COALITION MOVED BY SUPPORT

It all began with an article in the Lahaina News exposing the plans of Maui Land and Pine for the Honolua area, urging the public to get involved in the planning process.

Next, a couple of letters to the editor stating to “Help Represent Honolua!” Then, a handful of concerned citizens met at their first General Plan Advisory Committee meeting in Sprecklesville. Thus started the Save Honolua Coalition (SHC). Finally, the SaveHonolua.org website was born.

A couple of months later, the Save Honolua Coalition has received overwhelming support, which has spurred on its phenomenal momentum and continues to grow daily. In just a couple of weeks, over 4,000 signatures were collected on a single petition.

Jo Anne Johnson introduced a resolution “Urging the administration to negotiate for the County’s Acquisition of the land at Lipoa Pt.,West Maui.” The SHC will be forever grateful for this momentous gesture.

Huge thanks go out to all people of Lahainaluna High School, Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina and the MEO bus service, who made it possible for all their shining star students to testify in support of the resolution in Council Chambers on Friday, April 20.

Hearing the testimonies of all these young adults had to be the most moving experiences of my life! Their heartfelt passion and love for the land in and around Honolua transcended into our hearts and souls. The tears fell freely from the audience as the words tugged at our heartstrings.

Our future looks so bright after seeing these young adults take the initiative to voice the needs and concerns of today’s generation. The beauty of it is they knew that by showing up, they would make a difference!

The SHC wouldn’t be here today and come this far without the support of the community. We thank you from the bottom of hearts and look forward to your continued support.

ELLE COCHRAN, President, Save Honolua Coalition