On item HFC-78 YMCA, I unfortunately need to weigh in on some failures of the organization and how it relates to their lease renewal. I am not giving opposition but I must inform the greater public of current status fulfilling lease requirements.
In section B of the YMCA lease specifies that:
Lessee shall use the Premises solely for the purpose of housing its administrative offices, space to conduct educational and hysical activity programs, including a gym and swimming pool, and farm space used primarily to farm and to conduct a youth farming camp. The use of the Premises for any other purpose shall require the prior written approval of Lessor, through its Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Director”).
I have the unfortunate duty today to share information that sheds unfavorable light on the due diligence of the Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA) organization on Maui. Firstly, no such youth farming camp has been actively operating either in the Central Maui locale nor at the rural Camp Keanae. There are litigious concerns surrounding the 20 year failure of the Camp Keanae director Andy Justus. I have made requests, inquiry and taken direct action to address the issues by repeatedly expressing my concerns to the Director myself, to no avail. I in turn began communication with the CEO of the Maui YMCA Mike Morris to help in resolution to root issues and needs of the host Hawaiian community of East Maui. While we have been able to maintain politeness and decorum in our communication he has been advised by his lawyers to speak little to the issues at hand.
I need to impress that I value the work of the YMCA as a whole and I strongly align with the national president of the YMCA organization wherein Kevin Washington adamantly supports the needs of minorities and those in need especially in this sensitive time of covid alarm.
To give quick examples of the activities that have been operating in lieu of the agriculture and farming famous Camp Keanae are drum circles and raves that encourage psychedelics and no offense to the African dance camps, the local kids have had fun peering into that camp activity, but overall the direction of the camp has failed the needs of community. Including that lineal descendant family reunions are too expensive to host at this rural regional locale Camp Keanae.
Specifically, I would like to request that my council members question the farming instruction uses of facilities outlined in their lease. And while the Camp Keane lease is with DLNR and is separate from the one being addressed today, I believe the farm camp lease language inclusion was perhaps a way to include the farming educational operations at the rural camp, which have been inactive for over 25 years.
In addition, I hope by vocalizing my concerns it will get the attention of the Board of YMCA to thoroughly listen to the needs of East Maui and the way in which they may better serve this community.
On item HFC-78 YMCA, I unfortunately need to weigh in on some failures of the organization and how it relates to their lease renewal. I am not giving opposition but I must inform the greater public of current status fulfilling lease requirements.
In section B of the YMCA lease specifies that:
Lessee shall use the Premises solely for the purpose of housing its administrative offices, space to conduct educational and hysical activity programs, including a gym and swimming pool, and farm space used primarily to farm and to conduct a youth farming camp. The use of the Premises for any other purpose shall require the prior written approval of Lessor, through its Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (“Director”).
I have the unfortunate duty today to share information that sheds unfavorable light on the due diligence of the Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA) organization on Maui. Firstly, no such youth farming camp has been actively operating either in the Central Maui locale nor at the rural Camp Keanae. There are litigious concerns surrounding the 20 year failure of the Camp Keanae director Andy Justus. I have made requests, inquiry and taken direct action to address the issues by repeatedly expressing my concerns to the Director myself, to no avail. I in turn began communication with the CEO of the Maui YMCA Mike Morris to help in resolution to root issues and needs of the host Hawaiian community of East Maui. While we have been able to maintain politeness and decorum in our communication he has been advised by his lawyers to speak little to the issues at hand.
I need to impress that I value the work of the YMCA as a whole and I strongly align with the national president of the YMCA organization wherein Kevin Washington adamantly supports the needs of minorities and those in need especially in this sensitive time of covid alarm.
To give quick examples of the activities that have been operating in lieu of the agriculture and farming famous Camp Keanae are drum circles and raves that encourage psychedelics and no offense to the African dance camps, the local kids have had fun peering into that camp activity, but overall the direction of the camp has failed the needs of community. Including that lineal descendant family reunions are too expensive to host at this rural regional locale Camp Keanae.
Specifically, I would like to request that my council members question the farming instruction uses of facilities outlined in their lease. And while the Camp Keane lease is with DLNR and is separate from the one being addressed today, I believe the farm camp lease language inclusion was perhaps a way to include the farming educational operations at the rural camp, which have been inactive for over 25 years.
In addition, I hope by vocalizing my concerns it will get the attention of the Board of YMCA to thoroughly listen to the needs of East Maui and the way in which they may better serve this community.
Thank you for your time and attention today.
Sincerely,
Faith Chase