By JAYMES SONG Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press
HONOLULU

A 4,100-acre, privately owned swath of undeveloped property on Maui that features ancient Hawaiian cultural sites and serves as habitat for rare birds and species is now a part of Haleakala National Park.

Nu'u Ranch, one of the Maui's largest undeveloped tracts that spans from the 6,000-foot rim of Haleakala volcano to the Pacific Ocean, was purchased by the federal government from landowner James Campbell Co. LLC for $3.3 million, officials said Tuesday.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, secured the funds from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire the property from Campbell, which succeeded Campbell Estate after the 107-year-old estate was terminated last year.

The Conservation Fund negotiated the purchase.

Considering many condominiums on Maui sell for more than $3.3 million, the price for 4,100 acres is possibly the best deal since the Louisiana Purchase.

Inouye said the acquisition was a testament to public-private partnerships.

"Together we have succeeded in protecting an invaluable asset," he said.

Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and island Democratic Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono praised the deal to preserve the property.

"Expanding and protecting Haleakala National Park makes an important statement about who we are and what we value," said Abercrombie, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees the National Park System.

Steve MacMillan, Campbell's chief executive, said the land is now open for public use and enjoyment for the first time in more than a decade.

"We are pleased to have been able to play a role in placing this land in the public trust forever," he said.

Marilyn H. Parris, superintendent of Haleakala National Park, said restoration will be needed in the mountainous areas before it is opened to the public. The restoration includes removing fencing, wild goats and invasive grasses. They will be replaced with native plants.

Parris said the goal was to restore it to more of a natural ecosystem.

Large portions of the property contain remnants of a native koa forest that once dominated the island. Dry wiliwili forests, which serves as habitat for the endangered Blackburn's sphinx moth and Hawaiian hoary bat, can be found in the lower elevations.

The land has played a role in the lives of Native Hawaiians for centuries with several ancient cultural sites found on the property.

Akaka said the land was important for the preservation of Hawaii's cultural history and environment.

"As a result of this partnership, this special piece of our heritage and 'aina (land) will be preserved so that it may be experienced by both (residents) and visitors of Hawaii for generations to come," he said.

January 15, 2008   11:26 PM EST