Haleakala park may grow

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — Haleakala National Park is considering adding to its acreage a sprawling East Maui ranch that stretches from its boundary on the rim of Haleakala Crater to the ocean near Kaupo.

The owner of the Nu'u Ranch, the Estate of James Campbell, has approached the park about buying the 4,340 acres, and the park has added the acreage to its land protection plan, which was approved by the regional director of the National Park Service in June. The park covers more than 30,000 acres now.

The Maui County Council last week approved a resolution supporting park expansion, and a group of land conservationists — including the Maui Coastal Land Trust and The Trust for Public Lands — have met to discuss ways to ensure that the land winds up in the national park.

"Our goal is to have it protected, and the park is the natural to be the overseer there," said Dale Bonar, executive director of the Maui Coastal Land Trust.

The property, which was acquired by James Campbell more than 100 years ago and is leased to Kaupo Ranch for cattle ranching, was initially listed two years ago for $6.51 million but is being offered for $3.8 million, said Haleakala Superintendent Don Reeser.

"It's the deal of the century. Incredible," Bonar said. "An extremely attractive price and a tremendous bargain for the 4,300 acres."

Configured in the traditional Hawaiian ahupua'a, the property features a half-mile of ocean shoreline and lands that extend to the 7,600-foot elevation at the high southern boundary of Haleakala National Park. Almost half of the 4,340 acres are in the state Conservation District, while the other half are in the state Agricultural District.

Reeser said the land contains Hawaiian archaeological sites, spectacular vistas and the remnants of Hawaiian wiliwili and koa forests. The parcel is a key piece of the recently established Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership, which seeks to restore the area's koa forests.

Reeser said the land also provides an important connection to three miles of coastal frontage from Nu'u Bay to Kou. It's an area known for its endangered water bird habitat, Hawaiian petroglyphs and significant archaeological and historic resources. Acquisition of the Nu'u Ranch could lead to acquisition of the Nu'u Bay area as well, he said.

The National Park Service, he said, will conduct a land appraisal and title search, with a sale requiring an appropriation by Congress.