HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

191

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

Requesting the state to protect and preserve the ahupuaa surrounding Na Wai Eha in Maui.

 

 

     WHEREAS, the ahupuaa surrounding Na Wai Eha in Maui, including Wailuku, Waiehu, Ahikulu, and Waihee, is of considerable cultural significance and should be preserved and protected against future development; and

 

     WHEREAS, the mountains of Na Wai Eha are home to several burial sites and three historic heiau located in Wailuku and the mountain ridges of Polipoli and Mauna Alani; and

 

     WHEREAS, ancient Hawaiian boundary stones in the area were purposely aligned to delineate the ahupuaa surrounding Na Wai Eha and protect the area from trespassers; and

 

     WHEREAS, any permitted development, including alterations to the land made in anticipation of recreational use, in the areas surrounding Na Wai Eha would result in unwelcome disturbances to the ancient burial sites and heiau; and

 

     WHEREAS, the waters of Na Wai Eha have been diverted for more than a century to irrigate sugar plantations; development in the area of Na Wai Eha should be curbed to recharge the streamflow to the ground water supply that sustains more than half of Maui's residents and visitors; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state and county agencies are requested to do everything within their respective areas of responsibility to protect and preserve the ahupuaa surrounding Na Wai Eha in Maui, including Wailuku, Waiehu, Ahikulu, and Waihee; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature supports the curbing of development and recreational use of the lands in the ahupuaa surrounding Na Wai Eha; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Chairperson of the Commission on Water Resource Management, the Mayor of Maui, and the Chairperson of the Maui County Council.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Na Wai Eha; Protection and Preservation Against Development