ANCIENT TRAIL PROTECTION AND ACCESS SUBJECT OF BILL BEFORE LEGISLATURE

(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009)

The state legislature is considering a bill that would study the feasibility of designating the ancient Pi’ilani trail from Kaupo to Kapalua as a Hawaiian coastal cultural heritage corridor. In addition to repairs and preservation, the measure also seeks consideration to open the trail to the public for lateral access as a walking trail. The bill was introduced by Rep. Joe Bertram III of South Maui who has been an advocate of walkable, bikable communities. Construction of the Alaloa trail began in the 14-th century, and when complete, stretched 138 miles around the entire island of Maui. The trail links villages and heiau of coastal communities around the island.

The complete text of the bill is as follows:

Report Title:

Walking Trails; Pi`ilani Trail; Feasibility Study

Description:

Request the Na Ala Hele program under the department of land and natural resources to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Pi`ilani trail from Kaupo to Kapalua as an important Hawaiian coastal cultural heritage corridor and opening the trail to the public.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to WALKING trails.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes the importance of walking trails as part of Hawaii’s natural resources and cultural heritage. The Alaloa trail on the island of Maui, also known as the King’s Highway, is an ancient trail that encircled the island of Maui, connecting villages and heiau scattered on Maui’s coastal areas. King Pi`ilani, a fourteenth-century chief of East Maui and the Hana districts, began the construction of the Alaloa trail, which was completed by his son. Stretching more than one hundred thirty-eight miles around Maui, it became the only ancient highway to encircle the coastline of any of the Hawaiian islands. Recent efforts by Hoaloha Aina in south Maui and Kapalua Resort in west Maui to establish this trail, and efforts by Edna Behert and the Patsy Mink Heritage Park to preserve the corridor need to be coordinated.

The purpose of this Act is to direct the Na Ala Hele program under the department of land and natural resources to designate all public lands from Kaupo to Kapalua along the Pi`ilani trail as an important Hawaiian coastal cultural heritage corridor and incorporating the trail as lateral access.

SECTION 2. (a) The Na Ala Hele program under the department of land and natural resources shall designate all public lands from Kaupo to Kapalua along the Pi`ilani trail as an important Hawaiian coastal cultural heritage corridor. The establishment, repair, and preservation of a trail for public use shall be explored.

(b) The study shall include the following:

(1) An inventory, mapping, and safety assessment of the Pi`ilani trail;

(2) Feasibility of opening the Pi`ilani trail from Kaupo to Kapalua for public use, including obtaining input from private landowners adjacent to and nearby the trail;

(3) Incorporating current public and private partnerships, including Hoaloha Aina and Maui Land and Pine; and

(4) A cost assessment for the State to repair, to acquire any land for, and to maintain the trail for public use and designate it as a cultural heritage corridor.

(c) The Na Ala Hele program shall submit a written report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations, including a proposed budget, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2010 regular session.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.