Ancient site proposed as ‘living class’

The University of Hawaii’s Maui College is proposing to transform a 20-acre site in South Maui into a "living classroom" on Hawaiian culture, archaeology and agriculture.

The Maui News reported yesterday that archaeologists believe the parcel between Kihei and Makena was once part of a major Hawaiian settlement that contained an important water source, a heiau complex and other ancient sites.

It was designated a cultural preserve as a condition of regulatory approval for a residential subdivision called One Palauea Bay. The developers have long proposed transferring the parcel to the university.

Archaeologist Janet Six says the land was once part of a fishing village researchers believe was inhabited for more than 1,300 years by as many as 10,000 people at a time.

8 sue county for ignoring pot initiative

Eight Puna residents are suing Hawaii County officials, alleging police, prosecutors and other county officials have failed to abide by a voter initiative making adult personal use of marijuana the "lowest law enforcement priority."

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported the plaintiffs are seeking $5 million in punitive damages. The lawsuit asks police and prosecutors to stop investigating and prosecuting people in ways that are inconsistent with the Hawaii County code.

The suit names Mayor Billy Kenoi, Police Chief Harry Kubojiri, retiring Prosecutor Jay Kimura and Deputy Prosecutors Charlene Iboshi and Mitch Roth. All current County Council members and all former members on the panel when the voter initiative was passed into law in 2008 are also named.

The suit was filed in Hilo Circuit Court on Thursday.