Posted at 5:27 p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Acquisition expands Haleakala Park by 4,100 acres
Advertiser Staff
The acquisition of undeveloped Nu'u Ranch land will expand Haleakala National Park by 4,100 acres from the rim of the crater at the 6,000 feet elevation to the south coast of Kaupo, Maui.The expansion provides critical habitat for rare birds and animals and includes several significant Hawaiian cultural sites, park officials said in a news release announcing the acquisition.
The Conservation Fund negotiated the purchase of the property from the James Campbell Company with $3.3 million funding secured by Hawai'i's congressional delegation rom the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.
"The land is now open for public use and enjoyment for the first time in more than 100 years and we are pleased to have been able to play a role in placing this land in the public trust forever," said Campbell Company CEO Steve MacMillan.
"This ahupua'a (land division) extends from the mountains to the sea and contains the diverse resources Native Hawaiians needed for survival," said U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka.
Akaka added, "Today, this ahupua'a is important for the preservation of our cultural history and environment which is truly unique. As a result of this partnership, this special piece of our heritage and 'aina (land) will be preserved so that it may be experienced by both kama'aina (residents) and visitors of Hawaii for generations to come."
Significant portions of the property contain remnants of the native koa forest ecosystem that once dominated the island, providing critical habitat for rare native bird species. Lower elevations have intact, dry wiliwili forests, habitat for the endangered Blackburn's sphinx moth and Hawaiian hoary bat.
Rich in cultural traditions, the lands now comprising Haleakala National Park have played an important role in the lives of the Native Hawaiians for more than 1,200 years. Important cultural places and sites are found within the Summit and Kipahulu areas and are spoken of in numerous Hawaiian mele (songs/chants) and legends. The newly protected lands have cultural sites including heiau or ancient Hawaiian temples.
