Governor to Sign Lipoa Point Acquisition Bill

Honolua Bay. Shaped over years of swell directed by Molokai. File photo: Carlos Rock.

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie is on Maui today where he is expected to sign a bill into law for the acquisition of land parcels at Lipoa Point.

House Bill 1424 is aimed at protecting the area at Honolua Bay in West Maui from potential development.

Under a bill, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources with the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust would work together to acquire the parcel and protect it from development.

The measure also aims to ensure that proceeds of the sale benefit the pension plan of Maui Land and Pineapple Company retirees.

In addition to the governor, Maui lawmakers that will be in attendance for the public bill signing are: House Speaker Joseph M. Souki; Representative Justin Woodson; Representative Kaniela Ing; Representative Angus McKelvey; Representative Mele Carroll; and Representative Kyle T. Yamashita.

The governor will also sign several other bills of interest to Maui County including items relating to small boat harbors, emergency medical services, and the Kahoolawe Island Reserve.