Friends of Mahaulepu

Overview

Friends of Mahaulepu is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural beauty and environmental health of the Mahaulepu Valley, situated on the south shore of Kauai, Hawaii. The group consists of concerned citizens from Kauai and beyond who contribute their time and talents to ensure the preservation of this pristine coastal area.

Objectives and Activities

The main objectives of Friends of Mahaulepu include:

• Environmental Conservation: The organization works to protect Mahaulepu's unique ecosystems and threatened species, such as endangered species found in the area.
• Community Advocacy: Friends of Mahaulepu engages in legal actions and advocacy efforts to prevent developments that could harm the environment. Notably, they have worked against large-scale developments that threaten local ecosystems and infrastructure.

Specific Initiatives

• Defeating Industrial Dairy Plans: Friends of Mahaulepu was instrumental in stopping plans by Pierre Omidyar and Steve Case to establish an industrial dairy farm in Mahaulepu, which would have significantly impacted the local ecosystem.
• Halting Big Island Dairy: The group also supported efforts to close Big Island Dairy due to its Clean Water Act violations, improving the quality of life for nearby communities.
• Preventing Large Developments: They have successfully opposed large condominium projects, such as a proposed development near Kapaa Middle School, which would have strained local resources.
• Stream Restoration: Friends of Mahaulepu has worked to restore mauka to makai (mountain to ocean) stream flows in various Kauai streams, enhancing biodiversity and ecological health.

Current Challenges

• Gary Pinkston’s Development: The organization is currently engaged in legal battles to halt a luxury development by Gary Pinkston, which could impact endangered species habitats and local infrastructure.
• Legal Proceedings: Friends of Mahaulepu is pursuing legal actions against the development of 280 units on Kiahuna Plantation Drive, citing improper permitting procedures and potential ecological harm.

Financial Information

As a nonprofit, Friends of Mahaulepu relies on grants and contributions for its activities. In the fiscal year ending December 2022, the organization reported total revenues of $110,238, primarily from grants and contributions[3][4].