Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 5, 1 May 2007 — Lāʻau Point [ARTICLE]

Lāʻau Point

Mahalo for acknowledging my book, Nā Kua'āina: Living Hawaiian Culture. A letter in your last issue incorrectly described my position on Lā'au, Moloka'i. My role was to interview kua'āina and document cultural resources and potential impacts of the proposed development. My report stated that no one was an enthusiastic advocate, many were reluctant supporters, and the most vocal opposed the development. I concluded, "It is Lā'au itself that will determine what will be acceptable and who will be accepted." An important lesson of kua'āina like Unele Harry Mitchell is to have compassion and respect for differing viewpoints. Opponents understate how Lā'au is a critical pieee in an overall plan to protect 54,000 acres of cultural landscapes and agricultural ranch lands forever. They remain skeptical of Moloka'i Ranch and are unwilling to compromise, risking the sale

of these lands and Lā'au for uncontrolled development by future owners. Others are willing to end 30 years of land and water battles. They see a ehanee to curb land speculation and create eeonomie opportunities. They trust that Lā'au will be the last major development on ranch lands. Kua'āina, who strive to protect Moloka'i, are on both sides of this complex issue. Davianna Pōmaika'i McGregor Honolulu, O'ahu