East Maui Jewel Protected in Kipahulu Landing Easement

Documented remnants of a Hawaiian fishing village and more recent historical structures indicate Kipahulu Landing has been a vital ocean and shoreline access point for the people of East Maui for hundreds of years. Thirty-five (35) acres of this beautiful shoreline parcel was recently protected as Maui Coastal Land Trust (MCLT) signed on to oversee a conservation easement placed on the land as mandated in its sale by The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

TNC received this parcel in 2006 as a bequest from the late Cordelia May, but as the property does not quite fit into the larger habitat and watershed protection aims of the national organization, they immediately began discussions with MCLT on finding a conservation buyer and becoming partners in the permanent protection of the land.

This October, Kipahulu resident Sue Wong purchased the property agreeing to a conservation easement with MCLT that protects the historical and cultural features of the land, prevents any subdivision for residential purposes and delineates a restricted building envelope for a private home. Also included in the deal is an access easement with the Kipahulu Community Association insuring traditional community access to the landing and its vital shoreline area.

"Conservation buyers are often the key in making protection happen in the best interest of the land and the local community." said MCLT Executive Director Dale Bonar. "Sue Wong has been a wonderful example of this ethic not only in the preservation of a beautiful portion of Kipahulu, but in the establishment a private endowment fund with the Hawaii Community Foundation. This $1 million endowment will provide grants to the Kipahulu Community Association and other community organizations for community improvement projects for many years to come."

Going forward, MCLT will monitor and enforce the conservation easement on the property, and a $75,000 donation from TNC to our stewardship endowment fund will ensure these ongoing efforts.