Palauea Archeological Site Still in Limbo

Ten years ago a 20-acre site at Palauea was set aside for preservation as a condition of approving the One Palauea Bay subdivision development. The area is located below Wailea Alanui Drive, near the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort and next to One Palauea Bay. University of Hawai’i Maui has now proposed turning it into a living classroom of Hawaiian culture and practices. It is believed that this site was part of a large Hawaiian settlement and heiau. UH-MC officials are requestiong public comments on their plan to manage the site. Unfortunately much of the archeological sites have been destroyed by development. However over 300 archeological sites have been identified in the area. The cultural preserve is financed by the .5% fee that One Paluea owners must pay when they sell their property. Other community groups like Land Trusts have been suggested as managers of the preserve.