1995 Year End Report

1995 was Hui `Aina o Hana's most productive year of operation. It was also a year of transition that marked the completion of our three-year start-up and organizational period, and the inauguration of our land acquisition and provisional use programs. Specific sites and properties were identified and targeted for acquisition, and legal and financial preparations were addressed in order to receive these culturally significant sites. Summarized below are the highlights of our accomplishments in 1995:

OHA Grant Received and Implemented

The majority of a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs was applied to the award of a contract to Knowledge Inc., under the direction of Karen Aka, for research and recommendations for legislation to grant culturally significant land the same tax benefits as land designated for open space protection. The result of this contract has lead to the introduction and passage of a Senate bill that will affect the role and benefits of Land Trusts now and into the future. The second part of the grant was applied toward the purchase of a computer system to maintain day to day records of the organization as well as providing on-line research, including internet access and e-mail capabilities.

Board of Governors Expanded

Recognizing the need to build board capacity, three new members were invited to join the Board of Governors. After interviewing potential candidates, the board was pleased to welcome Francis "Blue" Lono, Miriam "Maano" Smith and John S. Romain as members of the Board. See the biographical profiles of Governors.

Staff Position Added

The board elected to hire a fiscal manager to assist in the day to day financial operations of the organization. The position was offered to and accepted by Dawn Lono, a 15 year Hana residentand dedicatedcommunity leader. She is currently treasurer for the Hula school Na Mamoali`i o Ka`uiki, treasurer for the Maui Flower Grower's Association, President of the Hana Business Council, and a member of the Hana Advisory Committee to the Maui Planning Commission. Ms. Lono is a former construction project manager and presently operates her own bookkeeping service as well as owning and operating a tropical flower farm in Hana. E-mail Dawn at napua@maui.net.

Land and Access Acquisition Progress

Three projects were put into active development. Each parcel or access easement is considered culturally significant and each project is being advanced in accordance to its own unique circumstance. Love access at Kipahulu

The Love property, formerly known as the Pryor estate, is a large parcel of land south of the pools at `Ohe`o gulch. It includes a small beach that is accessible only by crossing the property. By agreement reached with the Hana Community Association, the present owner has consented to place an access easement in trust to assure continued use of the beach by long time East Maui residents. Hui `Aina o Hana board members met with the directors of HCA at their request and agreed to accept in principle, any lands or easements in the Love property, subject to proper legal review and final board approval. Grave sites at Waianapanapa

Long time Hana property owners John and Jan Elliott approached the board in respect to grave sites located on their property near Waianapanapa Park. It is their desire to grant title to these sites to Hui `Aina o Hana, but must first continue the research necessary to assertain access rights. The board agreed in principle to accept this property, and is grateful to Ms. and Mr. Elliott for their sense of community and kokua.

Halau site at Maka`alae

A two acre parcel of land in Maka`alae is being deeded to Hui `Aina o Hana for use as a traditional halau (school). Members of the board have inspected the grounds and selected a parcel with a pre-existing access road and an inspirational view of the Hana Coastline. The property which carries a legal obligation of $6,000, was accepted by the board in consideration of the value of the land and its importance to the community of Hana.

Advisory Council Authorized

To provide the wisdom of broader expertise, the board authorized the establishment of an advisory council. The council will assist in the development of long term goals and strategies and provide expertise and knowledge of experience to on-going projects. Kekula Bray-Crawford was appointed to the advisory council in July. Other members will be announced in early 1997. E-mail Kekula at kekula@hookele.com.

Angelica Foundation Grant for Administration

The Angelica Foundation issued a grant for administrative expense. Funds from this grant were applied toward the purchase of a fax/phone/answering machine, and for the funding of a fiscal manager in the coming year.

New Logo, Stationary and Brochures

Graphic artist Joann Bechtold has developed a new logo and visual identification for Hui `Aina o Hana. The logo and graphics, combined with the researched information provided by Karen Aka of Knowledge Inc. will form the basis our new series of educational brochures to be distributed by early 1997.

Ho`iho`i mai

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