Eagle Scout Leads Cleanup of Maui’s Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau

A community volunteer project to clean and beautify a significant Hawaiian cultural site in central Maui was accomplished last weekend, thanks to efforts of an Eagle Scout, members of a local church and others.

A group of at least 40 people turned out on Saturday to support Eagle Scout Mosese Aholelei of Troop 32 with the Piʻilani Ward of Kīhei, in the cleanup of the Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau.

Working non-stop for five hours, the volunteer group made a huge dent in the overgrowth of haole koa, weeds and grass.  The group used chainsaws, weed whackers, commercial chippers and trucks to cut and haul away the green waste.

Larry Pacheco, Maui State Parks superintendent said, “We want to recognize Mosese, his family, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – Piʻilani Tongan Ward, and the commercial landscape companies that turned out with their own equipment and did an incredible job volunteering their time and expertise to beautify the area.”

Bishop Talaiasi Aholelei, older brother of Mosese, said that they all came to support Mosese, his Eagle Scout project, and the entire community. “This area is very important and significant to the Hawaiian people, and they were glad that they could be a part of cleaning it up for all to see and enjoy,” added Pacheco.

“It is estimated that if we had to procure these services, we would have had to pay between $20,000 to $30,000. We really need to recognize this organization for the work they did, and the kōkua of companies that included: Pacific ʻOhana Masonry and Landscaping, Pua ʻOhana Landscaping, Wailea Trees and Landscaping, Royal Pacific Landscape, and Maui Tree Service,” he said.

Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau is managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks. Featuring a viewpoint of central Maui, it is the site of the remains of two important heiau that were rededicated as war temples by Kahekili, Maui’s last ruling chief.

A group of at least 40 people turned out on to support Eagle Scouts in cleaning the Halekiʻi – Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. Pre clean-up PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

A group of at least 40 people turned out on to support Eagle Scouts in cleaning the Halekiʻi – Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. Pre clean-up PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

A group of at least 40 people turned out on to support Eagle Scouts in cleaning the Halekiʻi – Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

Bishop Talaiasi Aholelei and Mosese Aholelei. A group of at least 40 people turned out on to support Eagle Scouts in cleaning the Halekiʻi – Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

A group of at least 40 people turned out on to support Eagle Scouts in cleaning the Halekiʻi – Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. Post clean-up PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.

A group of at least 40 people turned out on to support Eagle Scouts in cleaning the Halekiʻi – Pihana Heiau in Wailuku. Post clean-up PC: Hawaiʻi DLNR.