Blessing commemorates acquisition of Pōhākea Watershed in Māʻalaea for conservation

A blessing held Wednesday morning commemorated the acquisition of the 257-acre Pōhākea Watershed parcel that was recently purchased for conservation and preservation in Māʻalaea.

Representatives from the County of Maui, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Trust for Public Land and Māʻalaea Village Association were gathered as Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau, head of the County of Maui Office of ʻŌiwi Resources, delivered the blessing for the stewards of the land.

Mayor Richard Bissen thanked those whose efforts that led to acquisition of the parcel. “We appreciate the efforts to preserve Pōhākea and the commitment to conserve this land for the benefit of our community,” Mayor Bissen said.

The County of Maui Open Space Fund contributed $6.2 million, and the State Legacy Land Conservation Program contributed $1 million toward the conservation purchase, which was announced in June.

“This property is a gift to the people of the Maui community from the people of the Maui community,” said Council Member Tom Cook, who holds the South Maui residency seat and who worked to revive funding for the acquisition. “Many, many people have been involved in this effort over the last few years. Now, for many years to come, our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be able to walk and enjoy this property. It recognizes the need to preserve as much of our island home as we can.”

The public purchase enables the new landowner – DLNR and its Division of Forestry and Wildlife – to collaborate with the County of Maui and community stakeholders to reduce wildfire risks, enhance public access to hiking trails, protect cultural and scenic resources, and reduce stormwater runoff and erosion impacting Māʻalaea Bay.

The land, which includes three wells and a 750,000-gallon water tank, is located at the base of Mauna Kahālāwai (West Maui Mountains) and mauka of Māʻalaea Bay.