For immediate release: May 1, 2015
Press release by:
Council Vice-Chair Don S. Guzman
Maui County Council
Guzman proposes preserving North Shore property as open space
WAILUKU, Hawaii – More than a thousand have signed an online petition and about 30 residents testified today in support of Council Vice-Chair Don Guzman’s proposal to appropriate $3.2 million for the county’s acquisition of 312 acres on Maui’s North Shore at Kuiaha, he announced.
The iconic big-wave surf spot known as Jaws is located offshore from Kuiaha, and Guzman said the area is “a landmark with enormous cultural history and significance.” The proposal is being considered by the council’s Budget and Finance Committee, which is deliberating on the fiscal year 2016 budget.
“The proposal received overwhelming community support,” Guzman said. “I want to thank those who made an effort to testify in our committee meeting – in person or via email – urging the council to support this funding.”
Guzman said the oceanfront site, located in the Haiku-Kuiaha area east of Paia, is owned by A&B Properties. Some of today’s testifiers said North Shore beach access is declining because of homes built along the coastline.
While the council approves the budget, only the administration can negotiate with the property owner about the acquisition, Guzman said.
“I urge my colleagues and members of the county administration to recognize the importance of preserving this property, for the sake of our keiki,” Guzman said. “I will do what I can to save this land from development.”
The deadline for the council to pass the budget is June 10. For information on how to testify, go to MauiCounty.us/2016budget.
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