Kāko'o Haleakalā

06/12/2026

This story centers Hina Puamohala Kneubuhl and Kingi Gilbert of Protect Haleakalā, and the growing opposition to the proposed AMOS STAR military telescope expansion on Haleakalā.

Haleakalā is not empty land.

It is a sacred mauna, a wahi pana, a living ancestor, and a place of ceremony, genealogy, native species, watersheds, and deep kuleana.

Our concern is not only one project. It is the cumulative impact of decades of militarization, development, contamination, and disregard for kānaka voices. The 2023 diesel spill is one reminder of what is at stake.

From Hawaiʻi to Aotearoa, Indigenous peoples know what it means to protect sacred places for the next seven generations.

We continue to call for:

Option 3: No Action
No new telescopes.
No further expansion.

https://www.teaonews.co.nz/2026/06/11/theyve-already-desecrated-our-mountain-hawaiians-oppose-new-us-military-telescopes-on-haleakala/

06/08/2026

State Addresses “Misconceptions” Over Plans for Popular Maui Beach

According to Hawaiʻi News Now, DLNR is clarifying its proposal for upgrades at Mākena State Park after rumors spread on social media.

DLNR says there will be no changes to resident access or park management. Hawaiʻi residents will still be able to park and go to the beach for free.

The proposed upgrades include two restrooms, two showers or possible foot-rinsing stations, pavement added to existing parking areas, staff infrastructure, and toll booths to collect the same out-of-state visitor fees already in place.

DLNR also clarified that the plan is not adding more parking. The department says it would only pave gravel areas along the margins of the existing lots to make current parking more formal.

Concerns were also raised about showers, water use, and possible impacts to wetlands. DLNR said it is open to using foot-rinsing stations instead of full showers, which would use less water and help keep sand out of the restrooms. DLNR also said soap and shampoo use would be discouraged.

The Maui Planning Commission still needs to approve the plan and is expected to discuss it later this month.

Source: Hawaiʻi News Now, “State addresses ‘misconceptions’ over plans for popular Maui beach,” by Aalii Dukelow, published June 7, 2026.

06/08/2026

Mahalo Hawaii News Now for clearing up the misinformation that is being led by the nudists community aka Friends of Little Beach who continue to spread misinformation and lies about the proposed plan. The plan would help support cultural and wetland restoration.

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/06/08/state-addresses-misconceptions-over-plans-popular-maui-beach/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASTM_VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe1m3WTbkhIEywdzC3ylUXrNMzzMrTEzBOZ_PXlqwpk2HSGcErzwkaq0fTfVk_aem_-4peFs-kOf_NCpF8R6jvWw

The Department of Land and Natural Resources reiterated there will be no changes to access for residents, or management at Makena State Park.

05/29/2026

Don’t fall for this propaganda being led by the nudist community who wants to maintain status quo and drum circles at Makena. The new plan would help fund native plant and wetland restoration and the bathrooms are needed because people keep taking a s**t in the bushes and urinating all around the park. The Haena model was created by the local residents after the Kauai floods. Since implementation, Haena has become more sustainable, beautiful and created local jobs for local residents. Please support the new plan!

05/28/2026

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Surrounded by supporters on May 18, 2026, Keoni Kuoha formally announced his candidacy for the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, District 12, representing the Maui communities of Makawao, Hāliʻimaile, Pukalani, Kula, Pūlehu, ʻUlupalakua, Kanaio and Kahikinui.

05/12/2026

Mahalo Piha “We love Haleakalā. It is in our bones. It is in our body. It’s in everything about us that we know we must protect Haleakalā,” said Mikahala Helm, long-time Maui community leader, educator and activist, speaking in March at Hanohano ʻo Haleakalā, a community-created forum.

“Uncle Les [Kuloloio] shared with us the wisdom of our kūpuna: You don’t just go up there any old time and do whatever you want [because of] the wai, the water. You do anything on top, it’s going to affect the wai down below.”

Read more at kawaiola.news/cover/we-have-awakened-kiai-vow-to-protect-the-wao-akua-of-haleakala.

05/07/2026

Protect Haleakalā is agenda A. Watch Live. https://www.youtube.com/live/hh7ThMT0ZvU?feature=shared

05/05/2026

**REMINDER**

Join us this Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 PM for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees – Maui Island Community Meeting.

📍 UH Maui College, Paʻina Building
310 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave, Kahului

The Protect Haleakalā Collective is on the agenda—e kūlike kākou.

We are urging OHA to fund legal support for Protect Haleakalā. This is our time to show up and speak up for our sacred mountain.

Public testimony will be accepted on this matter:
• In person
• By email: [email protected]
• By postal mail
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Attn: Board of Trustees Meeting Testimony
560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 200
Honolulu, HI 96817

Please submit testimony at least 24 hours in advance when possible.

Livestream: [www.oha.org/livestream](http://www.oha.org/livestream)