I am Descendant of Kupuna Lands dating back before the time of Kamehameha III and before the Great Mahele. Still paying land taxes to ʻAina Kupuna in Kipahulu
I am a Maui descendant of Pikonui of Kipahulu.
My ohana and I and like my father before me, have been paying land taxes to hold on to our ʻAina Kupuna in Kipahulu.
My family continues to do so, as a means of one day being able to return to Kipahulu to live; but due to obscene skyrocketing land taxes I am not able to return. This Maui Council has a once in a lifetime decision to be able to turn the tidal wave to amend Chapter 3.48, Maui County Code, to add a section relating to taxes on parcels dedicated as ‘āina kūpuna. Or, you may be a part of a Maui Council that could also have the stain of generational genocide.
The county government has benefited greatly from skyrocketing property values and associated property taxes, driven by real estate speculation, foreign investment, and the global demand for land in Hawai'i. Sadly, this surge in property values is now pushing Maui's long-time 'ohana to the brink of losing their ancestral lands, going into poverty to pay their property taxes or monetizing their ʻāina in ways that erode their character, and the overall character of Maui's unique communities. As its coffers continue to fill from the foreign desire for Maui's lands, the county must take steps to provide targeted tax relief for its long-time 'ohana, and the last living vestiges of Maui's social and cultural heritage that they embody.
The dispossession of land has deep, profound, and unique impacts on Native Hawaiians, whose health and well-being are based on their feelings for and deep attachment to the ʻāina. Other kamaʻāina who have maintained their family lands since the Great Depression are likely to have also developed a deep, familial attachment to their lands that would be devastating to lose. This bill will provide critical protections for Native Hawaiian and other ʻohana who may be forced to choose between the devastation of selling their ancestral lands, or paying tax assessments that they are increasingly unable to afford.
Native Hawaiian and kamaʻāina families who have been able to maintain their ancestral lands for generations represent a foundation of Mauiʻs historical and cultural legacy, and help to maintain important connections to the past and to the ʻāina that have informed, and continue to inform, Mauiʻs social fabric and unique community values. This bill will help more of these families hold on to their ʻohana lands, especially amidst global real estate speculation, skyrocketing property values, and resulting property tax assessments that may exceed what many can afford. Accordingly, this measure will help to perpetuate Maui's historical and cultural legacy and preserve that which has helped to make Maui and all of Hawaiʻi such a unique and special place to live.
I thought I would make it "official" register my name and speak my mind and heart. I am known to many as Mary Chang I grew up in Makena and spent much of my young life there. My Siblings have amazing stories of Makena when it was just sticks... I have wonderful memories of Makena, when they were sticks yet emerging...
Once upon a time Makena was only Hawaiian/ Hapa families. Everyone knew each other... They lived in nature and around nature and supported its natural ecosystem. Yeah had at one point ranching but they eventually moved completely to Ulupalakua.
Many local families moved away no can afford... But it doesn't stop there the hurt of having to leave your birthplace /home sometimes never heals. Though I can't afford to live in the place I grew up. My heart returns there all the time. Yet now I cannot recognize it. Gates/ Big timeshares/ VRBO/ AIR BnB's... Rich getaway rentals.. Unreal...
My Older brother will soon be on this list of taxed out!! KUKAHIKO-CHANG Lands. My niece raises Kalo and other food on that 'aina to help support her family and the community! Please help this family and others in similar situations not be displaced from their family lands. 🙏🏼 So many generations live and died in these lands on the same property they farm, they also buried. So many families came together in Makena....
I wholeheartedly SUPPORT this bill!
It's not just about Makena, it's about all ancestral lands who have those native to and of the land still dwelling on these lands. Kupuna/ Makua who at no point included living around foreigners. Nonetheless those who come build a building that stays empty three quarters of the year. Yet significantly raises property taxes like it's raining money on the other side of the heiau walls. It's funny how we say we CARE about the people yet cater to these people who throw down short term monies and Appreciation and accolades are shown to these people. Yet it's the natives who stick around and show their love for these lands. They shed their heart and tears, hopes and fears over these lands. Many have nowhere else to go... Displace the people from the land you only have them build-up in camps like Amala place. Because they've lost their hope in the system... That you all will do something that will help the people of this land. Please don't look past those who love the land and still dwell in and on it and care for it.
I am a descendant of the Kukahiko Chang ‘ohana. I support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 as I believe it is our best hope of retaining our land and passing it on to future generations. Our āina kūpuna presents some unique challenges as it is located in the resort area of Makena where property values are extraordinarily high! In the past 6 years, our lowest property tax increase was 225% and our highest was 425%. The taxes have become a huge financial burden and a struggle to pay! How can we continue this way? It saddens me that we are at this point, that land that has been in our ‘ohana for over a 100 years is in jeopardy! No family should be forced to sell their land, their heritage, their legacy, because of outside forces that have driven prices up! Please protect our long standing kama’aina families by passing this bill! Mahalo!
This is sickening. This bill needs to be passed immediately before any more kanaka lose their homesteads. This bill should have been put into motion decades ago. Shame that our “leaders” and law makers allowed it to get this out of hand and continuously try and sweep this issue under the rug. SHAME!! This needs to stop NOW!! Kanaka stand up for what is rightfully yours. I 1000% support this bill.
This is sickening. This bill needs to be passed immediately before any more kanaka lose their homesteads. This bill should have been put into motion decades ago. Shame that our “leaders” and law makers allowed it to get this out of hand and continuously try and sweep this issue under the rug. SHAME!! This needs to stop NOW!! Kanaka stand up for what is rightfully yours. I 1000% support this bill.
Aloha, my name is Kelsie Kapalu-Kamaka. I was born & raised here on the Island of Maui. Waiehu, has been my home til this very day. As for Makena, it's been my sweet escape during the Summer time and/or Holidays. I am a descendant of the Chang Ohana, who currently, still lives in Makena. Also, one of the very few families that is fighting for their Aloha 'Aina. All in all, it's our Kuleana to take care of each other, which includes our Island of Maui. With that being said, please pass this bill, so it can be affordable for families to stay to continue the legacies of their kupunas, who have passed it down for generations. Or, be affordable so families can build for their future generations to come!
Much Mahalo, Kelsie Kapalu-Kamaka!
Maui > Waiehu > Makena
100 % Support Local Families
Aloha
I am a descendant of Makena Landing. To the best of my knowledge my grandfather John Wallace Kalehua Lu'uwaii, purchased our parcel from the Kukahiko Ohana. We are ohana to the Kukahiko Clan. We are one of few Hawaiian Ohana's in Makena trying to hang on to our ancestor aina. It was always a dream of my grandfather and kupuna for us to have and own a piece of land in Makena.
I have watched my grandmother and grandfather go in front of the tax commission time and time, year in and year out. Only to see my father 87 (Bobby) and mother (Helen) 83 years old fighting the same battle of Land TAX.
It is with great sorrow and anxiety that i write this testimony for kokua and relief. We had to buy an ohana member out 20 years ago and have a mortgage and loan to keep our aina. With the mortgage and land tax we have to pay over $10,000 monthly. For this reason we had to use our house as a legal vacation rental. Without being a TVR we would have to sell or give up our ancestor aina. Please help us and other Ohana's of Maui to keep there aina for our future generations. I know we would not qualify because of our loan and mortgage payments. But please help other Ohana's
Aloha, my name is Natasha Chang and I am a descendant of the Kuhakiko & Chang 'Ohana. I currently live and farm on the Chang 'āina kupuna. There has been so much development over my lifetime. Back in the day, Mākena was known as the "sticks" and is now known as "Beverly Hills" due to all of the multi million dollar real estate and high end hotels. If you live in Mākena, people assume you are rich as most of the families who grew up in mākena have been forced to move due to the high property taxes. It is our Kuleana to help pass this bill for all the families trying to hold on to their 'āina kupuna for the generations to come. As a 4th generation descendant living on our Chang land, I'd like to pass on this land to my children and the next generation. I'd like to teach my family about living sustainable through agricultural and cultural practices. I'd also like my family to know the history of the land we live on. Please pass this bill and allow families to be able to afford land that have been passed down for generations for all the people of Maui!
I support this bill, native people should not be evicted off their lands that have been in their families for multiple generations just because they’re taxes have gotten too expensive. They are native people that belong on this land , it’s not their fault that taxes are so high.
I support this bill to the fullest extent. Why push indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands? Look past the money and greed and do the right thing!
I support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who continue to live and care for their ancestral lands. Please support the bill by passing it out of your committee.
I am Descendant of Kupuna Lands dating back before the time of Kamehameha III and before the Great Mahele. Still paying land taxes to ʻAina Kupuna in Kipahulu
I am a Maui descendant of Pikonui of Kipahulu.
My ohana and I and like my father before me, have been paying land taxes to hold on to our ʻAina Kupuna in Kipahulu.
My family continues to do so, as a means of one day being able to return to Kipahulu to live; but due to obscene skyrocketing land taxes I am not able to return. This Maui Council has a once in a lifetime decision to be able to turn the tidal wave to amend Chapter 3.48, Maui County Code, to add a section relating to taxes on parcels dedicated as ‘āina kūpuna. Or, you may be a part of a Maui Council that could also have the stain of generational genocide.
The county government has benefited greatly from skyrocketing property values and associated property taxes, driven by real estate speculation, foreign investment, and the global demand for land in Hawai'i. Sadly, this surge in property values is now pushing Maui's long-time 'ohana to the brink of losing their ancestral lands, going into poverty to pay their property taxes or monetizing their ʻāina in ways that erode their character, and the overall character of Maui's unique communities. As its coffers continue to fill from the foreign desire for Maui's lands, the county must take steps to provide targeted tax relief for its long-time 'ohana, and the last living vestiges of Maui's social and cultural heritage that they embody.
The dispossession of land has deep, profound, and unique impacts on Native Hawaiians, whose health and well-being are based on their feelings for and deep attachment to the ʻāina. Other kamaʻāina who have maintained their family lands since the Great Depression are likely to have also developed a deep, familial attachment to their lands that would be devastating to lose. This bill will provide critical protections for Native Hawaiian and other ʻohana who may be forced to choose between the devastation of selling their ancestral lands, or paying tax assessments that they are increasingly unable to afford.
Native Hawaiian and kamaʻāina families who have been able to maintain their ancestral lands for generations represent a foundation of Mauiʻs historical and cultural legacy, and help to maintain important connections to the past and to the ʻāina that have informed, and continue to inform, Mauiʻs social fabric and unique community values. This bill will help more of these families hold on to their ʻohana lands, especially amidst global real estate speculation, skyrocketing property values, and resulting property tax assessments that may exceed what many can afford. Accordingly, this measure will help to perpetuate Maui's historical and cultural legacy and preserve that which has helped to make Maui and all of Hawaiʻi such a unique and special place to live.
I thought I would make it "official" register my name and speak my mind and heart. I am known to many as Mary Chang I grew up in Makena and spent much of my young life there. My Siblings have amazing stories of Makena when it was just sticks... I have wonderful memories of Makena, when they were sticks yet emerging...
Once upon a time Makena was only Hawaiian/ Hapa families. Everyone knew each other... They lived in nature and around nature and supported its natural ecosystem. Yeah had at one point ranching but they eventually moved completely to Ulupalakua.
Many local families moved away no can afford... But it doesn't stop there the hurt of having to leave your birthplace /home sometimes never heals. Though I can't afford to live in the place I grew up. My heart returns there all the time. Yet now I cannot recognize it. Gates/ Big timeshares/ VRBO/ AIR BnB's... Rich getaway rentals.. Unreal...
My Older brother will soon be on this list of taxed out!! KUKAHIKO-CHANG Lands. My niece raises Kalo and other food on that 'aina to help support her family and the community! Please help this family and others in similar situations not be displaced from their family lands. 🙏🏼 So many generations live and died in these lands on the same property they farm, they also buried. So many families came together in Makena....
I wholeheartedly SUPPORT this bill!
It's not just about Makena, it's about all ancestral lands who have those native to and of the land still dwelling on these lands. Kupuna/ Makua who at no point included living around foreigners. Nonetheless those who come build a building that stays empty three quarters of the year. Yet significantly raises property taxes like it's raining money on the other side of the heiau walls. It's funny how we say we CARE about the people yet cater to these people who throw down short term monies and Appreciation and accolades are shown to these people. Yet it's the natives who stick around and show their love for these lands. They shed their heart and tears, hopes and fears over these lands. Many have nowhere else to go... Displace the people from the land you only have them build-up in camps like Amala place. Because they've lost their hope in the system... That you all will do something that will help the people of this land. Please don't look past those who love the land and still dwell in and on it and care for it.
Mahalo for your time and hearing my mana'o.
Truly in support of!
Mary Chang-Tu'ifua
Kākoʻo
I am a descendant of the Kukahiko Chang ‘ohana. I support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 as I believe it is our best hope of retaining our land and passing it on to future generations. Our āina kūpuna presents some unique challenges as it is located in the resort area of Makena where property values are extraordinarily high! In the past 6 years, our lowest property tax increase was 225% and our highest was 425%. The taxes have become a huge financial burden and a struggle to pay! How can we continue this way? It saddens me that we are at this point, that land that has been in our ‘ohana for over a 100 years is in jeopardy! No family should be forced to sell their land, their heritage, their legacy, because of outside forces that have driven prices up! Please protect our long standing kama’aina families by passing this bill! Mahalo!
I whole heartedly support this bill!!!
Please see attachment
I support
Kākoʻo piha kēia!! I support our ʻohana to keep their ʻĀina.
I support this bill. It is important to allow the Hawaiian families that have worked so hard to let their legacies live on.
This bill needs to be passed! #keephawaiianlandsinhawaiianhands
I support this bill. It is not right to push Hawaiians out of their ancestral lands.
This is sickening. This bill needs to be passed immediately before any more kanaka lose their homesteads. This bill should have been put into motion decades ago. Shame that our “leaders” and law makers allowed it to get this out of hand and continuously try and sweep this issue under the rug. SHAME!! This needs to stop NOW!! Kanaka stand up for what is rightfully yours. I 1000% support this bill.
This is sickening. This bill needs to be passed immediately before any more kanaka lose their homesteads. This bill should have been put into motion decades ago. Shame that our “leaders” and law makers allowed it to get this out of hand and continuously try and sweep this issue under the rug. SHAME!! This needs to stop NOW!! Kanaka stand up for what is rightfully yours. I 1000% support this bill.
Aloha, my name is Kelsie Kapalu-Kamaka. I was born & raised here on the Island of Maui. Waiehu, has been my home til this very day. As for Makena, it's been my sweet escape during the Summer time and/or Holidays. I am a descendant of the Chang Ohana, who currently, still lives in Makena. Also, one of the very few families that is fighting for their Aloha 'Aina. All in all, it's our Kuleana to take care of each other, which includes our Island of Maui. With that being said, please pass this bill, so it can be affordable for families to stay to continue the legacies of their kupunas, who have passed it down for generations. Or, be affordable so families can build for their future generations to come!
Much Mahalo, Kelsie Kapalu-Kamaka!
Maui > Waiehu > Makena
100 % Support Local Families
Aloha
I am a descendant of Makena Landing. To the best of my knowledge my grandfather John Wallace Kalehua Lu'uwaii, purchased our parcel from the Kukahiko Ohana. We are ohana to the Kukahiko Clan. We are one of few Hawaiian Ohana's in Makena trying to hang on to our ancestor aina. It was always a dream of my grandfather and kupuna for us to have and own a piece of land in Makena.
I have watched my grandmother and grandfather go in front of the tax commission time and time, year in and year out. Only to see my father 87 (Bobby) and mother (Helen) 83 years old fighting the same battle of Land TAX.
It is with great sorrow and anxiety that i write this testimony for kokua and relief. We had to buy an ohana member out 20 years ago and have a mortgage and loan to keep our aina. With the mortgage and land tax we have to pay over $10,000 monthly. For this reason we had to use our house as a legal vacation rental. Without being a TVR we would have to sell or give up our ancestor aina. Please help us and other Ohana's of Maui to keep there aina for our future generations. I know we would not qualify because of our loan and mortgage payments. But please help other Ohana's
mahalo
Ka'uhane Lu'uwai
Aloha, my name is Natasha Chang and I am a descendant of the Kuhakiko & Chang 'Ohana. I currently live and farm on the Chang 'āina kupuna. There has been so much development over my lifetime. Back in the day, Mākena was known as the "sticks" and is now known as "Beverly Hills" due to all of the multi million dollar real estate and high end hotels. If you live in Mākena, people assume you are rich as most of the families who grew up in mākena have been forced to move due to the high property taxes. It is our Kuleana to help pass this bill for all the families trying to hold on to their 'āina kupuna for the generations to come. As a 4th generation descendant living on our Chang land, I'd like to pass on this land to my children and the next generation. I'd like to teach my family about living sustainable through agricultural and cultural practices. I'd also like my family to know the history of the land we live on. Please pass this bill and allow families to be able to afford land that have been passed down for generations for all the people of Maui!
I support this bill, native people should not be evicted off their lands that have been in their families for multiple generations just because they’re taxes have gotten too expensive. They are native people that belong on this land , it’s not their fault that taxes are so high.
I support this bill as Hawaiian should never fear losing their land!
I support this bill to the fullest extent. Why push indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands? Look past the money and greed and do the right thing!
I support the ʻāina kūpuna bill BFED-78 CC 21-29 that provides tax relief for lineal descents who continue to live and care for their ancestral lands. Please support the bill by passing it out of your committee.