Maui committee recommends first‑reading approval to rename two sites, strikes phrase 'cultural preserve' from bills

Sept. 25, 2025 — A Maui County Council committee voted unanimously on Sept. 25 to recommend first‑reading approval of two bills to give cultural place designations to Mapulehu and Hamakualoa, and it amended both measures to strike the phrase "cultural preserve" from the bills' titles and text.

The committee, chaired by Keanu Rollins Fernandez, took up Bill 106 (Mapulehu) and Bill 107 (Hamakualoa) together after a presentation and cultural framing from staff of the county's Office of Cultural and Natural Resources. Director Kapona Aye Molital and deputy director Ke Kai Robinson described the initiative as an early step toward recognizing and caring for places of storied historical and genealogical significance.

"We get one Maui; we get one opportunity to Malama our wahi," Kumu Kapona (Kapona Aye Molital), the department director, said in opening remarks about the cultural intent behind the proposed designations.

The department asked the committee to consider Hawaiian terminology for the designations rather than the English phrase "cultural preserve." Committee members heard that the move is intended to add formal recognition and to start community‑led work on appropriate conduct and stewardship; it is not intended to change current land management or routine park operations.

Public testimony included support from local stewards. "We would just like to support Bill 107 in the name change," testified Miley Davis of Malama Hamakua. Another testifier, Leilani M., said community groups appreciated the county's outreach and the chance to co‑create protections.

During committee discussion, members asked whether the bill would change who manages the land and whether it would affect public access, maintenance or security. The chair reported that she had confirmed in writing with the Department of Parks and Recreation that the bills would not alter current management or day‑to‑day operations. Committee members also heard that any site‑specific rules would not be a blanket county code immediately on passage but would likely take the form of a community‑co‑created code of conduct.

The committee first moved to recommend passage on first reading of Bill 106; the motion was made by committee member Tom Cook and seconded by committee member Alice Lee. Member Lee then moved — with member Paulton seconding — to amend the bill by striking the words "cultural preserve" in the title and body and replacing them with an alternative Hawaiian designation recommended by the county resource staff. The amendment passed unanimously. The committee then voted unanimously to recommend passage of Bill 106 as amended.

The committee took the same actions on Bill 107, with member Lee moving for passage and member Cook seconding. The amendment to strike "cultural preserve" and replace the term likewise passed unanimously; the committee then voted to recommend passage of Bill 107 as amended.

The chair noted for the record that committee member Tasha Kamal was not present and therefore not included in the unanimous votes. Chair Rollins Fernandez also said Bill 1‑24‑2025 — a separate measure that changes Chapter 12.4 language from "facilities" to "places" — is scheduled for second and final reading before the full council on Sept. 26; passage of that bill would legally broaden the county's naming authority to include non‑facility places.

Why it matters: The committee's action formally advances local recognition of places with cultural and genealogical significance and begins a process for community‑based stewardship. Committee members and cultural staff said the change signals an intent to treat certain lands differently from conventional park facilities and to work with local stewards on place‑based rules and management.

What happened next: The committee recommended both bills on first reading as amended and will forward them to the full council for further consideration. Committee members and staff said community partners and the Department of Parks and Recreation would remain involved in any subsequent rule‑making or stewardship agreements.