An important meeting for the Molokai Land Trust today. Public comments will be heard concerning a $480,000 grant application by the land trust from the County of Maui’s Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Scenic Views Preservation Fund. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. today at the Kilohana Community Center in Kilohana, 13 miles east on Kamehameha V Highway.
The funding, if approved, will pay for the acquisition of 196.4 acres at Kawaikapu Ranch on the east end. The County of Maui’s funds are intended to be used as a match with the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources funding of $767,976.00 from their Legacy Lands Conservation Program for the purchase of this specific property. If approved, the County of Maui will hold a perpetual Conservation Easement on the property.
A copy of the grant application can be viewed online at www.mauicounty.gov/parks and click on “”Planning & Development.” The document is also available at the Molokai District Permit Office, Department of Parks and Recreation at the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai or at the Molokai Public Library, also in Kaunakakai.
The Molokai Land Trust also recently initiated its access management plan for 1,600 acres of the Mokio Point / Puu Kaeo Lands in northwest Molokai for which it holds a 99-year lease.
Reservations for non-commercial hunting of Axis deer and day time fishing and ocean gathering on weekends and holidays can be made over the phone to the MLT Office at 553-5626. Waiver of liability and permit forms can be filled out during MLT office hours 8 am to 4 pm, Monday – Friday. Those seeking access for fishing, gathering or hunting need to have 4-wheel drive vehicles and be familiar with the remote and rugged landscape.
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