HLU-18 Bill 80 (2023 BILL 80 (2023), RELATING TO GRANTING CAROLEE HIGASHINO A CONDITIONAL PERMIT TO OPERATE SMALL SCALE SPECIAL EVENTS WITHIN THE COUNTY R-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (HLU-18)
I support the approval of Bill 80, allowing Carolee Higashino to operate small-scale special events within the county R-3 residential district. Allowing White Orchid Weddings to operate at the Beach House would not only benefit other local businesses, but also be beneficial to Maui's community. Additionally, as a fisherman, I have had no conflicts regarding access to the shoreline through the property. Mrs. Higashino has been more than welcoming and hasn't posed any difficulties with me when I've tried to access the area along the beach house. I strongly believe that Mrs. Higashino's professionalism, hospitality, and love for her community, make her and her team at White Orchid Weddings deserving of the approval of Bill 80. Support local businesses!
- Matthew Takakura
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
My name is Kimiko Hosaki and I am in full support of HLU-18 Bill 80.
Carolee is responsible for supporting so many of Maui's businesses and professionals. She has always conducted herself in a professional and very respectful way. Maui needs more business women like her and the wedding industry needs this wedding venue in operation to support the economic recovery.
your consideration and support to allow our wedding industry professionals to conduct business i greatly appreciated! the wedding industry helps directly support our local vendors, and also promotes visitors to support our local economy while they are here visiting as well.
as a born and raised maui local, and a wedding professional for the past 20+ years, i would not have been able to be on my island home and build my career if it weren't for the support of my fellow wedding vendors and the business that the wedding industry brings to hawai'i. i would like to see continued success for my colleagues and future vendors of the wedding industry on maui.
ry-n shimabuku - makeup artist
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
My name is Laurie A’i and I am testifying in full support of A White Orchid Wedding’s HLU-18 Bill 80 permit request.
Allowing Carolee to use her property for events would be such a beneficial opportunity for so many wedding vendors and local artisans alike.
With such a limitation on wedding venues, having a local family owned venue that can further stimulate and support the local businesses is such a vital reason why this bill should be passed. The White Orchid team is able to extend business to many of the local community members further stimulating our local economy as opposed to the many luxury resorts operating on Maui.
I hope you all see what an amazing opportunity it would be to allow the use of the White Orchid Beach house property once again. We humbly ask for your approval and support of this bill.
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee. I’m sending these comments in full and unconditional support of the request by Carolee Higashino and White Orchid Wedding for permits to conduct events at her location in Makena. I’ve know Carolee and Peter and their family for over 25 years and I can personally vouch for their integrity, their commitment to keeping Maui Maui, to doing the right thing, to Aloha. They and WOW are total professionals and I am certain that all applicable rules will be followed by them, and that they will ensure their clients and guests do the same. Please don’t penalize this extremely hard-working and dedicated local family by denying them the ability to pursue their business. I humbly and respectfully request your support of this request and your approval of this permit. Thank you!
I respectfully urge your support for Bill 80. There is no one better suited to operate a special events venue than Carolee Higashino and granting the permit would be a significant step towards revitalizing the event industry in Maui, providing numerous benefits to local businesses, their employees, and the wider community.
To Concern of Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
Having worked in the wedding industry for decades and in conjunction with Carolee Higashino, I can assure you that the comfort and welfare of the community have the highest priority in the operation of her wedding company. Client contracts clearly outline noise, parking, environmental and behavioral restrictions and guidelines to keep the impact of the events to a minimum on the neighborhood in Makena.
In this incredibly challenging time with the wildfires putting so many out of work, destroying independent venues and clouding the perception of mainland visitors, it is imperative for the county to stand behind small businesses, especially those who have proven their value and commitment across the last three decades. None are more deserving than Carolee to be able to continue her work at the Beach House to spread love and aloha to those who select Maui to celebrate such an important occasion and spend their wedding dollars in this very special place we call home.
Mahalo for your Kokua. -Steven Cook
My name is Kristin Agbayani and I am the owner of Opihi Love Wedding Planning and Design which is a locally owned wedding planning company and I am here in support of Bill 80 (2023 BILL 80 (2023), relating to granting Carolee Higashino a conditional permit to operate small scale special events within the county R-3 residential district. Currently on Maui, we are experiencing a concerning and alarming shortage of viable and legal wedding venues where we can book and host wedding and events. We have by far the most incredible and professional wedding planners and vendors on the island and it is incredibly difficult to communicate to potential clients that on an island of such incredible wedding talent, we only have 3 private wedding venues (and as of today one of them is unavailable for use until 2024) vs other islands who have 30 plus wedding venues. For myself and my company, we are now resorting to adverting and executing weddings on other islands- why? Why are we supporting other islands when our community needs it right now. If you stop by one of my weddings during setup, you’ll see anywhere between 30-40 local Maui residents working hard to produce an event and directly benefitting from those proceeds. We need to continue working, hosting and producing events especially for those wedding vendors who have lost everything in the Lahaina wildfires. There is no one better suited to oversee a venue operation than Carolee and the White Orchid Wedding Team. Carolee is a pillar of our wedding community, a mentor, role model and amazing colleague to so many including myself. She has an incredible wealth of experience and is known as a leader in our industry by so many. Please proceed so we can support local residents, events, and local small businesses along the way.
Dear Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a waterman and long-term resident of south Kihei. I would like to express my concerns regarding Bill 80 and respectfully request that you vote against its approval.
Much like many of my neighbors in the immediate vicinity, I share a deep passion for the preservation of our environment and natural resources. I believe that the approval of Bill 80 may pose a threat to these values and adversely impact our community in several ways.
One significant concern is the potential increase in traffic that may result from the approval of this bill. Makena is already grappling with heavy influx of locals and tourists on these narrow roads that have resulted in many accidents around the immediate area in question. The strain on our roads not only affects the daily lives of residents but also poses a risk to public safety.
Another concern is the lack of egress in case of a fire or other emergencies. Approving spot zoning without adequate consideration for emergency access could endanger the lives and properties of those residing in the area. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community in any decision related to land use.
Moreover, I urge you to consider the broader implications of approving Bill 80. This decision sets a precedent for the future in our area, and it is essential to weigh the long-term impact on the community. Approval of Bill 80 may lead to an undesirable shift in the character of the neighborhood and compromise the unique qualities that make Makena such a special place.
In conclusion, I kindly request that you consider the concerns raised by myself and other community members and vote against Bill 80. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of our environment, the safety of our community, and the long-term well-being of south Maui.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that you will make a decision that reflects the best interests of our community.
Sincerely,
Concerned Community Member
Since the Lahaina fires, it is crucial to have more wedding venues in Maui for several reasons:
1. Increased demand: The Lahaina fires may have caused damage to existing wedding venues, reducing the available options for couples planning their weddings. As a result, there is an increased demand for alternative venues to accommodate the growing number of weddings in Maui.
2. Economic impact: Weddings are a significant source of revenue for Maui's tourism industry. By having more wedding venues, it allows for more weddings to take place, attracting more couples and guests to the area. This, in turn, boosts the local economy through increased spending on accommodations, dining, transportation, and other wedding-related services.
3. Preservation of natural beauty: Maui is known for its stunning natural landscapes and scenic beauty. By having more wedding venues, it helps distribute the wedding ceremonies across different locations, reducing the concentration of events in a few specific areas. This helps preserve the natural beauty of the island and prevents overuse or damage to specific sites.
4. Job creation: The establishment of new wedding venues creates job opportunities for local residents. From venue management and event planning to catering and hospitality services, the wedding industry provides employment opportunities and contributes to the overall economic growth of the community.
5. Diversification of options: Having more wedding venues in Maui allows couples to have a wider range of options when choosing a location for their special day. Different venues offer unique settings, such as beachfront, garden, or mountain views, providing couples with more choices to match their preferences and create memorable experiences.
Overall, the presence of more wedding venues in Maui after the Lahaina fires is crucial to meet the demand, support the local economy, preserve the natural beauty of the island, create jobs, and provide couples with diverse options for their wedding celebrations.
We are humbled by all the passionate and reverent comments that preceded our request for the granting of conditional permits for Carolee Higashino to operate the special events at the 7010 Makena Rd.
(White Orchid Beach House)
Through the years her knowledge and experience has been and continues to be an integral part in Maui community events and businesses.
Especially at the present time with all the unexpected community hardships demanding alternative venue locations and more creation of work for those in need.
Please allow her to continue to utilise her professionalism in supporting community and business.
Mahalo!
Jacqueline and Mark
Maui Tours and Transport llc
I support the approval for the operating permit in Makena . White orchid wedding is the staple in the wedding industry in Hawaii and responsible for supporting so many local business on Maui and in the state of Hawaii for the past 25+ years. I am a local business owner not in this industry but I approve because so many local businesses in that wedding industry will greatly benefit and we must support local outside our industry and within. Support local businesses ! Approve
This location has been an incredible venue for small groups of people to see why Maui is no ka oi!! With all the huge development in the area an intimate location like this should be allowed to give people a sense of what the place was like years ago!
As Lahaina residents, business owners and members of the Maui Wedding Industry for over 15 years now, we want to show our support to Bill 80 relating to granting Carolee Higashino the permit to operate events at the Beach House. The events hosted at this venue has brought revenue to our company for many years and helped us grow as a business allowing us to employ others and support our local economy. At the same time, we have seen so many wedding businesses being born and thrive thanks to the great clients this private venue attract. We are referring to floral designers who support our upcountry local flower farms, rental companies who rent commercial spaces and employ several people, musicians and hula dancers who promote the Hawaii Culture, etc etc.
It is also important to mention that their clients and guests reserve large room blocks at the different resorts on the island and some of them host their other wedding events there leaving revenue to resorts, their restaurants and services. They are great visitors, and have a great appreciation for the island specially when handheld by professional planners and vendors.
Carolee Higashino and her team are very professional and we wish for them to obtain this permit so we can all have a chance to recover from these past three years of up and downs. This permit will be a huge step towards Maui long term recovery.
Thank you,
Dmitri and Sandra, owners of Dmitri and Sandra Photography
My name is Naomi Takakura and I am testifying in full support of A White Orchid Wedding’s HLU-18 Bill 80 permit request. I am a family friend of the Higashino family and an employee of A White Orchid Wedding.
In my experience at White Orchid Wedding events, it is strongly evident that Carolee and her staff prioritize the local economy by recommending and encouraging local vendors/companies for events. These vendors are professional, organized, experienced, and respectful to the area. WOW employs hundreds of local residents, many of which are Native Hawaiians, single parents, or young adults simply looking to make a living wage. Now more than ever before, we are seeing locals who have lived on the islands for generations move elsewhere to the US mainland because the cost of living is too high to compete with the average salary. During events, coordinators are attentive to vendors and guests to prevent any issues with traffic, disruptions to neighbors, excessive noise, and any other impediments. During my time with WOW, I have received numerous inquiries from locally born and raised or Native Hawaiians that are looking for a quiet space to celebrate with their loved ones away from tourist attractions, an attribute of many hotels and restaurants. This venue is a beautiful space where tourists and locals alike would love to host special celebrations at. With urbanization and inflation, hotels and restaurants are becoming the only available options for weddings - many of which are still very expensive or now no longer accessible after the fires.
Throughout this permitting process, Carolee has gone above and beyond to address and fix any concerns that could possibly disrupt the environment or neighbors visiting their ‘vacation homes’ once a year. Addressing the traffic concern, Carolee has limited the number of vehicles allowed to the property during events and has clearly stated that guests and vendors will not park on roadways. Those that have filed complaints using the Lahaina wildfires as an excuse and comparing the traffic caused by an event to the devastating loss of life and traffic during the wildfires is simply disgusting. Unfortunately, these property owners should have considered the downfalls of living in a rural area of the island with one road to and from their multi million dollar beach houses that sit vacant for the majority of the year rather than blaming a small business operating 120 events per year (many of which will not even meet the maximum guest counts on property).
The Beach House is one of the last spaces that prioritizes locals before any type of profit. If this space is not permitted to operate for events, the property will likely be sold to an out-of-state buyer that will cut off all local access regardless of permits and legalities. I humbly ask that you allow Carolee Higashino to support our local economy and utilize this property to hold events at the White Orchid Beach House.
I am in support of Carolee Higashino obtaining an operating permit for small scale events. I have worked with Mrs Higashino for over 30 years. She has always conducted herself and her business with aloha and respect for the Aina.
We are in a crisis on our island and we need to keep our people working. Mrs Higashino creates a platform that keeps people of our island employed and that money earned stays on the island. I feel it imperative that we continue to support our local businesses. With this permit , employment for many small locally owned enterprises are able to thrive through direct contact with the small events Mrs Higashino’s company will be able to procure .
This is important for many in our community. This will help put food on our tables and roofs over our heads.
Having this permit granted is for the greater good of our community.
Mahalo
I am in support of Carolee Higashino and White Orchid Weddings. They are a local business that supports other local businesses. This is so important especially with all of the challenges Maui has faced. Thank you for the consideration.
Aloha Chair Kama and Members of the Committee,
I support the approval of Bill 80, allowing Carolee Higashino to operate small-scale special events within the county R-3 residential district. Allowing White Orchid Weddings to operate at the Beach House would not only benefit other local businesses, but also be beneficial to Maui's community. Additionally, as a fisherman, I have had no conflicts regarding access to the shoreline through the property. Mrs. Higashino has been more than welcoming and hasn't posed any difficulties with me when I've tried to access the area along the beach house. I strongly believe that Mrs. Higashino's professionalism, hospitality, and love for her community, make her and her team at White Orchid Weddings deserving of the approval of Bill 80. Support local businesses!
- Matthew Takakura
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
My name is Kimiko Hosaki and I am in full support of HLU-18 Bill 80.
Carolee is responsible for supporting so many of Maui's businesses and professionals. She has always conducted herself in a professional and very respectful way. Maui needs more business women like her and the wedding industry needs this wedding venue in operation to support the economic recovery.
your consideration and support to allow our wedding industry professionals to conduct business i greatly appreciated! the wedding industry helps directly support our local vendors, and also promotes visitors to support our local economy while they are here visiting as well.
as a born and raised maui local, and a wedding professional for the past 20+ years, i would not have been able to be on my island home and build my career if it weren't for the support of my fellow wedding vendors and the business that the wedding industry brings to hawai'i. i would like to see continued success for my colleagues and future vendors of the wedding industry on maui.
ry-n shimabuku - makeup artist
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
My name is Laurie A’i and I am testifying in full support of A White Orchid Wedding’s HLU-18 Bill 80 permit request.
Allowing Carolee to use her property for events would be such a beneficial opportunity for so many wedding vendors and local artisans alike.
With such a limitation on wedding venues, having a local family owned venue that can further stimulate and support the local businesses is such a vital reason why this bill should be passed. The White Orchid team is able to extend business to many of the local community members further stimulating our local economy as opposed to the many luxury resorts operating on Maui.
I hope you all see what an amazing opportunity it would be to allow the use of the White Orchid Beach house property once again. We humbly ask for your approval and support of this bill.
Mahalo for your time and consideration!
Laurie A’i
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee. I’m sending these comments in full and unconditional support of the request by Carolee Higashino and White Orchid Wedding for permits to conduct events at her location in Makena. I’ve know Carolee and Peter and their family for over 25 years and I can personally vouch for their integrity, their commitment to keeping Maui Maui, to doing the right thing, to Aloha. They and WOW are total professionals and I am certain that all applicable rules will be followed by them, and that they will ensure their clients and guests do the same. Please don’t penalize this extremely hard-working and dedicated local family by denying them the ability to pursue their business. I humbly and respectfully request your support of this request and your approval of this permit. Thank you!
Dave Jorgensen
Wailuku
Support
Aloha,
I respectfully urge your support for Bill 80. There is no one better suited to operate a special events venue than Carolee Higashino and granting the permit would be a significant step towards revitalizing the event industry in Maui, providing numerous benefits to local businesses, their employees, and the wider community.
Mahalo,
Joy Mark Agbayani
To Concern of Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
Having worked in the wedding industry for decades and in conjunction with Carolee Higashino, I can assure you that the comfort and welfare of the community have the highest priority in the operation of her wedding company. Client contracts clearly outline noise, parking, environmental and behavioral restrictions and guidelines to keep the impact of the events to a minimum on the neighborhood in Makena.
In this incredibly challenging time with the wildfires putting so many out of work, destroying independent venues and clouding the perception of mainland visitors, it is imperative for the county to stand behind small businesses, especially those who have proven their value and commitment across the last three decades. None are more deserving than Carolee to be able to continue her work at the Beach House to spread love and aloha to those who select Maui to celebrate such an important occasion and spend their wedding dollars in this very special place we call home.
Mahalo for your Kokua. -Steven Cook
My name is Kristin Agbayani and I am the owner of Opihi Love Wedding Planning and Design which is a locally owned wedding planning company and I am here in support of Bill 80 (2023 BILL 80 (2023), relating to granting Carolee Higashino a conditional permit to operate small scale special events within the county R-3 residential district. Currently on Maui, we are experiencing a concerning and alarming shortage of viable and legal wedding venues where we can book and host wedding and events. We have by far the most incredible and professional wedding planners and vendors on the island and it is incredibly difficult to communicate to potential clients that on an island of such incredible wedding talent, we only have 3 private wedding venues (and as of today one of them is unavailable for use until 2024) vs other islands who have 30 plus wedding venues. For myself and my company, we are now resorting to adverting and executing weddings on other islands- why? Why are we supporting other islands when our community needs it right now. If you stop by one of my weddings during setup, you’ll see anywhere between 30-40 local Maui residents working hard to produce an event and directly benefitting from those proceeds. We need to continue working, hosting and producing events especially for those wedding vendors who have lost everything in the Lahaina wildfires. There is no one better suited to oversee a venue operation than Carolee and the White Orchid Wedding Team. Carolee is a pillar of our wedding community, a mentor, role model and amazing colleague to so many including myself. She has an incredible wealth of experience and is known as a leader in our industry by so many. Please proceed so we can support local residents, events, and local small businesses along the way.
Request to Vote Against Bill 80
Dear Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a waterman and long-term resident of south Kihei. I would like to express my concerns regarding Bill 80 and respectfully request that you vote against its approval.
Much like many of my neighbors in the immediate vicinity, I share a deep passion for the preservation of our environment and natural resources. I believe that the approval of Bill 80 may pose a threat to these values and adversely impact our community in several ways.
One significant concern is the potential increase in traffic that may result from the approval of this bill. Makena is already grappling with heavy influx of locals and tourists on these narrow roads that have resulted in many accidents around the immediate area in question. The strain on our roads not only affects the daily lives of residents but also poses a risk to public safety.
Another concern is the lack of egress in case of a fire or other emergencies. Approving spot zoning without adequate consideration for emergency access could endanger the lives and properties of those residing in the area. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community in any decision related to land use.
Moreover, I urge you to consider the broader implications of approving Bill 80. This decision sets a precedent for the future in our area, and it is essential to weigh the long-term impact on the community. Approval of Bill 80 may lead to an undesirable shift in the character of the neighborhood and compromise the unique qualities that make Makena such a special place.
In conclusion, I kindly request that you consider the concerns raised by myself and other community members and vote against Bill 80. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of our environment, the safety of our community, and the long-term well-being of south Maui.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that you will make a decision that reflects the best interests of our community.
Sincerely,
Concerned Community Member
Since the Lahaina fires, it is crucial to have more wedding venues in Maui for several reasons:
1. Increased demand: The Lahaina fires may have caused damage to existing wedding venues, reducing the available options for couples planning their weddings. As a result, there is an increased demand for alternative venues to accommodate the growing number of weddings in Maui.
2. Economic impact: Weddings are a significant source of revenue for Maui's tourism industry. By having more wedding venues, it allows for more weddings to take place, attracting more couples and guests to the area. This, in turn, boosts the local economy through increased spending on accommodations, dining, transportation, and other wedding-related services.
3. Preservation of natural beauty: Maui is known for its stunning natural landscapes and scenic beauty. By having more wedding venues, it helps distribute the wedding ceremonies across different locations, reducing the concentration of events in a few specific areas. This helps preserve the natural beauty of the island and prevents overuse or damage to specific sites.
4. Job creation: The establishment of new wedding venues creates job opportunities for local residents. From venue management and event planning to catering and hospitality services, the wedding industry provides employment opportunities and contributes to the overall economic growth of the community.
5. Diversification of options: Having more wedding venues in Maui allows couples to have a wider range of options when choosing a location for their special day. Different venues offer unique settings, such as beachfront, garden, or mountain views, providing couples with more choices to match their preferences and create memorable experiences.
Overall, the presence of more wedding venues in Maui after the Lahaina fires is crucial to meet the demand, support the local economy, preserve the natural beauty of the island, create jobs, and provide couples with diverse options for their wedding celebrations.
We are humbled by all the passionate and reverent comments that preceded our request for the granting of conditional permits for Carolee Higashino to operate the special events at the 7010 Makena Rd.
(White Orchid Beach House)
Through the years her knowledge and experience has been and continues to be an integral part in Maui community events and businesses.
Especially at the present time with all the unexpected community hardships demanding alternative venue locations and more creation of work for those in need.
Please allow her to continue to utilise her professionalism in supporting community and business.
Mahalo!
Jacqueline and Mark
Maui Tours and Transport llc
I support the approval for the operating permit in Makena . White orchid wedding is the staple in the wedding industry in Hawaii and responsible for supporting so many local business on Maui and in the state of Hawaii for the past 25+ years. I am a local business owner not in this industry but I approve because so many local businesses in that wedding industry will greatly benefit and we must support local outside our industry and within. Support local businesses ! Approve
Anthony oreta
This location has been an incredible venue for small groups of people to see why Maui is no ka oi!! With all the huge development in the area an intimate location like this should be allowed to give people a sense of what the place was like years ago!
As Lahaina residents, business owners and members of the Maui Wedding Industry for over 15 years now, we want to show our support to Bill 80 relating to granting Carolee Higashino the permit to operate events at the Beach House. The events hosted at this venue has brought revenue to our company for many years and helped us grow as a business allowing us to employ others and support our local economy. At the same time, we have seen so many wedding businesses being born and thrive thanks to the great clients this private venue attract. We are referring to floral designers who support our upcountry local flower farms, rental companies who rent commercial spaces and employ several people, musicians and hula dancers who promote the Hawaii Culture, etc etc.
It is also important to mention that their clients and guests reserve large room blocks at the different resorts on the island and some of them host their other wedding events there leaving revenue to resorts, their restaurants and services. They are great visitors, and have a great appreciation for the island specially when handheld by professional planners and vendors.
Carolee Higashino and her team are very professional and we wish for them to obtain this permit so we can all have a chance to recover from these past three years of up and downs. This permit will be a huge step towards Maui long term recovery.
Thank you,
Dmitri and Sandra, owners of Dmitri and Sandra Photography
Aloha Chair Kama and Members of the Committee,
My name is Naomi Takakura and I am testifying in full support of A White Orchid Wedding’s HLU-18 Bill 80 permit request. I am a family friend of the Higashino family and an employee of A White Orchid Wedding.
In my experience at White Orchid Wedding events, it is strongly evident that Carolee and her staff prioritize the local economy by recommending and encouraging local vendors/companies for events. These vendors are professional, organized, experienced, and respectful to the area. WOW employs hundreds of local residents, many of which are Native Hawaiians, single parents, or young adults simply looking to make a living wage. Now more than ever before, we are seeing locals who have lived on the islands for generations move elsewhere to the US mainland because the cost of living is too high to compete with the average salary. During events, coordinators are attentive to vendors and guests to prevent any issues with traffic, disruptions to neighbors, excessive noise, and any other impediments. During my time with WOW, I have received numerous inquiries from locally born and raised or Native Hawaiians that are looking for a quiet space to celebrate with their loved ones away from tourist attractions, an attribute of many hotels and restaurants. This venue is a beautiful space where tourists and locals alike would love to host special celebrations at. With urbanization and inflation, hotels and restaurants are becoming the only available options for weddings - many of which are still very expensive or now no longer accessible after the fires.
Throughout this permitting process, Carolee has gone above and beyond to address and fix any concerns that could possibly disrupt the environment or neighbors visiting their ‘vacation homes’ once a year. Addressing the traffic concern, Carolee has limited the number of vehicles allowed to the property during events and has clearly stated that guests and vendors will not park on roadways. Those that have filed complaints using the Lahaina wildfires as an excuse and comparing the traffic caused by an event to the devastating loss of life and traffic during the wildfires is simply disgusting. Unfortunately, these property owners should have considered the downfalls of living in a rural area of the island with one road to and from their multi million dollar beach houses that sit vacant for the majority of the year rather than blaming a small business operating 120 events per year (many of which will not even meet the maximum guest counts on property).
The Beach House is one of the last spaces that prioritizes locals before any type of profit. If this space is not permitted to operate for events, the property will likely be sold to an out-of-state buyer that will cut off all local access regardless of permits and legalities. I humbly ask that you allow Carolee Higashino to support our local economy and utilize this property to hold events at the White Orchid Beach House.
Mahalo,
Naomi Takakura
I am in support of Carolee Higashino obtaining an operating permit for small scale events. I have worked with Mrs Higashino for over 30 years. She has always conducted herself and her business with aloha and respect for the Aina.
We are in a crisis on our island and we need to keep our people working. Mrs Higashino creates a platform that keeps people of our island employed and that money earned stays on the island. I feel it imperative that we continue to support our local businesses. With this permit , employment for many small locally owned enterprises are able to thrive through direct contact with the small events Mrs Higashino’s company will be able to procure .
This is important for many in our community. This will help put food on our tables and roofs over our heads.
Having this permit granted is for the greater good of our community.
Mahalo
I am in support of granting Carolee Higashino and White Orchid Weddings their permit.
I have known Carolee and the White Orchid Ohana for over 20 years. They support local businesses and have always been respectful of the area.
I am in support of Carolee Higashino and White Orchid Weddings. They are a local business that supports other local businesses. This is so important especially with all of the challenges Maui has faced. Thank you for the consideration.