Traditional canoe removed from Big Island park

KAILUA-KONA — State officials have removed a partially built traditional Hawaiian canoe from the Big Island’s Kealakekua Bay, leading to complaints from community members who claim the government is violating their cultural rights.

Curt Cottrell of the Department of Land and Natural Resources said Thursday the canoe was removed because it was being built illegally on land north of Hikiau Heiau. Cottrell says use of park land requires permits and written authorization.

But 51-year-old Derek "Mac" McGuire says he wants to build a Hawaiian canoe to pass on his knowledge and restore one canoe on a beach that once had thousands.

He had been building the 34-foot double-hull canoe since November after gathering dead koa trees.