Patricia Chaney of Island Sotheby's International Realty Makes A Culturally Significant Sale For The Island of Maui And Future Generations

Kamehamenui Forest’s 3,433 acres of mountain watershed lands were sold to the state of Hawai’i, helping it remain protected in perpetuity for the people of Hawaiʻi. This will protect and serve the Kula water aquifer, habitat for endangered species, and community-based forest restoration opportunities. These lands are now protected in perpetuity thanks to federal, state, and non-profit partners.

“We thank Shizuka Asakawa and her brokers Roy Sakamoto, R(B),  Coldwell Banker Island Properties and Patricia Chaney, R(B), Island Sotheby’s International Realty, for working with The Trust for Public Land and the State through many hurdles, and for selling the property for public benefit at below the appraised fair market value. Thanks to the efforts of the Maui legislative contingent, the State DLNR/DOFAW, our federal funding partners at the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and our U.S. Congressional delegation, Kamehamenui will be preserved in perpetuity for the benefit of the public,” stated Lea Hong, Hawaiian Islands State Director of The Trust for Public Land.

We are so honored to have had our own Patricia Chaney R(B) be a part of this humbling and significant experience. We asked her about the experience and her role in this monumental sale. Here is what she had to share: 

The purchase of this land enhances our island in so many ways. First, it protects several indigenous and endangered species of Maui both flora and fauna, i.e. the ‘Ua’u, aka the Hawaiian Petrel, and numerous plant species such as the Silversword and Hawaiian Geranium. Second, it increases the State of Hawai’i’s ability to protect and nurture our watershed. Lastly, this land, this ‘aina, will make it easier, or more accessible for the people of Hawai’i and its visitors to connect and bond with nature with new hiking trails so they are able to gain a broader, better relationship or understanding of our rare and precious island. 

There were no real obstacles, everyone had the same goal and was very cooperative. It was easy to be patient throughout this transaction, knowing how it would benefit Hawai’i.  We just had no idea how long it would take.

As we say in Hawai’i, this was a “chicken skin” transaction. This transaction was a long journey, over three years, from start to finish, but worthy of the patience in seeing it through to completion. Working with the TPL, Trust for Public Land was fantastic from start to finish. I am humbled in gratitude for everyone’s patience and not give up.

Mahalo to all who were a part of helping Hawaiian land stay in Hawaiian hands.