Save Mala!

I am writing to express my deep frustration and strong opposition to the dredging of the Mala Boat Ramp on Maui. This project is not only an environmental disaster in the making but also a blatant disregard for the cultural and ecological significance of the area.

Mala is home to vital marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and diverse marine life, that are already under immense stress. Dredging will cause irreversible damage, disrupting habitats, harming marine species, and further degrading water quality. Additionally, the cultural and historical significance of this area should be respected, not sacrificed for developmental interests.

It is unacceptable for such a decision to move forward without full transparency, comprehensive environmental impact studies, and genuine community engagement.

There are over 1 million people on social media, in particular this TikTok channel, that follow this pier and have fallen in love with it. They have worked so hard to build awareness and DLNR is going to ruin it.

There was no notice. No voting. Nothing. This is not OK.

There are fish there we all have named that know us. The turtles are safe there as they rest while the fish clean their shells.

This is so wrong and a blatant abuse of power. I do not live there as of now, but I have been there and have fallen in love with that area so much. If I could find the money for a plane ticket, I would be there tonight to camp out in front of all that equipment to stop them until they actually do their due diligence on the project and hear the concerns Maui residents have about the ocean life in the area.

I fully expect to hear what DLNR and the Maui County government intend to do to address these concerns.

– Jennifer van Bree

Roy, Utah

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