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January 1996
by Pearl Leialoha Page
You've heard of the Nature Conservancy, a group of environmentalists dedicated to reserving large tracts of land for native flora and fauna. But what group is working to preserve lands of cultural and historical significance to native Hawaiians? Up until 1991, no such land trust existed. A grass roots organization sprouting from the beautiful landscape of Hana, Maui has taken the lead in this important conservation work.
"Several of us decided that it was time to be pro-active and move the debate from who did what to whom and reclaim lands in a positive way," says J. Kalani English, a founder and board member of Hui 'Aina O Hana.
Working with certain national groups including the Trust for Public Lands in San Francisco, and the Land Trust Alliance in Washington D.C., the Hui so far has thoroughly researched federal laws that offer tax incentives to land owners who turn over certain land rights to conservation groups. As a result, the Hui has drafted legislation to amend the state law to include lands of cultural significance for tax exemptions similar to those in place for lands set aside for conservation. Such lands would include places where ancient Hawaiian trails exist, heiau or lands associated with an historical person or event. It hopes to have a bill introduced in the upcoming legislative session.
Once lands or land rights are procured, the Hui proposes to manage those lands and make them available for traditional cultural practices. In the spirit of "he ali'i ke 'aina, he kaua ke kanaka" - the land is a chief, the people its servant - the Hui hopes to preserve sacred grounds, historic places, and lands used for fishing, farming and the arts.
Such lands are under tremendous pressure for urban development, English points out. Much of the culture resting on these lands is "subject to loss from the bulldozer, the gill nets, or No Trespassing signs if efforts are not made to identify, set aside, and protect these valuable cultural resources," he said.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is assisting this community-based organization progress in its mission with a $15,000 grant to explore monetary and tax incentives for landowners to donate lands or rights to lands with cultural significance. Currently the group is in the process of closing its first land settlement for two acres in upland Hana, where it hopes to establish a dedicated halau and restore native plants to the site. The Hui is also negotiating with another owner for rights to a heiau, burial caves and beach access. Also in the works is the signing over of three large Hawaiian grave areas in Hana.
English sees the Hui as a model for others; and toward that end, the six member working board and one part-time staff member has been assembling a how-to manual which specifies easement criteria, checklists and how to approach a landowner, among other directions. Research and database building continues as the Hui identifies lands with cultural resources.
Though based in Maui, Hui 'Aina o Hana foresees expansion to continue statewide. It hopes to partner with key groups and individuals around the state to share knowledge and information.
The strongest asset going for the organization is the teamwork among its board members. These include:
"There's a real equitable division of labor. The board meets. Assignments are made and completed by the next gathering," English said. "They're all busy with their own lives but they make time for this because this is something they feel strongly about.
"We stand ready to discuss the possibilities with landowners who want to contribute in a positive way to the Hawaiian culture and need a tax break," English adds. He points out that there are many possibilities for financing land acquisitions for the non-profit group. "Of course the ultimate would be to get a large grant from a large philanthropic group such as the Threshold Foundation or the World Wildlife Fund, " English says.
The group is exploring all its options and making up others along the way. If you'd like to find out more information, call Dawn Lono at (808) 248-7497.