About Us
Nā Maka o Māliko
Nā Maka o Māliko is a non-profit organization operating as a 501(c)(4). It was created out of deep affection and respect for one of the most sacred, beautiful, cherished, and historic places on the north shore of Maui. Our goal is simple. Clean, Restore and Return the landscape and seascape to itʻs natural condition for the Nā Hāmākua community as a safe place of peace, productivity and pleasure.
Name Interpretation of Nā Maka o Māliko (NMoM)
Literal translation (Hoʻopukakū):
The faces, beloved friends, eyes, vision of Māliko.
The presence of new buds(growth).
Symbolic/Metaphorical meaning (Kaona)
The descendants of Māliko.
Transformative agency for Māliko, a beloved place to be cherished and protected for kamaʻāina of the North Shore of Maui. (Hāmakuapoko, Hāmākualoa, Koʻolau).
Vision Statement
“E Hoʻi i Ka Nani i Māliko”
Let Glory return to Māliko
E hoʻi i ka nani is a Hawaiian phrase that has been used profusely in song and chant to reverberate the returning of spirit, beauty, identity, wealth and well-being to a place once lived, cultivated, nurtured, and loved. It rekindles loving memories and relationships, once cherished, strengthening an individual’s commitment to place and nature. It is especially used in areas that have fallen into a state of ruin and deprivation, due to neglect, misuse, mismanagement and misappropriation of relationships and resources. Itʻs a maxim to rally individuals and a community to return to the practice of aloha ʻāina - devotion to land, aloha kanaka - human relationships, and aloha akua - divine connectivity.
E hoʻi i ka nani i Māliko - Let glory return to Māliko inspires purpose and action for families and friends who have been feeling the diminishing pulse of a once robust and vital bay, valley and community. Our mission is to bring awareness to the urgent needs and recovery of this beloved area and directly contribute to its revitalization and restoration through Hawaiian cultural stewardship, Island culture responsiveness, and recreation - JOY.
Current Environmental & Socio-Economic Evaluation of Māliko Bay
Unfortunately the current condition is now an environmental hazard, with crime and drug use prevalent. The near shore ocean has some of the highest counts of bacteria and the active cesspools are all within the water table. Conservation zoning violations are prevalent. The property is in a Tsunami inundation area and SMA, with illegal structures and dwellings awaiting another disaster on our shoreline. Invasive species include Coqui frogs, which are on the brink of expanding into our central valley.
Our island and community spaces and parks are severely impacted by tourism. The houseless population situation is growing faster than the resources to help it. and unfortunately, Māliko is faced with the same problem. It has become a place that can be intimidating for some to enjoy.
Mission
Nā Maka o Māliko is a Hawaiʻi non-profit corporation with the objective and purpose through lease or easement, the stewardship and management of roughly 11.137 acres of land at or near Māliko, Maui, for the following public recreational and preservation purposes:
- (a) to restore the condition of the land and its access to clean, preserved and safe condition;
- (b) to reduce and eliminate "squatters", unauthorized camping uses and dumping that have impaired or impeded the use of the land for public daytime recreational uses;
- (c) to operate and manage the property for orderly public, recreational, family and ocean access including swimming, picnics and ocean activities such as surfing, canoeing, and fishing;
- (d) archaeology, conservation and education; and
- (e) other general conservation and preservation purposes to honor and preserve the traditional and historic elements and uses of this unique place.
Members & Directors
Our board is made up of members with diverse connections to the Nā Hāmākua community and Māliko. Our board has extensive organizational and communications skills with deep community relationships.
Wanda Sarah Pūlama Collier, Loea, HPhD.
President
Kūʻau, Hāmākuapoko
Hawaiian Cultural Knowledge and Educational leader & lineal descendant of Māliko.
John MacCandless
Vice President
Kūʻau, Hāmākuapoko
Hawaiʻi Waterman Hall of Fame Inductee.
Leinaʻala Kulolio Vedder
Secretary
Kuiaha, Hāmākualoa
Hawaiian Cultural Knowledge Educator with familial ties to Māliko.
Ben Walin
Treasurer
Kūʻau, Hāmākuapoko
Retired partner of Commercial Properties of Maui. Current Commodore Maui Trailer Boat Club Inc.