Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2019

DHHL Urges Kokua for Kapuāiwa

(KAUNAKAKAI, HI) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is asking for the community’s kōkua in protecting the Kapuāiwa Coconut Grove on Moloka`i.

Vehicle access to Kapuāiwa is restricted with fencing and “No Trespassing” signs are up in the area, but the public’s safety and concern for the `aina remain an issue. Falling fronds, coconuts, and trees, along with ground instability, are concerns within the grove. Recent reports of unauthorized access for recreation and socialization have also been raised to the Department.

“DHHL is requesting that the public respect the sacredness of Kapuāiwa as well as DHHL’s concern for safety and not trespass into the area,” said Gene Ross Davis, DHHL’s Moloka`i District Supervisor.

Foot access into Kapuāiwa requires a limited right of entry permit that can be obtained from DHHL. The permit is required to limit access and reduce exposure for public and environmental protection. Currently, permits will only be issued for cultural and educational purposes.

Named for Lot Kapuāiwa, who reigned as King Kamehameha from 1863-1872, this nearly 10-acre beachfront grove was first planted in the 1860s with 1,000 coconut trees, one for each warrior in his army. It’s one of the last royal coconut groves and considered by many to be sacred, filled with hundreds of trees and some freshwater springs.

For more information, contact DHHL’s Moloka`i District Office at (808) 560-6104.

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ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS: The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921, with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of over 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading opportunities for native Hawaiians.

Media Contact:
Cedric Duarte
Information & Community Relations Officer
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
[email protected]