Groups’ testimony backs Interior proposal

A group of Native Hawaiian organizations led by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has submitted written testimony that supports having the U.S. Department of the Interior propose rules to facilitate a government-to-government relationship between the U.S. and Native Hawaiians.

Imua Hawaii, which includes the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Sovereign Councils of the Hawaiian Home Lands Assembly and CNHA, submitted testimony with more than 2,000 "statements of support" on Tuesday, the final day the Interior Department allowed for comments, a CNHA statement said. The groups "led a community-based effort to explain that the federal rule-making process would simply advance an option for the Native Hawaiian people to consider."

From late June to early July, the Interior Department held 15 meetings in Hawaii and five on the U.S. mainland to get input from the community on whether and how the process of re-establishing a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians should move forward. An overwhelming majority of the testimony received was opposed to the idea of having the Interior Department proceed, with some questioning President Barack Obama’s authority to undertake such a strategy without congressional approval.

Condo building on beach space could face fine

KIHEI, Hawaii » State officials are considering a fine for a Maui condominium complex that encroached on more than 3,000 square feet of public beach.

The Maui News reported Wednesday that the state Board of Land and Natural Resources will consider a proposal from the department’s Land Division to charge a fine and administrative costs for use of the state beachfront in Kihei.

State officials say Hale Kai O Kihei encroached on five areas of reserve land with some of its amenities, including patio areas, part of a pool deck and shower stations.

The proposal calls for the complex to pay the state rent for a 55-year nonexclusive easement after the land is appraised.

The public land areas would remain open for public use.

The resident manager of the complex, Steve Selee, said he was aware of the situation but declined further comment, referring to the condominium association’s president.

The association’s president did not respond to the Maui News seeking comment.

Maui District Land Agent Daniel Ornellas said the problems are part of larger issues with homeowners along a 2-mile stretch in Kihei.

Some owners landscaped public lands, or built rock walls and fences that block public access, Ornellas said.

Ornellas said the complex has been cooperative, removing two barbecue stations and a shower as well as cutting back overgrown hedges.

"They’re doing their best to come in compliance with the state," he said.