58. Nā Moku Aupuni o Koʻolau Hui: Protecting Land and Water in East Maui

Good news from East Maui! In this interview with Nā Moku Aupuni o Koʻolau Hui, Jerome Kekiwi, Jr. and Jessie Kekiwi-Aweau share about a recent win for their community: Nā Moku received a 65-year lease for Keʻanae Uka!

Nā Moku Aupuni o Koʻolau Hui perpetuates the Kanaka Maoli traditional and customary lifestyle of Keʻanae-Wailuanui, Maui. Encompassing nearly 400 acres of loʻi, this area was renowned for taro farming until commercial stream diversions completely dewatered the area. In 2018, the community’s 30-year legal struggle resulted in the largest stream restoration in Hawaiʻiʻs history. With their new long-term lease for Keʻanae Uka, Nā Moku can extend their mauka stewardship and implement a long-term plan for their community's ʻāina and wai.

Tags: Hawaiʻi, Hawai'i, Hawaii