Maka'alae

In November 2002 – the Maui Coastal Land Trust (MCLT) board was thrilled to announce its first land conservation agreement. Hana Ranch owners preserved 41 acres of pristine oceanfront land by signing a precedent-setting conservation easement document with MCLT. Seven ranch parcels three miles south of Hana town at Maka'alae Point, will forever be protected from any building or development and local shoreline access will be maintained.

"The owners of Hana Ranch have set an incredible example for land conservation in the state of Hawaii," said Tom Pierce, Maui Coastal Land Trust president. "By proactively protecting the lands at Maka'alae Point, they have proven their commitment to sound land management in the Hana community.

In the conservation easement agreement, Hana Ranch will continue to own the subject land while garnering land tax benefits. Maui Coastal Land Trust will insure present pastureland-use, view-sheds and public access remain unchanged in perpetuity. The contract also stipulates the establishment of an endowment fund of approximately $13,000 by Hana Ranch to finance the land trust's on-going protection efforts.

"Hana is one of the most precious natural areas to be found in Hawai'i. It is extra-special to have this document with the ranch stand as our first land conservation agreement." said Maui Coastal Land Trust Executive Director Dale Bonar. "The ranch owners made this a smooth and easy process. We look forward to our continued work with them in protecting and potentially expanding this important conservation district on Maui."