Help Protect Mānoa – Legal Fund
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Help Protect Mānoa – Legal Fund for Permit Appeal & Circuit Court Challenge
Aloha friends and neighbors,
We urgently need your support to continue our legal fight against the Aria Lane development in Mānoa. While we’ve made significant progress, we’re now facing the next critical step: a potential challenge in Circuit Court. That means increased legal costs—and a greater need for community support.
We're increasing our fundraising goal from $10,000 to $30,000 to reflect the real costs of continuing this battle. Every dollar raised helps defend our valley against unsafe, unlawful development.
Why This Fight Matters
The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) approved a development we believe is dangerous, unjust, and illegal. We are appealing this decision—and potentially escalating to Circuit Court—because this development puts people, places, and sacred spaces at risk:
- Wildfire risk on Waʻahila Ridge, a dry, high-risk burn zone
- Increased traffic and pedestrian hazards, especially impacting children and seniors
- Irreversible harm to Kaualaʻa Heiau, a sacred and culturally significant site
This isn’t just a Mānoa issue. What happens here affects Punahou, Makiki, McCully, University, and beyond.
Where Your Donations Go
We are committed to full transparency. Your donations will be used to directly support:
✔ Attorney fees for land use and environmental law specialists
✔ Filing costs for administrative appeals and Circuit Court proceedings
✔ Expert witness testimony to support our legal arguments
Why We Increased Our Goal
Our original $10,000 goal helped us initiate the appeal. Now, facing new legal filings, court representation, and higher expert fees, we need to raise an additional $20,000 to reach $30,000 total.
Keeping everything in one campaign allows us to:
- Maintain transparency with donors on how funds are spent
- Build on existing momentum and trust
- Keep communication clear and centralized
How You Can Help
- Donate what you can – every contribution counts
- Share this campaign – with friends, neighbors, and local networks
- Act quickly – legal deadlines are fast approaching and time is of the essence
If you’ve already donated—mahalo nui! Please consider giving again or sharing this update to help us reach our new goal.
Together, We Can Protect Mānoa
This legal battle is about more than just one development. It’s about holding our institutions accountable, protecting sacred spaces, and preserving the cultural and natural integrity of our community for future generations.
Let’s stand together, in unity and strength, to protect our valley, our values, and our future.
Mahalo for your continued support,
Mālama St. Francis Mānoa
We are a registered nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible—please consult your tax advisor.
Learn more at malamastfrancismanoa.weebly.com
Organizer
Malama St Francis Manoa
Organizer
Honolulu, HI