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Maui Council honors kupuna Walter Ritte with resolution and community tributes
Summary
The council adopted a resolution recognizing Walter Ritte for decades of cultural and environmental activism; dozens of family members and supporters testified in favor during an extended public-comment period.
The Maui County Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25-93 honoring Walter Ritte Jr. for “a lifetime of advocacy, leadership, and dedication to the people and ʻāina of Hawai‘i,” including recognition of his role in cultural protection, native rights movements and community stewardship.
Council members approved the resolution after an extended period of public comment in which dozens of community members, relatives and cultural practitioners—many from Molokaʻi—testified in the chambers and by phone. Testimony described Ritte as a pivotal figure in Hawaiian sovereignty and environmental protection efforts, citing his role in kūʻia (protective actions) on Molokaʻi, opposition to large-scale developments, restoration of loko iʻa (fishponds), and work to revive Makahiki ceremonies. Speakers emphasized Ritte’s decades of activism and celebrated his 80th birthday; the mayor had earlier proclaimed April 12, 2025, “Aloha Day” in his honor.
Supporters from across Maui County described personal memories and credited Ritte with building movements that restored traditional learning, protected access to shoreline and cultural places, and mentored younger activists. Several speakers asked the council to create more opportunities to honor living leaders and to ensure that community knowledge and cultural protections remain central to county decision-making.
Council members on both sides of the chamber praised Ritte’s leadership. After a substitute version of the resolution was moved to incorporate language the sponsor requested, the council took two votes—first to adopt the substitute and then the motion as amended. The clerk recorded the final vote as unanimous, and the chair invited Ritte and his family to the dais for photographs.
The resolution directs certified copies to be transmitted to Ritte and a list of state and local officials and organizations. The measure passed by voice or roll-call with no noes recorded in the meeting transcript.
