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They are how we protect our special coastal places

05 • 06 • 2013

Honolua Bay Is Saved!

Almost a year after the successful “Save Ma’alea Bay” campaign, the Maui Chapter has worked with other environmental groups to help preserve Lipoa Point. A large swath of land on Maui’s west side, Lipoa Point encompasses the world-famous surfing spot Honolua Bay, which is also a treasured cultural area and marine reserve. Starting in 2007, Maui Land and Pineapple Company (the area’s landowners) proposed a golf course and 40 luxury homes overlooking the Bay. Following the lead of the Save Honolua Coalition, Surfrider’s Maui Chapter joined other marine conservation and Native Hawaiian groups in successfully opposing the development for years. When the Maui County Council then voted to remove 131 acres of Lipoa Point from preservation, the Hawaiian Island Land Trust quickly stepped in to work with Maui, Land and Pineapple to find a solution. Partnering with the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, HILT offered to purchase the land and convert the area into a conservation easement. On May 6th, Hawaii state lawmakers officially passed House Bill 1424, a bill authorizing the acquisition of 280 acres surrounding Lipoa Point. Surfrider’s Maui Chapter submitted testimony in favor of the bill and mobilized its members into action, and Governor Abercrombie is expected to sign the bill into law soon.