Preserve the Paniolo heritage of Waiki’i


Preserve the Paniolo heritage of Waiki’i
The Issue
Our Waiki'i Ranch community holds a deep connection to the land. Many of the residents who have been here since its inception carry the traditions and spirit of Waiki'i in our daily lives. Our culture revolves around the rich history of Parker Ranch and the Waiki'i Village, as well as a reverence for the even deeper ties to Queen Liliuokalani & Umi's historic use of this sacred area.
The Waiki'i Music Festival, the thrilling matches of Waiki'i Polo, and other cherished customs such as Old Hawaii On Horseback are just some of the ways we seek to contribute to the larger Hawai'i community. These activities are not just events; they embody our shared history, bringing families and friends together, and enriching the cultural tapestry of our region.
However, the preservation of our beloved land faces a pressing threat. A small handful of newcomers are jeopardizing the traditional use of our historic agricultural easements that nurture and sustain a way of life that has existed on this land for generations. Their goal of eliminating these easements will alter the rural character and disrupt the balance between residential and agricultural needs, which has been a cornerstone of our community.
The protection of the historic use of this land within its agriculture easements is crucial. They ensure that we are able to continue to use it for agricultural purposes such as cattle grazing, thus honoring the traditions of those before us while providing opportunities for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Losing these easements would erase those opportunities, and could lead to residential development that overlooks the cultural heritage and the agricultural roots of Waiki'i Ranch. This also is in stark contrast to what the original concept of this community was intended to be.
Lets use our collective voices to urge local authorities and stakeholders to commit to preserving these essential easements and thus a historic way of life in this area. By doing so, we safeguard not just the land but the identity, culture, and spirit it represents.

159
The Issue
Our Waiki'i Ranch community holds a deep connection to the land. Many of the residents who have been here since its inception carry the traditions and spirit of Waiki'i in our daily lives. Our culture revolves around the rich history of Parker Ranch and the Waiki'i Village, as well as a reverence for the even deeper ties to Queen Liliuokalani & Umi's historic use of this sacred area.
The Waiki'i Music Festival, the thrilling matches of Waiki'i Polo, and other cherished customs such as Old Hawaii On Horseback are just some of the ways we seek to contribute to the larger Hawai'i community. These activities are not just events; they embody our shared history, bringing families and friends together, and enriching the cultural tapestry of our region.
However, the preservation of our beloved land faces a pressing threat. A small handful of newcomers are jeopardizing the traditional use of our historic agricultural easements that nurture and sustain a way of life that has existed on this land for generations. Their goal of eliminating these easements will alter the rural character and disrupt the balance between residential and agricultural needs, which has been a cornerstone of our community.
The protection of the historic use of this land within its agriculture easements is crucial. They ensure that we are able to continue to use it for agricultural purposes such as cattle grazing, thus honoring the traditions of those before us while providing opportunities for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Losing these easements would erase those opportunities, and could lead to residential development that overlooks the cultural heritage and the agricultural roots of Waiki'i Ranch. This also is in stark contrast to what the original concept of this community was intended to be.
Lets use our collective voices to urge local authorities and stakeholders to commit to preserving these essential easements and thus a historic way of life in this area. By doing so, we safeguard not just the land but the identity, culture, and spirit it represents.

159
The Decision Makers


Petition created on May 3, 2025