Nahiku

When Edgar and Barbara Sabbeth bought 48 acres in Nahiku just above Hana Highway, they were overwhelmed with the lush beauty of their property. To the west, the property is bounded by Kahawaihaupapa stream. Along the most of the western boundary is the Ko`olau Forest Reserve, owned by the East Maui Irrigation District.

Had they seen the land 100 years earlier, the Sabbeths would have been in the heart of the Nahiku Rubber Company, the only commercial rubber company ever to have been established in the United States. The short-lived company closed in 1912, but the occasional rubber tree can still be found scattered among the mixed stands of indigenous 'ohia, koa and hau trees that are struggling against the ubiquitous invasive species infiltrating the area.

Removing invasive species and encouraging native forest are top priorities of the Sabbeths and their desire to see the land restored to a more natural condition is a driving force behind their decision to place their land under a conservation easement with the Maui Coastal Land Trust. The Sabbeths are working with the Maui Invasive Species Committee and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to plant and implement the best restoration plan for the property.

"We have some significant challenges," notes Edgar "with feral pigs trying to get at the newly planted native species and large numbers of guava on the property, both of which are doing their best to keep me busy. And, succeeding!"

Under the terms of the easement, a small house and cottage is permitted on the property, but no subdivision or construction of other permanent dwellings is allowed.