HCA Discusses Purchase of 267 acres at Hamakualoa Coast

Photo: Hamakualoa coastal lands: lots 1,3,45 are proposed for purchase in County budget. Credit: Realtor’s Association of Maui via Haʻikū Community Association.

By Maui Now Staff

The Haʻikū Community Association will host a meeting on Thursday, Aug. 20 to gather input and provide updates on: the Kalakupua Playground at Giggle Hill reopening; the County’s plans to purchase more than 260 acres of former pineapple land along the scenic Hamakualoa coastline; and a storm season preparedness presentation by MECO.

The meeting will begin with a talk story session and pūpū at 6 p.m., followed by a presentation of topics from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Haʻikū Community Center.

Kalakupua playground, photo by Wendy Osher.

Members of the HCA Playground Committee will give an update on progress that has been made over the last six months, and the last steps needed to reopen the popular Kalakupua Playground.

Representatives from the Maui County Council and the Mayor’s office have also been invited to answer questions and hear from residents about the proposed Hamakualoa Coast open space purchase.  Members of the Hamakualoa Aha Moku Council were also invited. Maps and a survey on the community’s views of future uses, if the land is acquired, will be available at the meeting.

“We have heard from the public that they value these Hamakualoa coast lands,” said HCA Lands Committee member Ryan Luskin in an organization announcement. “We know they have culturally important gulches and historical farmlands that are part of both our history and our future,” said Luskin.

Public testifiers at County budget hearings described the Hamakualoa land currently being used for traditional fishing and gathering, surfing access, hiking, horseback, bike and motocross riding and viewing of the Peʻahi Point “Jaws” surf spot.

Maui Electric representatives, along with MECO President, Sharon Suzuki, are also be on the meeting agenda, to offer a presentation on MECO storm response and power restoration operations.  They will be on hand to distribute Emergency Preparedness Handbooks and answer community questions.

Haʻikū Community Association represents the interests of citizens of Hamakualoa, from Paʻuwela to Huelo.