County of Maui
Housing and Land Use Committee
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
9:00 a.m.
TO: The Honorable Tasha Kama, Chair
FROM: Keali’i Lopez, State Director, AARP Hawai‘i
RE: Support for Bill 28 -Ordinance To Amend The State Land Use District Classification From Agricultural To Urban For Property Situated At Wailuku, Maui, Hawai‘i Tax Map Key (2) 3-3-001:106
Aloha Chair Kama, and Members of the Committee:
My name is Keali’i Lopez, and I am the State Director for AARP Hawai‘i. AARP is a nonpartisan, social impact organization that advocates for individuals age 50 and older. We have a membership of nearly 38 million nationwide and nearly 140,000 in Hawai‘i. We advocate at the state and federal level for the issues that matter most to older adults and their families.
AARP Hawai‘i strongly supports Bill 28 which amends the State Land Use District Classification from Agricultural to Urban for property situated at Wailuku, Maui, Hawai‘i Tax Map Key (2) 33-001:106.
This measure helps the development of more affordable homes as proposed by the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Project for Maui’s residents. This greatly needed project will potentially house more than 300 individuals. The acute housing shortage and the high cost of living are particularly challenging for those at low or fixed income and increase their vulnerability of becoming dependent on other family members for shelter, or face homelessness. AARP is keenly concerned about Hawai‘i’s older residents. According to AARP/Statista analysis, close to 970 older adults (age 55+) are expected to be evicted in 2024 and more than 1500 older (55+) may experience homelessness in Hawai‘i this year. This projection does not include Maui’s older residents already displaced by last year’s fire. More than ever, there is an urgency to develop more projects such as the Ke Kahua proposal so that our kūpuna can afford to live independently, as well as keep younger local families in Maui. They are Maui’s current and future workforce, and family caregivers.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to testify in support Bill 28.
Aloha and on behalf of Hawaii Community Foundation, mahalo for the opportunity to voice our support for Bill 28 and the district boundary amendment for Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua. At Hawaii Community Foundation, our House Maui Initiative (HMI) has been working with Maui County to lower the housing cost burden of Maui residents. The development of the entire spectrum of housing, especially affordable housing is key to the long term future of housing opportunities to Maui residents. We believe that these housing solutions bring necessary infrastructure and community development to the region. HMI is focused on aligning resources, with a priority on infrastructure development where the cost burden is not placed on the cost of the housing being developed. We also have funded a Financial Opportunity Center to help Maui residents prepare for and avail themselves to these types of affordable housing opportunities. The data shows that families who are eligible for the housing being proposed are in need of both the housing opportunity and the financial assistance we seek to provide to Maui residents.
The infrastructure, engineering of the intersection of Kahekili Hwy and Waiehu Beach Road is a disaster and an engineering nightmare. The roads cannot handle increased traffic that would come with increased housing. And there needs more thought about the density of the school grounds, classrooms and traffic that this development would impact. More thinking needed on this project.
Please do not grant a District Boundary Amendment from Agricultural to Urban for 9.798 acres of an 11.476-acre property located at the corner
of Kahekili Highway and Waiehu Beach Road, Waiehu, Wailuku, Maui. I am vehemently in opposition to this bill. The infrastructure is lacking resulting in gridlock traffic and its location is dangerous due to difficult access as it is located near the junction of Kahekili and Lower Waiehu beach road. That area is known for flooding. There was an opportunity in the past to do a land swap for Puunene area which would have been more appropriate. In addition, Waiehu lacks agricultural lands. There is a lack of services nearby also. I commend MEO for all its major contributions to Maui, but this is an exception.
We are opposed to Bill 28! Waiehu does not have the infrastructure to support more housing and traffic. Build new housing in Kihei where the jobs are. Keep Waiehu zoning agricultural please!
Aloha Committee Chair and Council Members,
I am writing in support of HLU-26 Bill 28 (2024) BILL 28 (2024), DISTRICT BOUNDARY AMENDMENT FOR HALE MAHAOLU KE KAHUA Project
Maui needs affordable housing, and the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community will provide this need.
In the last eight months Maui Economic Opportunity has assisted over 930 citizen and non-citizen households with more than 7.8 million dollars in housing assistance. These funds were distributed through the County of Maui Rental Assistance Program, The Maui Fires Relief Program funded through MEO’s private donations, Hawaii Community Foundation and CVS Health, and the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services Maui Relief TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Program.
In July 2023 the Maui News reported over 28% of renters in Maui County are “severely rent burdened” spending more than 50% of their income for housing. (https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2023/07/maui-county-has-highest-share-of-severely-rent-burdened-households/)
The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community will provide 120 affordable housing units to individuals at 60% or less of the area median income. Units will have rent as low as $595 for one bedroom and $825 for three bedroom units. Renthop shows the average rent in March 2024 for a studio on Maui at $2100 and three bedroom at $7900. (https://www.renthop.com/average-rent-in/maui-hi#:~:text=The%20average%20rent%20in%20Maui,average%20rent%20lower%20than%20that)
The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community will provide much needed affordable housing units for Maui.
Please support the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community and other affordable housing projects.
Gay Sibonga, Chief Operating Officer, Maui Economic Opportunity
Aloha County Council,
I am writing in opposition to Bill no. 28 for an ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL TO
URBAN FOR PROPERTY SITUATED AT WAIEHU. I encourage the County
Council to advise dismissal of the requested change for the following reasons:
1. Traffic – The development of the Hale Mahaolu project for housing from
turning it urban will have a negative impact on traffic that cannot be mitigated at
the project level. Study shows that in six years 2030, the project could generate a
total of 587+ trips during the AM peak hours and 743+ during the PM peak hours.
This means from now until then the traffic in the area will have to be tolerated by
residents with this additional housing if it turns urban from ag. Development of
further infrastructure on the roadway of imi kala is not guaranteeing the rightful
flow of the traffic we presently experience. It only allows the community to pay
more tax dollars into the project for such infrastructure of such growth in the area.
2. Flooding – The 11-acre property is currently undeveloped and presently
covered in silt on the right side of the property shown in exhibit “B” which is
marked as urban. Just recently, at the end of January, it flooded in that area.
Global warming has been and will be an issue obviously for the future. The state
came in to clear the debris from the tiny culvert that is situated in that area piling
up the silt that gathered from the flood from the mauka side of the ahupua’a. It’ll
take another rainfall to flood and the silt will overflow onto the roadway that leads
into our river nearby and then into the ocean causing irreparable damage to our
wai and kai. Under the conditions shown in the Bill 28 for the State DOT, clearing
the blockage everytime there’s a flood is only a band aid solution. The current
County and State requirements for stormwater management in that area are
insufficient to address peak storm events. They should first update the rural
stormwater regulations to address large scale urban development or leave it
alone to the Kuleana ohana who know this place to care for it.
3. Water – By changing this area urban it requires a large amount of water to
sustain this development they wish for. It’s going to take over 127 gallons per
day to sustain the residents that would live there. We already see the deprivation
of water in our rivers and the erosion in our mountains that holds our aquifer.
Being that this is a place where our ancestors and presently ohana resides as
Kuleana, we can see the changes in our water that's already being diverted to
other urban areas. So in other words, leave it not just agriculture but as Kuleana
land as it’s been centuries ago. Our eco system in that ahupua’a has been
affected through the stealing of the water from corporations presently and in the
past.
The property provides an area for agriculture or as we call it kuleana life.
The habitat includes the grains of our iwi (bones) which would be removed by the
development because of this amendment to change it urban is a means of
gentrification.
Mahalo for considering my reasons for opposing this Bill.
Lala Johnson
Aloha County Council,
I am writing in opposition to Bill no. 28 for an ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL TO
URBAN FOR PROPERTY SITUATED AT WAIEHU. I encourage the County
Council to advise dismissal of the requested change for the following reasons:
1. Traffic – The development of the Hale Mahaolu project for housing from
turning it urban will have a negative impact on traffic that cannot be mitigated at
the project level. Study shows that in six years 2030, the project could generate a
total of 587+ trips during the AM peak hours and 743+ during the PM peak hours.
This means from now until then the traffic in the area will have to be tolerated by
residents with this additional housing if it turns urban from ag. Development of
further infrastructure on the roadway of imi kala is not guaranteeing the rightful
flow of the traffic we presently experience. It only allows the community to pay
more tax dollars into the project for such infrastructure of such growth in the area.
2. Flooding – The 11-acre property is currently undeveloped and presently
covered in silt on the right side of the property shown in exhibit “B” which is
marked as urban. Just recently, at the end of January, it flooded in that area.
Global warming has been and will be an issue obviously for the future. The state
came in to clear the debris from the tiny culvert that is situated in that area piling
up the silt that gathered from the flood from the mauka side of the ahupua’a. It’ll
take another rainfall to flood and the silt will overflow onto the roadway that leads
into our river nearby and then into the ocean causing irreparable damage to our
wai and kai. Under the conditions shown in the Bill 28 for the State DOT, clearing
the blockage everytime there’s a flood is only a band aid solution. The current
County and State requirements for stormwater management in that area are
insufficient to address peak storm events. They should first update the rural
stormwater regulations to address large scale urban development or leave it
alone to the Kuleana ohana who know this place to care for it.
3. Water – By changing this area urban it requires a large amount of water to
sustain this development they wish for. It’s going to take over 127 gallons per
day to sustain the residents that would live there. We already see the deprivation
of water in our rivers and the erosion in our mountains that holds our aquifer.
Being that this is a place where our ancestors and presently ohana resides as
Kuleana, we can see the changes in our water that's already being diverted to
other urban areas. So in other words, leave it not just agriculture but as Kuleana
land as it’s been centuries ago. Our eco system in that ahupua’a has been
affected through the stealing of the water from corporations presently and in the
past.
The property provides an area for agriculture or as we call it kuleana life.
The habitat includes the grains of our iwi (bones) which would be removed by the
development because of this amendment to change it urban is a means of
gentrification.
Mahalo for considering my reasons for opposing this Bill.
Lala Johnson
From David Hoffman: Waiehu resident 26 years. Keep it ag and make it easier to farm it. This area was identified as highly prized ag land to feed the people of Maui hundreds of years ago. Who are you to go against a strong desire throughout the state to maintain sustainability? You had a chance at a land swap with County owned land and did not approve it. Now you have stupid huts no one from Lahaina wants to live in on that property. Reconsider it and build it out properly as Archie Kalepa says, with common areas and a buffer from the Highway, to meet the "emergency housing needs" of central Maui residents.
Additionally, the planning commission ignored the obvious failure to properly drain the property in case of flooding which occurs regularly on that parcel. If we get a "rain bomb" in that area, the cost to repair the damage to the roadway and apartments will astronomical and you will be to blame. Vote no, keep Waiehu ag.
Aloha, I oppose changing this area from agricultural to urban. Waiehu/Waihe'e cannot handle this. Waihe'e school is full, the roads cannot handle the traffic already, and I don't want to see this area turned into a place where agricultural cannot happen. It is vital that we be allowed to grow food and have animals for sustainability. Mahalo
Aloha Housing and Land Use Committee,
As a resident of Wailuku for most of my life, and currently living in Waihe’e, I strongly oppose the change of land use for the following reasons:
-The location could be catastrophic for all residents. In addition to the lack of infrastructure to support 100+ new families in rural Waiehu ; no capacity in schools, no sidewalks roads, no new firehouse or police force, nor sewers, building in this area exposes the residents to a huge evacuation risk.
Fires will come to the other side of West Maui at some point, and there is only a single lane in each direction on the Kahekili. To build in this area without considering these impacts, after what happened in Lahaina last year, is a complete failure of forward thinking.
- Keep ag lands, Ag. We only have so much lands that are healthy and untouched by pollution (aka Bayer, Mahi Pono, and other big farm/pharm). Waiehu is PRIME farming land due to its location near the mountains and waterways.
-There is still uncertainty as to if there is clear title.
-The developers are not from here. How can we guarantee that they will employ and ultimately house kanaka?
-Lack of infrastructure in the way of another safe bridge, safety such as police and firehouses, and schools.
Again, I strongly oppose Bill 28.
Mahalo for taking the time to read this,
Maile Atay
Aloha, our names are Duane Kim and Miyo Miyasaki Kim and we have been living in the Waiehu Heights subdivision for 30 years. We moved to this neighborhood because we loved the feeling of living in a quiet neighborhood in a country-like setting.
Over the years we have seen significant growth with developments occurring in Waiehu Kou. Waihee and the Kahakuloa areas. Traffic has become so busy in the morning that there is consistently a line of cars waiting to exit from our subdivision on school mornings. Traffic continues at a snail's pace all the way out to Kahului. We hate to imagine the impact more development will have on our traffic woes.
We live on the hillside above the proposed development. We can clearly hear people talking as they walk or bike along Kahekili highway. We dread the noise we will have to listen to if this development takes place.
Our back yard is separated by a dry stream bed from the area to be developed. We are concerned with the possibility of people easily having access to our backyards and ultimately our homes without being noticed due to the heavy vegetation we enjoy behind our house.
Please hear our plea and keep our Waiehu the beautiful country setting it is. While we appreciate the importance of affordable housing, there are many other more appropriate areas that can support this development. Thank you for your consideration.
Mahalo, Miyo and Duane Kim
I am strongly opposed to Bill 28 because it builds sorely needed housing in the a place that could be catastrophic for all residents. In addition to the lack of infrastructure to support 100+ new families in rural Waiehu ; no capacity in schools, no sidewalks roads, nor sewers, building in this area exposes the residents to a huge evacuation risk.
Fires will come to the other side of West Maui at some point, and there is only a single lane in each direction on the Kahekili. To build in this area without considering these impacts, after what happened in Lahaina last year, is a complete failure of pono thinking and oversight. I urge the council to not approve this bill and the zoning change and to promote sorely needed workforce housing in the central Maui locations that already have the appropriate infrastructure and multiple evacuation routes.
I do not believe that a young family could possibly afford one of the proposed homes. I do believe that someone from the mainland can. What is needed in my opinion are rent controlled apartment buildings close to and within walking distance of stores and resturants and also public transportation. You can place buildings in many locations, but once you take away ag land, you can never get it back.
I'm Stephen Kealoha and I testify on Bill 28 for an ordinance to amend the State Land Use District Classification from Agricultural to Urban for property situated at Wailuku, Maui, Hawai'i Tax Map Key (2) 3-3-001:106.
I unquestionably support the proposed Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua project and therefor support Bill 28 before you. This requirement to change the classification from Agricultural to Urban provides the ability to move this project forward in a timely manner as delays result in increased costs.
This development is one that supports this effort to construct much needed affordable homes. This 120 multi-family, residential rental units will be provided as 100% affordable for residents earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income. This is a very significant factor in the calculation of affordability. The need to provide long term housing for Lahaina wildfire victims adds to this dilemma we have of supply under normal conditions.
Lastly, I firmly believe that Hale Mahaolu and Maui Economic Opportunity have proven track records of sound community engagement and assistance ... key indicators of reliability to make this project successful and provide stability for some of our residents. I sincerely thank you for your review of Bill 28 and again humbly ask for your favorable consideration. Mahalo.
Stephen B. Kealoha
I would like to speak in favor of Bill 28 (2024) that would amend the state Land Use District classification from Agricultural to Urban for the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Project in Waiehu.
As someone who lost a home in the Lahaina wildfires, I am intimately aware of the critical need for affordable housing. There was an affordable housing crisis before the wildfires, and the thousands of us who tragically lost homes have compounded the problem.
The Ke Kahua project, a partnership involving two of the island’s most respected nonprofits, Hale Mahaolu and Maui Economic Opportunity, will make a dent in this housing crisis. All of the 120 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be affordable, available to residents earning 60% or less of the area median income – or $30,330 to $60,660 for a family of four.
Units will go for as low as $570 a month.
The County Council’s approval of this state Land Use District classification will be the final land use entitlement for the project, putting the 120 new units already 3 years in the works closer to fruition.
In casting your vote, please remember the survivors of Lahaina and the many families in the county struggling to find a home in an even tighter housing market with rents skyrocketing way beyond their reach. Speed this project to reality.
Roz Baker
Lahaina resident
Former state senator and MEO Board member
I would like to speak in favor of Bill 28 (2024) that would amend the state Land Use District classification from Agricultural to Urban for the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Project in Waiehu.
As someone who lost a home in the Lahaina wildfires, I am intimately aware of the critical need for affordable housing. There was an affordable housing crisis before the wildfires, and the thousands of us who tragically lost homes have compounded the problem.
The Ke Kahua project, a partnership involving two of the island’s most respected nonprofits, Hale Mahaolu and Maui Economic Opportunity, will make a dent in this housing crisis. All of the 120 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be affordable, available to residents earning 60% or less of the area median income – or $30,330 to $60,660 for a family of four.
Units will go for as low as $570 a month.
The County Council’s approval of this state Land Use District classification will be the final land use entitlement for the project, putting the 120 new units already 3 years in the works closer to fruition.
In casting your vote, please remember the survivors of Lahaina and the many families in the county struggling to find a home in an even tighter housing market with rents skyrocketing way beyond their reach. Speed this project to reality.
County of Maui
Housing and Land Use Committee
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
9:00 a.m.
TO: The Honorable Tasha Kama, Chair
FROM: Keali’i Lopez, State Director, AARP Hawai‘i
RE: Support for Bill 28 -Ordinance To Amend The State Land Use District Classification From Agricultural To Urban For Property Situated At Wailuku, Maui, Hawai‘i Tax Map Key (2) 3-3-001:106
Aloha Chair Kama, and Members of the Committee:
My name is Keali’i Lopez, and I am the State Director for AARP Hawai‘i. AARP is a nonpartisan, social impact organization that advocates for individuals age 50 and older. We have a membership of nearly 38 million nationwide and nearly 140,000 in Hawai‘i. We advocate at the state and federal level for the issues that matter most to older adults and their families.
AARP Hawai‘i strongly supports Bill 28 which amends the State Land Use District Classification from Agricultural to Urban for property situated at Wailuku, Maui, Hawai‘i Tax Map Key (2) 33-001:106.
This measure helps the development of more affordable homes as proposed by the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Project for Maui’s residents. This greatly needed project will potentially house more than 300 individuals. The acute housing shortage and the high cost of living are particularly challenging for those at low or fixed income and increase their vulnerability of becoming dependent on other family members for shelter, or face homelessness. AARP is keenly concerned about Hawai‘i’s older residents. According to AARP/Statista analysis, close to 970 older adults (age 55+) are expected to be evicted in 2024 and more than 1500 older (55+) may experience homelessness in Hawai‘i this year. This projection does not include Maui’s older residents already displaced by last year’s fire. More than ever, there is an urgency to develop more projects such as the Ke Kahua proposal so that our kūpuna can afford to live independently, as well as keep younger local families in Maui. They are Maui’s current and future workforce, and family caregivers.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to testify in support Bill 28.
Aloha and on behalf of Hawaii Community Foundation, mahalo for the opportunity to voice our support for Bill 28 and the district boundary amendment for Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua. At Hawaii Community Foundation, our House Maui Initiative (HMI) has been working with Maui County to lower the housing cost burden of Maui residents. The development of the entire spectrum of housing, especially affordable housing is key to the long term future of housing opportunities to Maui residents. We believe that these housing solutions bring necessary infrastructure and community development to the region. HMI is focused on aligning resources, with a priority on infrastructure development where the cost burden is not placed on the cost of the housing being developed. We also have funded a Financial Opportunity Center to help Maui residents prepare for and avail themselves to these types of affordable housing opportunities. The data shows that families who are eligible for the housing being proposed are in need of both the housing opportunity and the financial assistance we seek to provide to Maui residents.
The infrastructure, engineering of the intersection of Kahekili Hwy and Waiehu Beach Road is a disaster and an engineering nightmare. The roads cannot handle increased traffic that would come with increased housing. And there needs more thought about the density of the school grounds, classrooms and traffic that this development would impact. More thinking needed on this project.
Please do not grant a District Boundary Amendment from Agricultural to Urban for 9.798 acres of an 11.476-acre property located at the corner
of Kahekili Highway and Waiehu Beach Road, Waiehu, Wailuku, Maui. I am vehemently in opposition to this bill. The infrastructure is lacking resulting in gridlock traffic and its location is dangerous due to difficult access as it is located near the junction of Kahekili and Lower Waiehu beach road. That area is known for flooding. There was an opportunity in the past to do a land swap for Puunene area which would have been more appropriate. In addition, Waiehu lacks agricultural lands. There is a lack of services nearby also. I commend MEO for all its major contributions to Maui, but this is an exception.
We are opposed to Bill 28! Waiehu does not have the infrastructure to support more housing and traffic. Build new housing in Kihei where the jobs are. Keep Waiehu zoning agricultural please!
Aloha Committee Chair and Council Members,
I am writing in support of HLU-26 Bill 28 (2024) BILL 28 (2024), DISTRICT BOUNDARY AMENDMENT FOR HALE MAHAOLU KE KAHUA Project
Maui needs affordable housing, and the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community will provide this need.
In the last eight months Maui Economic Opportunity has assisted over 930 citizen and non-citizen households with more than 7.8 million dollars in housing assistance. These funds were distributed through the County of Maui Rental Assistance Program, The Maui Fires Relief Program funded through MEO’s private donations, Hawaii Community Foundation and CVS Health, and the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services Maui Relief TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Program.
In July 2023 the Maui News reported over 28% of renters in Maui County are “severely rent burdened” spending more than 50% of their income for housing. (https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2023/07/maui-county-has-highest-share-of-severely-rent-burdened-households/)
The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community will provide 120 affordable housing units to individuals at 60% or less of the area median income. Units will have rent as low as $595 for one bedroom and $825 for three bedroom units. Renthop shows the average rent in March 2024 for a studio on Maui at $2100 and three bedroom at $7900. (https://www.renthop.com/average-rent-in/maui-hi#:~:text=The%20average%20rent%20in%20Maui,average%20rent%20lower%20than%20that)
The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community will provide much needed affordable housing units for Maui.
Please support the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Housing Community and other affordable housing projects.
Gay Sibonga, Chief Operating Officer, Maui Economic Opportunity
Aloha County Council,
I am writing in opposition to Bill no. 28 for an ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL TO
URBAN FOR PROPERTY SITUATED AT WAIEHU. I encourage the County
Council to advise dismissal of the requested change for the following reasons:
1. Traffic – The development of the Hale Mahaolu project for housing from
turning it urban will have a negative impact on traffic that cannot be mitigated at
the project level. Study shows that in six years 2030, the project could generate a
total of 587+ trips during the AM peak hours and 743+ during the PM peak hours.
This means from now until then the traffic in the area will have to be tolerated by
residents with this additional housing if it turns urban from ag. Development of
further infrastructure on the roadway of imi kala is not guaranteeing the rightful
flow of the traffic we presently experience. It only allows the community to pay
more tax dollars into the project for such infrastructure of such growth in the area.
2. Flooding – The 11-acre property is currently undeveloped and presently
covered in silt on the right side of the property shown in exhibit “B” which is
marked as urban. Just recently, at the end of January, it flooded in that area.
Global warming has been and will be an issue obviously for the future. The state
came in to clear the debris from the tiny culvert that is situated in that area piling
up the silt that gathered from the flood from the mauka side of the ahupua’a. It’ll
take another rainfall to flood and the silt will overflow onto the roadway that leads
into our river nearby and then into the ocean causing irreparable damage to our
wai and kai. Under the conditions shown in the Bill 28 for the State DOT, clearing
the blockage everytime there’s a flood is only a band aid solution. The current
County and State requirements for stormwater management in that area are
insufficient to address peak storm events. They should first update the rural
stormwater regulations to address large scale urban development or leave it
alone to the Kuleana ohana who know this place to care for it.
3. Water – By changing this area urban it requires a large amount of water to
sustain this development they wish for. It’s going to take over 127 gallons per
day to sustain the residents that would live there. We already see the deprivation
of water in our rivers and the erosion in our mountains that holds our aquifer.
Being that this is a place where our ancestors and presently ohana resides as
Kuleana, we can see the changes in our water that's already being diverted to
other urban areas. So in other words, leave it not just agriculture but as Kuleana
land as it’s been centuries ago. Our eco system in that ahupua’a has been
affected through the stealing of the water from corporations presently and in the
past.
The property provides an area for agriculture or as we call it kuleana life.
The habitat includes the grains of our iwi (bones) which would be removed by the
development because of this amendment to change it urban is a means of
gentrification.
Mahalo for considering my reasons for opposing this Bill.
Lala Johnson
Aloha County Council,
I am writing in opposition to Bill no. 28 for an ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE
STATE LAND USE DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION FROM AGRICULTURAL TO
URBAN FOR PROPERTY SITUATED AT WAIEHU. I encourage the County
Council to advise dismissal of the requested change for the following reasons:
1. Traffic – The development of the Hale Mahaolu project for housing from
turning it urban will have a negative impact on traffic that cannot be mitigated at
the project level. Study shows that in six years 2030, the project could generate a
total of 587+ trips during the AM peak hours and 743+ during the PM peak hours.
This means from now until then the traffic in the area will have to be tolerated by
residents with this additional housing if it turns urban from ag. Development of
further infrastructure on the roadway of imi kala is not guaranteeing the rightful
flow of the traffic we presently experience. It only allows the community to pay
more tax dollars into the project for such infrastructure of such growth in the area.
2. Flooding – The 11-acre property is currently undeveloped and presently
covered in silt on the right side of the property shown in exhibit “B” which is
marked as urban. Just recently, at the end of January, it flooded in that area.
Global warming has been and will be an issue obviously for the future. The state
came in to clear the debris from the tiny culvert that is situated in that area piling
up the silt that gathered from the flood from the mauka side of the ahupua’a. It’ll
take another rainfall to flood and the silt will overflow onto the roadway that leads
into our river nearby and then into the ocean causing irreparable damage to our
wai and kai. Under the conditions shown in the Bill 28 for the State DOT, clearing
the blockage everytime there’s a flood is only a band aid solution. The current
County and State requirements for stormwater management in that area are
insufficient to address peak storm events. They should first update the rural
stormwater regulations to address large scale urban development or leave it
alone to the Kuleana ohana who know this place to care for it.
3. Water – By changing this area urban it requires a large amount of water to
sustain this development they wish for. It’s going to take over 127 gallons per
day to sustain the residents that would live there. We already see the deprivation
of water in our rivers and the erosion in our mountains that holds our aquifer.
Being that this is a place where our ancestors and presently ohana resides as
Kuleana, we can see the changes in our water that's already being diverted to
other urban areas. So in other words, leave it not just agriculture but as Kuleana
land as it’s been centuries ago. Our eco system in that ahupua’a has been
affected through the stealing of the water from corporations presently and in the
past.
The property provides an area for agriculture or as we call it kuleana life.
The habitat includes the grains of our iwi (bones) which would be removed by the
development because of this amendment to change it urban is a means of
gentrification.
Mahalo for considering my reasons for opposing this Bill.
Lala Johnson
From David Hoffman: Waiehu resident 26 years. Keep it ag and make it easier to farm it. This area was identified as highly prized ag land to feed the people of Maui hundreds of years ago. Who are you to go against a strong desire throughout the state to maintain sustainability? You had a chance at a land swap with County owned land and did not approve it. Now you have stupid huts no one from Lahaina wants to live in on that property. Reconsider it and build it out properly as Archie Kalepa says, with common areas and a buffer from the Highway, to meet the "emergency housing needs" of central Maui residents.
Additionally, the planning commission ignored the obvious failure to properly drain the property in case of flooding which occurs regularly on that parcel. If we get a "rain bomb" in that area, the cost to repair the damage to the roadway and apartments will astronomical and you will be to blame. Vote no, keep Waiehu ag.
Aloha, I oppose changing this area from agricultural to urban. Waiehu/Waihe'e cannot handle this. Waihe'e school is full, the roads cannot handle the traffic already, and I don't want to see this area turned into a place where agricultural cannot happen. It is vital that we be allowed to grow food and have animals for sustainability. Mahalo
Seriously, was Lahaina not a lesson? Too much density, no way out and a shortage of water, sewer and roadways. Please vote NO!.
Please see attached testimony from the Maui Chamber of Commerce in support of HLU-26 Bill 28.
Aloha Housing and Land Use Committee,
As a resident of Wailuku for most of my life, and currently living in Waihe’e, I strongly oppose the change of land use for the following reasons:
-The location could be catastrophic for all residents. In addition to the lack of infrastructure to support 100+ new families in rural Waiehu ; no capacity in schools, no sidewalks roads, no new firehouse or police force, nor sewers, building in this area exposes the residents to a huge evacuation risk.
Fires will come to the other side of West Maui at some point, and there is only a single lane in each direction on the Kahekili. To build in this area without considering these impacts, after what happened in Lahaina last year, is a complete failure of forward thinking.
- Keep ag lands, Ag. We only have so much lands that are healthy and untouched by pollution (aka Bayer, Mahi Pono, and other big farm/pharm). Waiehu is PRIME farming land due to its location near the mountains and waterways.
-There is still uncertainty as to if there is clear title.
-The developers are not from here. How can we guarantee that they will employ and ultimately house kanaka?
-Lack of infrastructure in the way of another safe bridge, safety such as police and firehouses, and schools.
Again, I strongly oppose Bill 28.
Mahalo for taking the time to read this,
Maile Atay
Aloha, our names are Duane Kim and Miyo Miyasaki Kim and we have been living in the Waiehu Heights subdivision for 30 years. We moved to this neighborhood because we loved the feeling of living in a quiet neighborhood in a country-like setting.
Over the years we have seen significant growth with developments occurring in Waiehu Kou. Waihee and the Kahakuloa areas. Traffic has become so busy in the morning that there is consistently a line of cars waiting to exit from our subdivision on school mornings. Traffic continues at a snail's pace all the way out to Kahului. We hate to imagine the impact more development will have on our traffic woes.
We live on the hillside above the proposed development. We can clearly hear people talking as they walk or bike along Kahekili highway. We dread the noise we will have to listen to if this development takes place.
Our back yard is separated by a dry stream bed from the area to be developed. We are concerned with the possibility of people easily having access to our backyards and ultimately our homes without being noticed due to the heavy vegetation we enjoy behind our house.
Please hear our plea and keep our Waiehu the beautiful country setting it is. While we appreciate the importance of affordable housing, there are many other more appropriate areas that can support this development. Thank you for your consideration.
Mahalo, Miyo and Duane Kim
I am strongly opposed to Bill 28 because it builds sorely needed housing in the a place that could be catastrophic for all residents. In addition to the lack of infrastructure to support 100+ new families in rural Waiehu ; no capacity in schools, no sidewalks roads, nor sewers, building in this area exposes the residents to a huge evacuation risk.
Fires will come to the other side of West Maui at some point, and there is only a single lane in each direction on the Kahekili. To build in this area without considering these impacts, after what happened in Lahaina last year, is a complete failure of pono thinking and oversight. I urge the council to not approve this bill and the zoning change and to promote sorely needed workforce housing in the central Maui locations that already have the appropriate infrastructure and multiple evacuation routes.
I do not believe that a young family could possibly afford one of the proposed homes. I do believe that someone from the mainland can. What is needed in my opinion are rent controlled apartment buildings close to and within walking distance of stores and resturants and also public transportation. You can place buildings in many locations, but once you take away ag land, you can never get it back.
I'm Stephen Kealoha and I testify on Bill 28 for an ordinance to amend the State Land Use District Classification from Agricultural to Urban for property situated at Wailuku, Maui, Hawai'i Tax Map Key (2) 3-3-001:106.
I unquestionably support the proposed Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua project and therefor support Bill 28 before you. This requirement to change the classification from Agricultural to Urban provides the ability to move this project forward in a timely manner as delays result in increased costs.
This development is one that supports this effort to construct much needed affordable homes. This 120 multi-family, residential rental units will be provided as 100% affordable for residents earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income. This is a very significant factor in the calculation of affordability. The need to provide long term housing for Lahaina wildfire victims adds to this dilemma we have of supply under normal conditions.
Lastly, I firmly believe that Hale Mahaolu and Maui Economic Opportunity have proven track records of sound community engagement and assistance ... key indicators of reliability to make this project successful and provide stability for some of our residents. I sincerely thank you for your review of Bill 28 and again humbly ask for your favorable consideration. Mahalo.
Stephen B. Kealoha
I would like to speak in favor of Bill 28 (2024) that would amend the state Land Use District classification from Agricultural to Urban for the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Project in Waiehu.
As someone who lost a home in the Lahaina wildfires, I am intimately aware of the critical need for affordable housing. There was an affordable housing crisis before the wildfires, and the thousands of us who tragically lost homes have compounded the problem.
The Ke Kahua project, a partnership involving two of the island’s most respected nonprofits, Hale Mahaolu and Maui Economic Opportunity, will make a dent in this housing crisis. All of the 120 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be affordable, available to residents earning 60% or less of the area median income – or $30,330 to $60,660 for a family of four.
Units will go for as low as $570 a month.
The County Council’s approval of this state Land Use District classification will be the final land use entitlement for the project, putting the 120 new units already 3 years in the works closer to fruition.
In casting your vote, please remember the survivors of Lahaina and the many families in the county struggling to find a home in an even tighter housing market with rents skyrocketing way beyond their reach. Speed this project to reality.
Roz Baker
Lahaina resident
Former state senator and MEO Board member
I would like to speak in favor of Bill 28 (2024) that would amend the state Land Use District classification from Agricultural to Urban for the Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Project in Waiehu.
As someone who lost a home in the Lahaina wildfires, I am intimately aware of the critical need for affordable housing. There was an affordable housing crisis before the wildfires, and the thousands of us who tragically lost homes have compounded the problem.
The Ke Kahua project, a partnership involving two of the island’s most respected nonprofits, Hale Mahaolu and Maui Economic Opportunity, will make a dent in this housing crisis. All of the 120 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units will be affordable, available to residents earning 60% or less of the area median income – or $30,330 to $60,660 for a family of four.
Units will go for as low as $570 a month.
The County Council’s approval of this state Land Use District classification will be the final land use entitlement for the project, putting the 120 new units already 3 years in the works closer to fruition.
In casting your vote, please remember the survivors of Lahaina and the many families in the county struggling to find a home in an even tighter housing market with rents skyrocketing way beyond their reach. Speed this project to reality.
we definitely oppose. mahalo