As always I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Lahaina ‘ohana. I feel dtrongly hat you all have the right to make decisions for your place.
I am taking this opportunity to testify on this agenda item because it relates to Lahaina housing in relation to the tragedy. I believe it may be best be brought up in the DRIP Committee but I don't see a relative item on the next Committee meeting agenda.
I watched the State legislative hearing yesterday and, like you, learned a lot of new information. One thing that I learned and that alarmed me was the apparent lack of fluid communication between the Joint Housing Task Force and this council body. I am stating for the record that if there, in fact, is a knot to untie with respect to improving communication with this body and the mayor's administration and the work within the Joint Housing Task Force, please make a concerted effort to do so.
If this piece expedited housing topic today is in fact a piece of a housing plan, I support having a representative from this Council be included in the Joint Housing Task Force. I believe that this Council body has heard extensive testimonies and contributions from the public, perhaps even more so than the Mayor's office, even with the monthly meetings.
Again, I support having a representative from this Council be included in the Joint Housing Task Force.
Dear Chair Kama and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
The necessity for affordable housing is undisputed. However, the question remains: should we build homes at any cost?
Traditional building designs often come with significant drawbacks. Instead, imagine supporting projects that seek to minimize such negative effects. Envision projects that:
1. Factor in the community's desires and necessities during the design stage.
2. Implement vegetative swales to manage stormwater completely, recycle graywater, revive native ecosystems, provide local produce, create firebreaks, and alleviate urban heat islands.
3. Design for various modes of transport, reducing dependence on cars.
4. Utilize passive solar strategies to cut energy demand, such that 105% of energy needs are supplied from the sun, thus eliminating utility costs.
5. Harvest rainwater, enhance water efficiency, and process all wastewater on-site to replenish rather than diminish aquifers.
6. Introduce natural light and ventilation across all areas, creating cheerful and healthful interiors for living and working.
7. Employ non-toxic, sustainably harvested materials to ensure superior indoor air quality.
8. Divert 95% of construction waste from landfills.
9. Create public spaces for communal use and maintain open access to all beaches and waterways.
10. Integrate nature-centric designs (biophilia) to foster beautiful, inspiring spaces that reconnect occupants with nature.
These principles are the foundation of Living Building Challenge-certified projects, which are already being incentivized and constructed nationally and globally, often at costs comparable to conventional construction. Living Buildings could be a reality in Maui if we promote and reward these design practices, but they will never materialize if better designs are not requested.
I propose implementing a scorecard (see attached) to evaluate all development projects. Challenge projects to explain their approach to stormwater, wastewater, habitat restoration, food production, renewable energy, carbon sequestration, eliminating toxicity and waste, and occupant health and well-being. Many will initially resist, citing high costs or impracticality. Yet, for those few pioneering the transition towards regenerative design, make them a priority and provide incentives for projects that refuse to compromise. It's time to redefine our standards for responsible design.
Regulations are not hindering our ability to build homes. The real challenge is the scarcity of projects embracing regenerative design that contribute positively to our environment and our planet.
Dear Chair Kama and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
The necessity for affordable housing is undisputed. However, the question remains: should we build homes at any cost?
Traditional building designs often come with significant drawbacks. Instead, imagine supporting projects that seek to minimize such negative effects. Envision projects that:
1. Factor in the community's desires and necessities during the design stage.
2. Implement vegetative swales to manage stormwater completely, recycle graywater, revive native ecosystems, provide local produce, create firebreaks, and alleviate urban heat islands.
3. Design for various modes of transport, reducing dependence on cars.
4. Utilize passive solar strategies to cut energy demand, such that 105% of energy needs are supplied from the sun, thus eliminating utility costs.
5. Harvest rainwater, enhance water efficiency, and process all wastewater on-site to replenish rather than diminish aquifers.
6. Introduce natural light and ventilation across all areas, creating cheerful and healthful interiors for living and working.
7. Employ non-toxic, sustainably harvested materials to ensure superior indoor air quality.
8. Divert 95% of construction waste from landfills.
9. Create public spaces for communal use and maintain open access to all beaches and waterways.
10. Integrate nature-centric designs (biophilia) to foster beautiful, inspiring spaces that reconnect occupants with nature.
These principles are the foundation of Living Building Challenge-certified projects, which are already being incentivized and constructed nationally and globally, often at costs comparable to conventional construction. Living Buildings could be a reality in Maui if we promote and reward these design practices, but they will never materialize if better designs are not requested.
I propose implementing a scorecard (see attached) to evaluate all development projects. Challenge projects to explain their approach to stormwater, wastewater, habitat restoration, food production, renewable energy, carbon sequestration, eliminating toxicity and waste, and occupant health and well-being. Many will initially resist, citing high costs or impracticality. Yet, for those few pioneering the transition towards regenerative design, make them a priority and provide incentives for projects that refuse to compromise. It's time to redefine our standards for responsible design.
Regulations are not hindering our ability to build homes. The real challenge is the scarcity of projects embracing regenerative design that contribute positively to our environment and our planet.
Faith Chase
faith@planetserver.com
February 21, 2024
Aloha Housing and Land Use Committee,
As always I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Lahaina ‘ohana. I feel dtrongly hat you all have the right to make decisions for your place.
I am taking this opportunity to testify on this agenda item because it relates to Lahaina housing in relation to the tragedy. I believe it may be best be brought up in the DRIP Committee but I don't see a relative item on the next Committee meeting agenda.
I watched the State legislative hearing yesterday and, like you, learned a lot of new information. One thing that I learned and that alarmed me was the apparent lack of fluid communication between the Joint Housing Task Force and this council body. I am stating for the record that if there, in fact, is a knot to untie with respect to improving communication with this body and the mayor's administration and the work within the Joint Housing Task Force, please make a concerted effort to do so.
If this piece expedited housing topic today is in fact a piece of a housing plan, I support having a representative from this Council be included in the Joint Housing Task Force. I believe that this Council body has heard extensive testimonies and contributions from the public, perhaps even more so than the Mayor's office, even with the monthly meetings.
Again, I support having a representative from this Council be included in the Joint Housing Task Force.
Thank you for your time and attention today.
Sincerely,
Faith Chase
Dear Chair Kama and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
The necessity for affordable housing is undisputed. However, the question remains: should we build homes at any cost?
Traditional building designs often come with significant drawbacks. Instead, imagine supporting projects that seek to minimize such negative effects. Envision projects that:
1. Factor in the community's desires and necessities during the design stage.
2. Implement vegetative swales to manage stormwater completely, recycle graywater, revive native ecosystems, provide local produce, create firebreaks, and alleviate urban heat islands.
3. Design for various modes of transport, reducing dependence on cars.
4. Utilize passive solar strategies to cut energy demand, such that 105% of energy needs are supplied from the sun, thus eliminating utility costs.
5. Harvest rainwater, enhance water efficiency, and process all wastewater on-site to replenish rather than diminish aquifers.
6. Introduce natural light and ventilation across all areas, creating cheerful and healthful interiors for living and working.
7. Employ non-toxic, sustainably harvested materials to ensure superior indoor air quality.
8. Divert 95% of construction waste from landfills.
9. Create public spaces for communal use and maintain open access to all beaches and waterways.
10. Integrate nature-centric designs (biophilia) to foster beautiful, inspiring spaces that reconnect occupants with nature.
These principles are the foundation of Living Building Challenge-certified projects, which are already being incentivized and constructed nationally and globally, often at costs comparable to conventional construction. Living Buildings could be a reality in Maui if we promote and reward these design practices, but they will never materialize if better designs are not requested.
I propose implementing a scorecard (see attached) to evaluate all development projects. Challenge projects to explain their approach to stormwater, wastewater, habitat restoration, food production, renewable energy, carbon sequestration, eliminating toxicity and waste, and occupant health and well-being. Many will initially resist, citing high costs or impracticality. Yet, for those few pioneering the transition towards regenerative design, make them a priority and provide incentives for projects that refuse to compromise. It's time to redefine our standards for responsible design.
Regulations are not hindering our ability to build homes. The real challenge is the scarcity of projects embracing regenerative design that contribute positively to our environment and our planet.
Mahalo,
Mark Deakos
Napili
Dear Chair Kama and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
The necessity for affordable housing is undisputed. However, the question remains: should we build homes at any cost?
Traditional building designs often come with significant drawbacks. Instead, imagine supporting projects that seek to minimize such negative effects. Envision projects that:
1. Factor in the community's desires and necessities during the design stage.
2. Implement vegetative swales to manage stormwater completely, recycle graywater, revive native ecosystems, provide local produce, create firebreaks, and alleviate urban heat islands.
3. Design for various modes of transport, reducing dependence on cars.
4. Utilize passive solar strategies to cut energy demand, such that 105% of energy needs are supplied from the sun, thus eliminating utility costs.
5. Harvest rainwater, enhance water efficiency, and process all wastewater on-site to replenish rather than diminish aquifers.
6. Introduce natural light and ventilation across all areas, creating cheerful and healthful interiors for living and working.
7. Employ non-toxic, sustainably harvested materials to ensure superior indoor air quality.
8. Divert 95% of construction waste from landfills.
9. Create public spaces for communal use and maintain open access to all beaches and waterways.
10. Integrate nature-centric designs (biophilia) to foster beautiful, inspiring spaces that reconnect occupants with nature.
These principles are the foundation of Living Building Challenge-certified projects, which are already being incentivized and constructed nationally and globally, often at costs comparable to conventional construction. Living Buildings could be a reality in Maui if we promote and reward these design practices, but they will never materialize if better designs are not requested.
I propose implementing a scorecard (see attached) to evaluate all development projects. Challenge projects to explain their approach to stormwater, wastewater, habitat restoration, food production, renewable energy, carbon sequestration, eliminating toxicity and waste, and occupant health and well-being. Many will initially resist, citing high costs or impracticality. Yet, for those few pioneering the transition towards regenerative design, make them a priority and provide incentives for projects that refuse to compromise. It's time to redefine our standards for responsible design.
Regulations are not hindering our ability to build homes. The real challenge is the scarcity of projects embracing regenerative design that contribute positively to our environment and our planet.
Mahalo,
Mark Deakos
Napili