COAST CLEAR FOR HARRISON

A property dispute over use of a path that cuts through the Maui estate of ex-Beatle George Harrison has come to an end.

Harrison and his neighbours in Nahiku have agreed to a settlement that allows him privacy and prohibits anyone from using the path, which leads to the ocean.

Harrison's neighbours, including Ralph Waite who played Pa on The Waltons television series, had claimed the right to cross Harrison's property under an easement granted by the previous landowner.

Hawaii law prohibits private ownership of the state's beaches and other stretches of shoreline, and public access provisions commonly affect private landowners.

"No one is entitled to go across Mr Harrison's property," said his lawyer Paul Alston. "The parties were all satisfied with the terms of the settlement."

Alston said those involved have agreed to keep the details confidential.

The dispute started in the early 1990s after Harrison objected to his neighbours using the path. They claimed they had a right to use it and filed lawsuits.

Last year, the Hawaii Supreme Court reversed a 1993 decision by Circuit Judge John McConnell that people may use a path across Harrison's property.

The state high court sent the case to trial.

Harrison appealed, saying his privacy was being violated.

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