MAUI LAWMAKERS PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC SIGNING
OF BILL
TO ACQUIRE AND PRESERVE LIPOA POINT
Wailea, Maui – Joined by a delegation of Maui lawmakers
and community groups, Governor Abercrombie this morning signed into law House Bill 1424, which authorizes the Department of Land and
Natural Resources to utilize an appropriation of $20 million for the purchase
and acquisition of land parcels at Lipoa Point.
The acquisition of the
land will ensure the preservation and conservation of the area’s pristine
condition for the community and the people of West Maui for generations to
come. The measure also calls for utilizing proceeds from the sale to capitalize
the pension plan of retirees of the land’s seller, the Maui Land and Pineapple
Company, Inc.
House Speaker Joseph M. Souki (Kahakuloa, Waihee, Waiehu,
Puuohala, Wailuku, Kahului) said, "The signing of this bill marks an important
day for the residents of West Maui and all the people of Maui. Through
the hard work and collaborative efforts of several organizations, we are able
to preserve, protect, and pass on a valuable Maui asset to future
generations. I would like to especially recognize my colleague,
Representative Angus McKelvey, for introducing the bill to preserve Honolua
Bay, and for successfully shepherding it through the legislature."
Representative Angus McKelvey (West Maui, Maalaea, North
Kihei) said, "This measure speaks to the power of unity and diversity and
what amazing things can happen when people get involved with the process.
During the committee hearings, members received countless e-mails, phone calls
and letters from people of all walks of life and all islands speaking in one
voice. This measure brought the environmental community, labor, business and
other groups who have been traditionally diametrically opposed on pieces of
legislation to come together as one for this important cause."
“What a momentous day! This is an excellent example of what
can be accomplished when the community comes together. Of course, signing
the bill into law is just the first step of the journey. Much work lies
ahead. We must continue working together to develop a comprehensive,
sustainable plan to ensure that the bay and surrounding lands are protected and
enhanced for the benefit of all now and into the future,” said Senator Rosalyn
Baker (South and West Maui).
Maui House legislators participating in the public signing
ceremony today included Speaker Joseph M. Souki, Representatives Angus
McKelvey, Mele Carroll, Kaniela Ing, and Justin Woodson.
Other measures signed into law this morning include:
SB498 which appropriates $600,000 for the
establishment of a Maalaea-based special emergency medical response vehicle
unit to service the island of Maui on a twenty-four hour, seven-days a week basis.
This will supplement the two ambulances already servicing Maui Island and will
directly impact the health of Maui residents for the better.
SB1412 shall require the Department of Land and
Natural Resources to accommodate native Hawaiian canoes for cultural and
education purposes at small boat harbors across the State.
HB1328 will
increase the Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission’s purchasing flexibility by
making permanent the exemption for the procurement of food or fuel products.
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Photo courtesy of Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran