Evictions of the six families in Kahana Valley will be halted while "constructive discussions" continue with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources over the next week, authorities said this afternoon.

Families facing eviction from Kahana Valley gained support from the University of Hawai'i Hawaiian studies center yesterday. The center urged the governor to intercede and give the valley to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The valley is home to 'Ahupua'a O Kahana Valley State Park that was created as a living park to allow families with longtime ties to the valley to remain.

"We are searching for a solution that will respect the interests of these families, the interests of valley residents, those with ties to Kahana that are living outside the valley and the future of Kahana Valley state park," Thielen said. "We believe a solution can be reached by working together in a cooperative environment."