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Maui beneficiaries report archaeology work and trespass at Pulehunui; request right‑of‑entry updates
Summary
Pulehunui-Hawaiian Homestead leaders told the commission they are conducting archaeology fieldwork and installing water catchments at a 646‑acre parcel, but reported repeated trespass, vandalism and unsecured gates and asked DHHL for timely right‑of‑entry approvals and border security.
Robin Lehonani Kele Inohomoku, speaking for the Pulehunui Hawaiian Homestead Association and Paupena Community Development Corporation, updated the commission on March 18 about activity on several Maui parcels including a 646‑acre Pulehunui site and a 27‑acre Keaʻokea Waihuli parcel.
Robin said a 30,000‑gallon water catchment had been installed and that a community archaeology intensive was in progress with volunteers documenting historic terraces and other cultural features. She said beneficiaries are preparing an archaeological survey and report and seeking continued DHHL support for right‑of‑entry, site security and planning funding. Maui County officials and state representatives, she said, have been engaged and Maui’s housing director had committed to include a planning ask in the mayor’s budget.
Testimony also described persistent trespass and resource extraction on the Pulehunui property: photos and video shown to the commission, according to Robin, documented graffiti inside World War II‑era bunkers and people illegally accessing and cutting material on the land. She said gates were broken or unlocked in multiple locations and that the association had asked DHHL to secure the parcel and approve the association’s right‑of‑entry application, which she said had been pending more than 90 days.
Robin requested timely administrative action so beneficiary organizations can continue stewardship and protection of cultural resources and public safety. Commissioner comments acknowledged the work and expressed support for an on‑site visit; the commission indicated it would coordinate a possible site visit with the beneficiary association and DHHL staff.
