$19.5M Released to Protect Līpoa Point from Development

File photo: Carlos Rock.

By Wendy Osher

Governor Neil Abercrombie on Friday released $19.5 million in Capitol Improvement Project funds for the acquisition of Līpoa Point at Honolua in West Maui.

State Representative Angus McKelvey, who represents the West Maui district, introduced House Bill 1424, which was the initial step in seizing the opportunity to secure the iconic landmark.

He joined fellow lawmaker Senator Roz Baker in thanking the community and supporters who provided testimony seeking the preservation and conservation of the lands from the threat of development.

“Without the support of the community through mountains of testimony from those who know and love Līpoa Point this opportunity may have passed. I wholeheartedly thank all of those who fought vigilantly for Honolua Bay,” said McKelvey.

Rep. Angus McKelvey (left) and Sen. Roz Baker (right). File photos by Wendy Osher.

Senator Baker noted that the funds would ensure the preservation of the conservation land in perpetuity.

“Release of these funds means that the state is moving forward with purchasing acreage at Lipoa Point … As stewards of the ʻāina, we had to make every effort to protect our natural resources for future generations,” said Baker.

The multi-millions funding release comes on the heels of a separate $500,000 release in January of 2014 for activities supporting land acquisition, including a title search, property appraisal, and boundary surveys.

The governor also released $1 million for improvements at Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor that will enable the completion of construction on the dock area so that the ferry can operate between Lānaʻi and Māʻalaea, providing additional transportation opportunities between islands.

A $350,000 appropriation was also released for the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor in West Maui. Rep. McKelvey say the fund are, “critical in expanding and fixing the loading dock and other areas in the interior of the harbor so that it can continue to accommodate users of recreational and commercial vessels.”