Mayor Maryanne Kusaka this week apologized for the inadvertent clearing of shrubs in a culturally sensitive area near a trail leading to Paliku Beach, known commonly as “Donkey Beach,” north of Kealia Beach. The county recently took ownership of nearly
Mayor Maryanne Kusaka this week apologized for the inadvertent clearing of shrubs in a culturally sensitive area near a trail leading to Paliku Beach, known commonly as “Donkey Beach,” north of Kealia Beach.
The county recently took ownership of nearly 60 acres of beachfront property from the owners developing Kealia Kai residential subdivision, and asked volunteers to help clear an area that had become overgrown.
Volunteers cleared hau bushes and other vegetation on a hillside leading to Paliku Beach.
An adjacent area that has been deemed culturally sensitive by the Island Burial Council, Islands of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, was inadvertently grubbed by the volunteers as they attempted to remove clippings and other debris, according to a county spokeswoman.
A complaint was lodged with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources after the work was done late last month, and the end result will be that the county will erect signs indicating the cultural significance of the area, and boulders placed to keep vehicles from entering the place.
“The county takes full responsibility for the mistake, and we’re working with DLNR and the Burial Council to address it and take remedial action to secure the site,” said Kusaka.
“I have apologized to the Burial Council and to the cultural descendants of the area in question, and we will continue to work with DLNR, the (county) Planning Department, and the Burial Council to resolve the issues raised in the complaint,” she added.
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