Hawaiians lived in Haiku until displaced by the Navy in World War II so a communication station could be built there.

Now the land belongs to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and it has agreed in principal to establish a commission that would oversee the cultural preserve.

"This valley is important because it has a number of Hawaiian sacred sites. It has burials throughout the valley. It has medicinal plants that some of our Kupuaina went there to gather. It was used as a hospital in ancient times, so it was important to all of Ko'olaupoko for that reason," said Mahealani Cypher, of Koolaupoko Civic Club.

If established the Haiku commission would protect and preserve the area's cultural archaeological historical and environmental resources.

The bill to establish the commission does not mention the Haiku Stairs and it's unknown what effect if any a cultural preserve in Haiku would have on the stairs.

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