HLU-2(1) Direct Referral HOUSING PROJECTS UNDER CHAPTER 2.97, MAUI COUNTY CODE: RESOLUTIONS 23-78, 23-79, AND 23-80, RELATING TO THE HALE MAHAOLU KE KAHUA RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT (WAILUKU) (HLU-2(1))
Aloha Council. My name is Gail Nagasako a 40 year resident of Waiehu and my husband was born and raised in Lahaina. We are opposed to this development and the other one planned across the road. The developers submitted a Final Environmental Assessment saying there would be no impact because of the development. This is ridiculous. There will be major impacts that in the end taxpayers will have to pay for. The roads are inadequate and traffic is already horrendous for the to work and to school people in the area. The road becomes a debris-filled river during increasingly-frequent heavy rains. The schools in the area are already at capacity. It makes no sense to take prime agricultural lands and build houses and retail space on them. Please read the EAS for both properties to see the other substantial impacts the developers are ignoring. Some of us have formed a non-profit group: PWAMaui.org and I am the President of the group. We do not endorse any development or developer. We are suing the developer of the property across the road to insist on a full Environmental Impact Statement. This is needed for both properties. Otherwise, when the developer goes back to wherever they came from, we taxpayers will be stuck with the bill for all the impacts from the problems they ignored. Please do not approve this project unless you as a Council and the State build out the proper infrastructure. Without that, this project should not go forward.
Although we all support the dire need for low income affordable housing, the location of this project is inappropriate along with other issues: There is no clear title to this land, challenged by Native Hawaiian heirs . It is designated as agricultural land. There is known flooding, with wetlands, a site of known ancient burial grounds (iwi kupuna) , a lack of infrastructure, it is located on the intersection of a dangerous highway where Kahekili Highway intersects Waiehu beach road, traffic congestion already at capacity, only one evacuation. It's just not a good spot for fairly dense housing, especially with more proposed on the mauka side of Kahekili Hwy along that stretch of road.
My name is JD Wyatt, and I’m the Executive Director at Ka Lima O Maui. As our agency is a partner with MEO, and many of our clients benefit from MEO services, I’m writing this letter of support in favor of the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Affordable Housing Community plan.
As you already know, Debbie Cabebe and her team at MEO provide a range of services that benefit and touch so many people in our community. MEO through the years has made a tremendous impact on the lives of those they’ve served. As I hear from many of my staff, affordable housing on Maui is non-existent. Many of my staff need to have multiple roommates just to be able to afford a safe environment to live in. Unfortunately, others have no option but to live off the kindness of family and friends. For the adults with disabilities we serve at Ka Lima, a safe, affordable living situation is critical to their mental health and quality of life. Sadly, most do not live in those conditions. I fear what I see here at work is just a microcosm of the community at large.
I do understand some of the challenges MEO has faced in putting this plan together, and I can appreciate the point of view of those that are not in favor of it. But I wonder, is anyone really against a 100% affordable housing community here on island? We’ve all seen the mass exodus of youth going off to college and not coming back due to high cost of living and affordable housing. I’ve personally seen multiple families living in one small home in cramped and unhealthy conditions due to not being able to afford anything else. I’ve seen domestic situations develop with multiple clients of ours living together because there is no other alternative but the streets. Affordable housing is something we must be able to provide for those in the community less fortunate. The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Afforable Housing Community plan would provide 120 1,2 and 3 bedroom rental units for low income individuals and families earning from 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income. This would be a tremendous start to addressing the affordable housing equation. This site would also include an onsite clubhouse for residents to gather and engage in social activities, and it would include space for a local non-profit to occupy in order to provide a variety of services important to the residents of the property. In essence, it would become an incubator of safety, security and services that would benefit those less fortunate. A sense of pride and family can be attained with just a few simple gestures and opportunities for those willing to improve their situation. It’s ok if they aren’t able to earn higher incomes, what’s important is that if they can live in a safe, supportive environment if they’re willing to do their best and earn what they can. Ever since I moved to the island in 2001, I’ve felt the warmth of our community and tried to give back as much as I can for the opportunity to live in happiness here. I think everyone deserves the same opportunity, particularly for those that are doing the best they can and have families to feed.
I am saddened by the volatile nature this proposal is surrounded by, and I’ve personally heard about some of the threats aimed at Debbie and her team. MEO stands to gain nothing from this project; all they want to do is be part of the solution to the challenge of affordable housing in our community. Unfortunately, there are being labeled as the problem. MEO is an exemplary non-profit that deserves better.
I urge you all to support the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Affordable Housing Community plan, and thank you for your service to our community.
I strongly oppose the location of this development. It is ag land wetland and land code needs to be adhered to. Meo plans for this campus to have a head start program daycare facility and there are no sidewalks or other infrastructure in place. I mostly oppose this project location as there are an unknown amount of Puheino heirs that have interest to this property. I'm sure that number succeeds 250 which is the number of residents that MEO to house on this ohanas land.
I am opposed to this projects location. How can you consciously evict Kuleana land owners (indigenous peoples of this ʻĀina) to house possible non Kanaka?!? Yes we need AFFORDABLE housing! Council provided an alternate site with MORE acreage to build MORE units. Why isnʻt MEO not looking into this?!?
The current projects location has many issues. As a kiaʻi for Iwi Kupuna, lineal descendants have testified to their ancestors being on ʻĀina. Contrary to what archaeologist report states. Next biggest is the flooding. Followed by traffic.
Again! I oppose this project utilizing 2.97 to PUSH this project through!
My name is Trinette Furtado and I oppose the approval of this MEO project on contentious land.
MEO had (and may still have) an opportunity to develop an affordable housing project on lands that arenʻt contentious, yet continues to push the narrative that THIS spot is the only spot.
The affected `ohana, neighbors and other concerned community members have all pointed out what a terrible location this is for so many reasons and it has fallen on deaf ears.
Kānaka are always asked to "consider the greater good" while those who really should consider the greater good are too busy taking advantage of that.
For numerous reasons, I OPPOSE this project proposal.
Jordan Hocker. I oppose the location of this development due to culturally sensitive areas, lack of adequate traffic impact information, title issues and congestion concerns for neighboring residents.
Deleted User
over 1 year ago
Joelle LaMer This location will expose residents to too much highway noise and air pollution. I currently suffer these same conditions that affect my health. My apartment in senior housing is only 50 feet from the Piilani Highway. Residents in Affordable housing should have safe and healthy housing
I am opposed to this project location due to inadequate infrastructure, presence of iwi kupuna, and concerns for the well being of the residents due to noise, air pollution, no access to bus line, no grocery stores or other services nearby. Please see my attached testimony
I oppose this project.
Aloha Council. My name is Gail Nagasako a 40 year resident of Waiehu and my husband was born and raised in Lahaina. We are opposed to this development and the other one planned across the road. The developers submitted a Final Environmental Assessment saying there would be no impact because of the development. This is ridiculous. There will be major impacts that in the end taxpayers will have to pay for. The roads are inadequate and traffic is already horrendous for the to work and to school people in the area. The road becomes a debris-filled river during increasingly-frequent heavy rains. The schools in the area are already at capacity. It makes no sense to take prime agricultural lands and build houses and retail space on them. Please read the EAS for both properties to see the other substantial impacts the developers are ignoring. Some of us have formed a non-profit group: PWAMaui.org and I am the President of the group. We do not endorse any development or developer. We are suing the developer of the property across the road to insist on a full Environmental Impact Statement. This is needed for both properties. Otherwise, when the developer goes back to wherever they came from, we taxpayers will be stuck with the bill for all the impacts from the problems they ignored. Please do not approve this project unless you as a Council and the State build out the proper infrastructure. Without that, this project should not go forward.
I strongly oppose this project.
Although we all support the dire need for low income affordable housing, the location of this project is inappropriate along with other issues: There is no clear title to this land, challenged by Native Hawaiian heirs . It is designated as agricultural land. There is known flooding, with wetlands, a site of known ancient burial grounds (iwi kupuna) , a lack of infrastructure, it is located on the intersection of a dangerous highway where Kahekili Highway intersects Waiehu beach road, traffic congestion already at capacity, only one evacuation. It's just not a good spot for fairly dense housing, especially with more proposed on the mauka side of Kahekili Hwy along that stretch of road.
March 1, 2023
Aloha Council Members,
My name is JD Wyatt, and I’m the Executive Director at Ka Lima O Maui. As our agency is a partner with MEO, and many of our clients benefit from MEO services, I’m writing this letter of support in favor of the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Affordable Housing Community plan.
As you already know, Debbie Cabebe and her team at MEO provide a range of services that benefit and touch so many people in our community. MEO through the years has made a tremendous impact on the lives of those they’ve served. As I hear from many of my staff, affordable housing on Maui is non-existent. Many of my staff need to have multiple roommates just to be able to afford a safe environment to live in. Unfortunately, others have no option but to live off the kindness of family and friends. For the adults with disabilities we serve at Ka Lima, a safe, affordable living situation is critical to their mental health and quality of life. Sadly, most do not live in those conditions. I fear what I see here at work is just a microcosm of the community at large.
I do understand some of the challenges MEO has faced in putting this plan together, and I can appreciate the point of view of those that are not in favor of it. But I wonder, is anyone really against a 100% affordable housing community here on island? We’ve all seen the mass exodus of youth going off to college and not coming back due to high cost of living and affordable housing. I’ve personally seen multiple families living in one small home in cramped and unhealthy conditions due to not being able to afford anything else. I’ve seen domestic situations develop with multiple clients of ours living together because there is no other alternative but the streets. Affordable housing is something we must be able to provide for those in the community less fortunate. The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Afforable Housing Community plan would provide 120 1,2 and 3 bedroom rental units for low income individuals and families earning from 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income. This would be a tremendous start to addressing the affordable housing equation. This site would also include an onsite clubhouse for residents to gather and engage in social activities, and it would include space for a local non-profit to occupy in order to provide a variety of services important to the residents of the property. In essence, it would become an incubator of safety, security and services that would benefit those less fortunate. A sense of pride and family can be attained with just a few simple gestures and opportunities for those willing to improve their situation. It’s ok if they aren’t able to earn higher incomes, what’s important is that if they can live in a safe, supportive environment if they’re willing to do their best and earn what they can. Ever since I moved to the island in 2001, I’ve felt the warmth of our community and tried to give back as much as I can for the opportunity to live in happiness here. I think everyone deserves the same opportunity, particularly for those that are doing the best they can and have families to feed.
I am saddened by the volatile nature this proposal is surrounded by, and I’ve personally heard about some of the threats aimed at Debbie and her team. MEO stands to gain nothing from this project; all they want to do is be part of the solution to the challenge of affordable housing in our community. Unfortunately, there are being labeled as the problem. MEO is an exemplary non-profit that deserves better.
I urge you all to support the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Affordable Housing Community plan, and thank you for your service to our community.
Respectfully,
JD Wyatt
I strongly oppose the location of this development. It is ag land wetland and land code needs to be adhered to. Meo plans for this campus to have a head start program daycare facility and there are no sidewalks or other infrastructure in place. I mostly oppose this project location as there are an unknown amount of Puheino heirs that have interest to this property. I'm sure that number succeeds 250 which is the number of residents that MEO to house on this ohanas land.
I am opposed to this projects location. How can you consciously evict Kuleana land owners (indigenous peoples of this ʻĀina) to house possible non Kanaka?!? Yes we need AFFORDABLE housing! Council provided an alternate site with MORE acreage to build MORE units. Why isnʻt MEO not looking into this?!?
The current projects location has many issues. As a kiaʻi for Iwi Kupuna, lineal descendants have testified to their ancestors being on ʻĀina. Contrary to what archaeologist report states. Next biggest is the flooding. Followed by traffic.
Again! I oppose this project utilizing 2.97 to PUSH this project through!
My name is Trinette Furtado and I oppose the approval of this MEO project on contentious land.
MEO had (and may still have) an opportunity to develop an affordable housing project on lands that arenʻt contentious, yet continues to push the narrative that THIS spot is the only spot.
The affected `ohana, neighbors and other concerned community members have all pointed out what a terrible location this is for so many reasons and it has fallen on deaf ears.
Kānaka are always asked to "consider the greater good" while those who really should consider the greater good are too busy taking advantage of that.
For numerous reasons, I OPPOSE this project proposal.
This area is in a wetland, there is flooding, inadequate roads and no wastewater treatment.
Jordan Hocker. I oppose the location of this development due to culturally sensitive areas, lack of adequate traffic impact information, title issues and congestion concerns for neighboring residents.
Joelle LaMer This location will expose residents to too much highway noise and air pollution. I currently suffer these same conditions that affect my health. My apartment in senior housing is only 50 feet from the Piilani Highway. Residents in Affordable housing should have safe and healthy housing
I am opposed to this project location due to inadequate infrastructure, presence of iwi kupuna, and concerns for the well being of the residents due to noise, air pollution, no access to bus line, no grocery stores or other services nearby. Please see my attached testimony
Maria Scafidi. I am opposed to the location of this housing project due to inadequate infrastructure and concerns for health and safety of residents