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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said he is reconsidering efforts to force the sale of land tracts belonging to native Hawaiians that fall within a large estate he bought on the island of Kauai, after facing harsh criticism.

Zuckerberg filed to secure parcels of land within his $100 million seafront property on the island of Kauai.

“Based on feedback from the local community, we are reconsidering … how to move forward,” Zuckerberg said in a statement on Tuesday night. “We are following a process that protects the interests of property owners, respects the traditions of native Hawaiians, and preserves the environment.”

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Hawaii state representative Kaniela Ing introduced a bill mandating mediation in such actions involving native Hawaiians and likened Zuckerberg’s plans to those of sugar barons who took land from native Hawaiians in the 1800s, said he was heartened by the news.

“I mahalo Mr. Zuckerberg for his words of aloha and willingness to talk,” Hawaii state representative Kaniela Ing said in a statement on Wednesday.

Zuckerberg’s statement comes just days after he posted on his Facebook an explanation of his Hawaii plans, as news of the actions drew headlines and anger.—Reuters

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