Na’iwa DHHL Subdivision Gets Infrastructure

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

After years of waiting, the Na’iwa agricultural subdivision in Ho’olehua near the airport will be get-ting infrastructure improvements including access roads, driveways, electrical connections and potable and irrigation water lines. Site inspections and field work for the improvements will begin this week on the Department of Hawaiian Homelands subdivision, which encompasses 341 acres and 58 lots.

Last year, state legislature released $400,000 out of a projected $6,500,000 total project cost. The infrastructure improvements are slated for completion in June, 2023.

DHHL announced the preliminary work will be kicking off Feb. 22-26 and March 1-5. During this time, contractors will be collecting relevant biological and archaeological information, which will help inform DHHL in the development of its draft Environmental Assessment, according to DHHL. Surveyors will be working during both daylight and nighttime hours.

“To protect the health and safety of the Molokai community, all necessary precautions will be taken, per the Hawaii Safe Travels rules,” stated the DHHL announcement. “Surveyors will wear masks and adhere to strict social distancing protocols. Surveyors will not be meeting with any members of the community during this visit and respectfully request that the community not approach surveyors while field work is taking place.”

In 2018, state Capital Improvement Project funds were allocated for the design and construction of the improvements, said Rep. Lynn DeCoite. Last February, the $400,000 was released, and this month, DHHL issued the notice of site inspection, signaling the start of the project taking shape.

“One of the most rewarding things about being your State Rep is seeing the project funding that we work soo hard for come to fruition,” wrote DeCoite on social media. “We still have more time and work before the project is completed but these small steps make for a very Happy Aloha Friday!”

The announcement was met with appreciation on DeCoite’s Facebook page.

“Mahalo to all those who never stopped pushing and never gave up to supporting this movement,” wrote one commenter. “Ag Lots were awarded to my ohana back in 1986. Since then, many have fought and passed on, pushing this plan of creating infrastructure. So this news, although it’s just the start, is a huge blessing and an answer to prayers.”