By VALERIE MONSON
Staff Writer

WAILUKU -- The royal grounds of the former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom in Lahaina could be brought back to their glory and turned into a ``world-class'' heritage site, the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee was told this week.

The cultural treasure known as Moku`ula -- once the home of kings and queens before its most recent incarnation as baseball fields and a parking lot -- was hailed as a potential boost to the economy as well as a place that could appeal to tourists and residents alike.

However, such a restoration would not come cheap. The Friends of Moku`ula, a nonprofit organization serving as steward of the area, asked for $50,000 for grant-writing purposes from the council this year, but board President Akoni Akana said it is hoped the county eventually will agree to contribute at least $1 million contingent on the group finding matching private funds. It's estimated that $5 million to $10 million would be needed to complete the entire project.

``The future is in the past,'' said Akana as he unveiled an artist's drawing of Moku`ula in its heyday with thatched structures on a 1-acre island surrounded by the former pond, Loko o Mokuhinia. The sacred island was once the home of King Kamehameha III and the site of a mausoleum containing the remains of the royal family, including Maui Chief Hoapili; Princess Nahienaena, daughter of King Kamehameha I; and Keopuolani, one of the highest ranking alii and wife of Kamehameha I. Most of the important remains were moved.

Now mostly known as Malu-ulu-o-Lele Park, the royal complex bordered by Front and Shaw streets eventually fell into disrepair, was filled in and made a public park by the county in 1918. Except for signs recently posted, most people have no idea what lies beneath the modern-day athletic fields.

Everyone who testified during Monday's 21/2-hour meeting in Council Chambers not only encouraged the county to help recreate the ancient scene, but pushed for the concept of historical tourism -- as opposed to generic attractions -- as a sensible way to improve the economy.

``It's historic significance that draws people to areas,'' said Lori Sablas of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel's Po`okela program and a member of the board of directors of the Friends of Moku`ula. ``It's not all about man-made buildings and fancy buildings, it's that spiritual quality that's in the culture.

``We don't have to make any of this up,'' she pointed out as the history of Moku`ula was recounted. ``We can just bring back the glory.''

Council Member J. Kalani English agreed. He said the marketing of Maui sometimes ``borders on fraud.''

``We have to nurture what we sell,'' said English. ``Here's an opportunity to become truthful in our advertising.''

Sablas, English and others singled out well-known temples or one-of-a-kind sites from China to the Caribbean that have become popular tourist destinations because of their cultural history.

J.J. Elkin, president of the 505 Front Street commercial complex that would look out over the restored Moku`ula, said it's just what Lahaina needs.

``Mr. and Mrs. Tourist today want authenticity,'' he said, adding that if visitors want only to go to the beach or golf they'll probably pick a cheaper spot like Mexico. ``The more we emphasize our uniqueness and our culture,'' the better to increase tourism, he said.

Restoring Moku`ula is not a new idea. Officials first heard about reviving it in the 1960s and, as the years have gone on, the cry has grown louder. Interest peaked in 1993 when a Bishop Museum study discovered the archaeological past of Moku`ula remains mostly undisturbed beneath the athletic fields.

As its story spread, the site was placed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Akana said the $50,000 from the council would join $30,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for administrative costs that would focus on writing grant applications to secure the $1 million in private monies that he hopes will be matched by the county. Some possible sources have already been contacted, he said, but when he mentioned American Express and Anheuser-Busch, a few in the audience winced at the thought.

After the meeting, Akana said he, too, wishes the Hawaiian project would not have to seek money on the Mainland.

``It's sad we have to go to them,'' he said. ``The money should be generated here on Maui. This is an investment.''