Moku‘ula and its surrounding fishpond Mokuhinia are now buried under county-owned Malu Ulu o Lele Park along Front Street in Lahaina.

King Kamehameha III kept his royal residence on Moku’ula in the 19th century, and earlier Hawaiian royalty lived on the island as far back as the reign of Maui’s high chief Pi‘ilani in the 16th century.

As the state and its federal and county partners continue to house thousands of displaced survivors of the fire, the Green administration is seeking other ways to help the area and its people recover.

"Restoration of an important cultural site could help Lahaina’s overall healing,” Governor Green said.

The governor and his team have been laying the groundwork for the restoration project, and later the creation of a separate cultural corridor celebrating the unique culture and history of Lahaina.

“We are preparing for a land transfer so that the Moku‘ula and Mokuhinia parcel is put in a trust to be managed by cultural organizations that are part of the Lahaina community,” Governor Green said. "This is an opportunity to renew something of great cultural and historical importance."

First Lady Jaime Kanani Green is working alongside the governor on the effort to restore Moku’ula and Mokuhinia.

“Restoring Moku‘ula and Mokuhinia will mark phase one of the project,” the First Lady said. "It’s really a model of how we can move forward even as we are honoring our Indigenous past.”

At the governor’s request, DLNR Chair Chang has assembled a team of experts to assess water issues, land title questions, property ownership boundaries, archaeological and hydrological concerns, and other details in preparation of the renewal project.

If you support Josh’s efforts to help Lahaina recover and renew its cultural and historical heritage, please consider making a donation today.

Mahalo,

Team Green