kohala community and Na Kalai Waa, the current stewards of Koa Heiau Holomoana, to ensure the land remains undeveloped, available for public coastal trail access and education, and an active place of Hawaiian cultural practice. The trust and the current private landowner have already signed an agreement to purchase the land.
In addition to the $4 million grant, the trust has secured $8 million in matching grants from the County of Hawaii to purchase Mahukona, as well as secured a $3 million Legacy Land Conservation Program grant and private contributions for costs for staff and operations to ensure a successful acquisition and for future stewardship.
The 642-acre Mahukona property includes the coastal regions of six ahupuaa (historic land divisions), from north to south – Kapaʻa Nui, Kou, Kamano, Mahukona, Hihiu, and Kaoma.
To date, 175 ancient cultural sites have been identified including four heiau, agricultural and housing villages and complexes, shrines, burials, and ancient trails including the alaloa. In addition to the ancient sites, many historic sites from when Mahukona harbor was the main sugar plantation port, and much of the land was ranched remain from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
“The Kohala community and partners are committed to preserving and sharing the stories and traditions of Mahukona from ka wa kahiko (ancient times) to the rise of sugar and ranching, to the restoration and revitalization efforts happening at Mahukona today,” the website states.
Once protected, the land will be owned by the trust for the community’s benefit.
“We look forward to this once in a lifetime opportunity to protect and ensure generational stewardship of such a special place—a huge win for all,” Shae Kamakaala, director of Aina Protection and General Counsel for the Hawaii Land Trust.