WAILUKU — A judge has temporarily stopped work on a Maui housing development following a complaint that the project has disturbed Native Hawaiian burial sites.
The Maui News reports the judge granted the preliminary injunction Friday, with both sides agreeing to meet to propose additional protections for the burial sites near the Maui Lani development in Kahului.
Jennifer Noelani Ahia had filed a complaint in February against the state, Maui County and the landowner, claiming about 180 burials were disturbed.
She claimed officials and the landowner knew about the burial sites but failed to protect them.
The attorney for landowner HBT, Michael Carroll, says they were pleased with the ruling and look forward with working with Ahia to address the issues.
