Maui has a good General Plan
We Should Follow It
ACT BEFORE APRIL 7
Your Voice is needed! Wailea 670 is doing a Environmental Impact Statement
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The first step is an “EIS Preparation Notice” (EISPN) that the
public can comment on. Deadline for comments is April 7. If you had
concerns during the hearing process, please ask to be a consulted
party. Go to SaveMakena.org for details on where to send in comments. The EIS prep notice and other documents are also posted there.
Comments can be simple. Our concerns about traffic, water, protection
of existing historic roads and trails, native plants and cultural
sites, adequate buffers from Maui Meadows, impacts to beaches, and
compliance with Kihei-makena community Plan policies, are not addressed
in the EISPN, which instead avoids meaningful comment on the topic.
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Hawaii’s Administrative Rules (HAR) make it clear that an EIS
needs to be developed through a thorough process. This EIS Prep notice
is vague, contradictory and evasive. Not a good start. -
From HAR:
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“An EIS is meaningless without the conscientious
application of the EIS process as a whole, and shall not be merely a
self-serving recitation of benefits and a rationalization of the
proposed action. Agencies shall insure that statements are prepared at
the earliest opportunity in the planning and decision making process.
This shall insure an early open forum for discussion of adverse effects
and available alternatives, and that the decision makers will be
enlightened to any environmental consequences of the proposed action”
(11-200-14 HAR General Provisions)
Shoreline protection in Hawai‘i is based on Chapter
205A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. A proposed bill (SB1318)
originated by the leadership of the State Senate will repeal 205A, if
it continues through the legislative process and becomes law. In
addition to eliminating all current protection of our shorelines, it
will eliminate the State Office of Planning. Anyone who feels strongly
that current and future efforts to research, manage and protect our
diminishing shoreline resources should continue, may want to offer
comment on Senate Bill 1318 to their legislators.
A copy of SB1318 is available at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/Bills/SB1318_.HTM
Wailea 670 (Honua’ula) files EIS preparation notice.
Stand for Makena Memorial on YouTube
This video captures the spirit of that place and urges folks everywhere to “Stand for Makena!” – Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3
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Project Ka‘eo
The Challenge to Preserve Cultural Landscapes in Modern Makena * The need to create a bridge between Maui’s past and future is one of the challenges facing a rapidly developing island. It is also the unspoken subject of an extensive study researched and written by Lucienne de Naie. Download a PDF of Project Ka‘eo here
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Over thirty-five years ago a bold, visionary plan was launched to
secure Maui’s economic future. Begun in 1968, the federally funded
Kihei Civic Plan set out to transform the dry, dusty, sparsely
populated shoreline of South Maui. It envisioned a model community for
residents and a world-class resort destination for visitors. Nearly
one-third of South Maui’s 1,200 residents (1970 pop.) gave input on the
Civic Plan.
The nature of Wailea 670
In the spring of 2008 David Suzuki addressed an overflow crowd at the
Maui Arts and Culture Center’s McCoy Theater as part of the Focus Green
lecture series. His topic was our narrow window of opportunity to alter
the collision course we are on with the planet that sustains us. As he
quoted his daughter: “This is the moment when we will define the future
of humankind and all species.”
Absent from the listening audience were members of the Maui County
Council, who were busy deliberating a rezoning application from Wailea
670 (Honua`ula) to develop 1,400 new housing units and a golf course in
South Maui.
Honua’ula makes halting progress
After more than six hours of discussion, Council Land Use Chairman Mike
Molina put the Honua’ula project district on hold for three months,
giving committee members until June 15 to prepare comments on
conditions proposed by the planning staff and developer. Molina said on
Thursday that he expects the Land Use Committee to continue its review
of the 670-acre residential development in late summer or early fall.
Save Makena.org
Wailea 670 is still not a done deal! The Land Use Committee voted yes
to Wailea 670, but that is only one part of a three-part process. There
will be more public hearings with testimony and more chances coming up
to voice your opinions to the County Council.
Planning commission OK’s Dowling’s Keaka project
The pros outnumbered the cons 5-2 when the commission voted Tuesday on
a special management area permit and special accessory use permit for
the $220 million project down the coastline from the Maui Prince Hotel.
Hawaii’s paradise falls victim to progress
Early Hawaiian culture taught that the earth is a living, conscious
being. It is not to be dominated but is to be cared for with pono
(balance and rightness). In the land of true aloha (love, compassion,
divine blessings) the land provides for its people. This sacred
Hawaiian value is similarly expressed in the cultures of many ethnic
groups. As 2006 concludes, I struggle to find the words to express the
angst and powerlessness I feel about what is happening to our planet
and to the values that should be guiding our relationship with it.
The game is over for shoreline developers
The Hawai‘i Supreme Court has issued a ruling strongly reaffirming that
the shoreline in Hawai‘i, which marks the boundary between public beach
and private land, extends to the highest wash of the waves, and
rejecting the use of artificially planted vegetation to determine the
shoreline.
Healthy reefs may help shield against tsunami damage
Nature may be best at reef repair
Read two articles that point out the importance to all island residents of healthy offshore reef systems.
New threats loom at Ahihi-Kinau reserve
With commercial activities banned and more watchful eyes on the scene,
have things changed for the better at the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area
Reserve and adjoining Keoneoio? Yes – and no.
Trail will ease access to ocean
A recent Hawai’i Supreme Court ruling reiterated the state’s commitment
to retaining as much of the shoreline as possible for use by the
public.
