HLU-36 Bills 171 and 72 (2024) BILL 171 (2024) AND BILL 172 (2024), AMENDING CHAPTER 19.90A, MAUI COUNTY CODE, AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 3554, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, RELATING TO K?HEI-M?KENA PROJECT DISTRICT 9 (WAILEA 670) (HLU-36)
I urge you to reconsider this deeply troubling proposal. Eliminating the mandated number of affordable homes is both outrageous and unacceptable. Without a clear minimum requirement, we are entrusting this critical decision to the developer—a decision that should rest with you as leaders and with us, the community.
Maui is at the brink. We have desecrated our lands, depleted our water resources, and created impossible conditions for our people to thrive. This massive development must not follow the same destructive path. Without a minimum mandate for affordable homes, the developer has no obligation to prioritize the needs of our community, and history shows they will not act in our best interest.
A concrete, enforceable minimum number of affordable homes must be required in this project. Anything less is a failure to serve the people of Maui and address the housing crisis that is driving local families away.
Is this the future we envision for Maui? A place where we continue to cater to wealthy, non-resident buyers while our local families are priced out? A future where our communities suffer so that profits can be prioritized over people? I implore you to take a stand for Maui’s residents. Protect our lands, our water, and our people by ensuring housing that serves those who call Maui home.
As an ILWU member who works in South Maui, I support the affordable housing element of this project. It is badly needed for our roughy 1500 members who work in South Maui.
From 40+ year CA development realtor - market rate & affordable housing
Bottom line: People love affordable housing - somewhere else. Typical is Mark Andreesen: [Affordable housing will ]"MASSIVELY decrease our home values, the quality of life of ourselves and our neighbors and IMMENSELY increase the noise pollution and traffic." Pure NIMBY elitism.
The personal conviction of financial, intellectual, class, racial superiority tears society apart. We all have red blood.
Example: Approval of ~1700-unit Palisades Highlands development was subject to sizeable affordable housing project. Opposition raged with predictable claims; City of Los Angeles demanded; we built affordable housing at the foot of the mountaintop project. No one noticed - beautiful Mediterranean architecture eliminated fears of low-class invaders.
Aloha is all about welcoming all kinds of people. Maui needs not buy into the boring Stepfordish arrogance - deleting "Aloha".
Aloha,
RE: HLU-36 Bills 171 and 72 (2024) BILL 171 (2024) AND BILL 172 (202
I respectfully ask the Committee to:
• Reject the amendments to HLU-36 Bills 171 and 172 EXCEPT FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE GOLF COURSE AS ALLOWABLE USE
• Enforce the original commitments for affordable housing, infrastructure, and park contributions and adjust donation to Parks for inflation from 5 million to 7.5 million
The promises made in 2008 (see brief recap of key promises below) were the basis for approving this project. Modifications to these bills allow the developer to renege on affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and community benefits.
Please protect Maui and do not allow this.
Brief summary of promises made in 2008
2008: Rezoning and Phase I Approval
The Maui County Council narrowly approved rezoning and Phase I of Wailea 670 (renamed Honuaʻula) in a 5-4 vote, despite incomplete environmental, archaeological, and cultural impact studies. The decision was based on the developer’s promises and 30 conditions aimed at ensuring accountability.
Key promises included:
700 affordable housing units
Widening Piʻilani Highway to four lanes
Millions of dollars for public parks
Historic preservation and habitat conservation safeguards
Please hold developers to these promises.
Leslee Rachel Cooper
Maui resident
I oppose both of these Bills. We are in desperate need of affordable housing, so decreasing the amount is unacceptable.Chapter 2.96 being changed from 50% to 25% requirement is a failure on the County’s part. 1150 total units at 25% is 287.50 units (affordable), so the fact that the slideshow claimed that 230 units were the minimum requirement to qualify under Chapter 2.96 and the presenter stated that 288 units were above the minimum required amount of affordable units is incorrect. If I’m wrong in this, please clarify. And is there a clause that allows the developer to change an affordable unit into a market unit? The $5,000,000 towards a cultural center and $550,000 towards a “First Responder’s Park” or related structures, should be completed first, along with the affordable housing units, which were originally 450 units. So many broken promises for our “affordable” projects, that we should make sure they hold up their end before developing market units.
Councilmember Tasha Kama, Chair
HLU.committee@mauicounty.us
200 S. High St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
RE: HONUA’ULA CHANGE IN ZONING
Aloha Chair and Council,
My name is Shane Dudoit, and I’m the Deputy Director for Parks and Recreation. I’m testifying today in SUPPORT of Bil 171 and 172.
• First, I’d like to clarify and state that the County of Maui, Department of Parks and Recreation, agrees to the proposed terms set between Honua’ula Partners and Parks and Recreation. Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must donate $5 million to the Parks Department in addition to the usual park dedication fees. We support the proposed changes to have Honua’ula Partners donate to a nonprofit 2 acres on site and additional cash for a total contribution of $5 million for the development of a cultural center and native plant nursery. Again, this is agreed upon by the Parks and Rec Director.
Of course, funding is always great to help us expand, but to find a landowner willing to provide 2 acres and funds for a cultural center and native plant nursery is significant. On Maui, we have too few cultural centers. Too few native plant nurseries. This amendment allows us to do something the Parks Department can’t do. The cultural center and native plant nursery will support the massive 170-acre preserve areas and provide a venue for cultural and community learning and activities. Again, the Parks and Rec Department supports these changes 100%.
• Second, I support deleting the “golf course” as an allowed use of the property. As initially approved in the zoning, the project had an 18-hole golf course. As approved in Phase II, the project does not have a golf course. Maui Tomorrow argues that the Phase II site plan is invalid because it does not include a golf course. To put an end to the misguided argument, I support the removal of the golf course as an allowed use. This will prevent any future landowner from trying to develop a golf course.
• Third, we NEED to build more affordable housing sooner rather than later. I’d like to see my kids be allowed to be homeowners. With a median price of over $ 1 million, the average salary to afford a home here in Maui is $219,198, which was in 2023. $219,198 – with our cost of living, families are barely making ends meet – WE NEED TO DO BETTER FOR OUR KIDS AND OUR GRANDKIDS. More housing and more jobs mean more of our families can stay in Maui.
• As a retired firefighter, I support the proposal of giving land to house a joint emergency responders station as well as land for a first responders memorial park rather than only the station.
• This project will, more than likely, provide steady labor for the next 20 years.
• Lastly, as a reminder, the amendments are not necessary for the project to move forward. No matter the outcome here today, this project WILL move forward. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ONLY MAKE THIS PROJECT BETTER.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this matter today. I urge you to support the proposed amendments – MAHALO
I oppose everything except deletion of the mention of golf course as acceptable use. I request the gold course conditions regarding use of non-potable water , ground water and ocean waters be retained as applicable for landscaping in lieu of golf course.
Aloha HLU Committee, Please reject Bill 171 amendment, and to make it clear that at least 450 affordable units shall be required.
Please oppose this amendment to Bill 172 and keep the language requiring a donation toward the South Maui Community Park, and update the amount to $7.5 million to account for inflation.
Condition of Zoning #2: This developer specifically Agreed to be resonsible for the widening of the last mile of Piilani where the traffic is often bumper-to-bumper making it difficult for those of us who live in Maui Meadows to get anywhere. We need a four-lane Piilani Hwy from Kilohana Drive to Wailea Ike Drive NOW. The developer promised to build it 16 years ago. It should continue to be Solely Responsible for this before it builds anything on the Wailea 670 land......
I am a 38 year continuous Resident of Maui; 20 years in Maui Meadows. I am So sad to see only luxury condos and homes that hardly anyone who live here can afford 'raping' Wailea. As a former President of the Maui Meadows Neighborhood Association I well remember this developer specifically Agreeing to many issues that it is now reneging.
PLEASE USE YOUR IMPORTANT CIVIC POSITION TO STOP THIS FOR WE ORDINARY RESIDENTS. MAHALO!
Bonnie Newman, 745 Kupulau Drive, Kihei - 808/ 283-0645
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
I strongly oppose both bills 171 and 172. It comes down to 3 things;
A/ Hold them accountable for 450 affordable units
B/ The developer didn't pay (but agreed to) 5M for the park, include inflation and demand $7.5M
C/ Pi'ilani highway. The developer MUST widen the highway to 4 lanes before breaking ground. It's not just ONE of the most important conditions since 2008 approval, but it's vital for our community and fire hazard. It should absolutely NOT be put as a burden on tax payers money.
I oppose the modification of the 700 affordable units requirement down to 450.
Please listen to our voices to keep the people in mind who need housing and not the voice of the developers who only want to make money.
Mahalo for your service in the Maui County to protect the interests and needs of the people--especially housing.
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
I'm so pissed about this development and the broken promises... They will never build the number of affordable units needed. Every home should be affordable! And none are - not even the the ones labeled affordable... These developers have no interest in following through on their commitments, they only promise to get what they want and then cheat and bypass the rules. And they are not planning to widen the highway now? There is a reason why we put that condition into place. If they can figure a way to widen The Piilani - do it! And then we can talk about the rest of the deal...not to mention the water supply needed to irrigate that area and the damaging effects the runoff will have on the nearby ocean. Unfortunately the county council is bought out by developers and big money interests. Wailea doesn't need more vacation rentals or high prices housing. We need more housing for our workers and lower income and houseless people. Build that in Wailea. Instead, you are obviously profit motivated.
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
On behalf of Maui Nui Resiliency Hui, an organization committed to advocating for affordable housing and fostering sustainable communities, we write to urge you to uphold, strengthen, and facilitate affordable housing initiatives in Maui County. Addressing the housing crisis is at the core of our mission, and we believe the Council’s decisions on this matter will have profound impacts on the future of our community.
Affordable housing is a fundamental need for the people of Maui Nui—our local families, kūpuna, and workforce. Every day, we witness the struggles of individuals and families who face unstable and inaccessible housing in a market that increasingly leaves our most vulnerable residents behind. Weakening affordable housing requirements would significantly undermine the collective effort to provide homes for those most in need and would hinder the progress our community deserves.
We strongly advocate for policies and actions that encourage and facilitate development of more affordable, attainable, and mixed-use housing. We also recognize that addressing this crisis requires more than meeting minimum requirements—it requires bold action and a commitment to going above and beyond. We urge the Council to collaborate with all stakeholders, including housing providers, non-profits, and community organizations like ours, to develop creative financing solutions and innovative approaches. These include leveraging public-private partnerships, exploring modular and tiny home models, and utilizing adaptive reuse to create more housing opportunities.
Together, we can exceed baseline standards and create lasting solutions that address the depth and complexity of Maui’s housing crisis. By working collaboratively and fostering partnerships, we can ensure that Maui remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive—today and for generations to come.
We call on you, as our elected leaders, to facilitate the production of affordable housing and uphold your responsibility to the people of Maui nui. This is your kuleana, and we believe that by rising to meet this challenge, you will honor the trust placed in you by our community. Chair and Committee members, your leadership is essential in championing this issue. The Council must take decisive steps to create meaningful, impactful change.
Mahalo for your time, attention, and commitment to our community. Maui Nui Resiliency Hui stands ready to work alongside you to build a resilient future for all.
Kai Nishiki
Sarah Freistat Pajimola
Executive Directors,
Maui Nui Resiliency Hui
TO: The Honorable Tasha Kama, Chair
The Honorable Tom Cook, Vice-Chair
and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee
Maui County Council
FROM: Mark Anthony Clemente
Government Relations
Hawai’i Regional Council of Carpenters
SUBJECT: BILL 171 (2024) AND BILL 172 (2024), AMENDING CHAPTER
19.90A, MAUI COUNTY CODE, AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 3554,
AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, RELATING TO KĪHEI-MĀKENA
PROJECT DISTRICT 9 (WAILEA 670) (HLU-36)
Aloha Chair Kama, Vice-Chair Cook and Members of the Committee on Housing and Land Use:
My name is Mark Anthony Clemente writing on behalf of the Hawai’i Regional Council of Carpenters to provide comments on Bill 171 (2024) and Bill 172 (2024) and support of the project overall.
The amendments are not necessary for the project to move forward. The project is moving forward, however, the amendments make the project better. More affordable housing could be built sooner rather than later.
Further, we support a cultural center and native plant nursery instead of simply giving money to the county. The project provides land for a joint police/fire station and first responders memorial park rather than only a fire station, as well as prevent any future owner from attempting to develop a golf course.
The Hawai’i Regional Council of Carpenters supports local jobs for local people that pay aliving wage, and the project will provide steady of labor for the next 20 years. More housing and more jobs means more of our local families can stay in Hawaii.
Suggested Amendments
• Delete “golf course” as an allowed use of the property. As originally approved in the zoning, the project had an 18-hole golf course. As approved in Phase II, the project does not have a golf course. Maui Tomorrow argues that the Phase II site plan is invalid because it does not include a golf course. To put an end to the misguided argument, golf course as an allowed use will be removed.
• Delete a reference in the zoning to developing 450 affordable units on site. The project has always been required to comply with Chapter 2.96. The reference to 450 affordable units on site was meant to direct the location of the affordable units when Chapter 2.96 imposed a 50 percent affordable requirement, the project planned to develop 1,400 units (700 market and 700 affordable) and the affordable units were to be split between on-site (450 units) and off-site (250 units) locations. As approved in Phase II, the project has a total of 1,150 units. Although Chapter 2.96 was changed to require workforce housing at a ratio 25 percent of market housing, the reference to 450 affordable units on site remains in our zoning ordinance. Under Chapter 2.96, the project requires 230 workforce housing units as 25 percent of 920 market units. As approved in Phase II, the project will develop 288 workforce housing units on site against 862 market units. Maui Tomorrow argues that the Phase II site plan is invalid because it does not include 450 affordable units. To put an end to the misguided argument, the reference to 450 affordable units will be removed.
• Under the existing conditions, units cannot be developed until the highway is widened to 4 lanes. The development of the workforce housing should be allowed before the highway is widened.
• Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must widen the highway, however the Hawaii Department of Transportation to widen the highway if we develop an additional 50 workforce units on site, which would bring our total workforce units up to 338 units on site and bring down our market units to 812.
• Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must provide land for a fire station, and to support first responders, the station should be a joint police and fire station. The police and fire chiefs agree.
• Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must donate $5 million to the Parks Department in addition to the usual park dedication fees. The developer wishes to donate to a nonprofit two acres on site and additional cash for a total contribution of $5 million for the development of a cultural center and native plant nursery. The Parks Director agrees.
• Technical changes to the conditions related to the water system for the project and the signalization of an intersection.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify and for your consideration of this test
Aloha HLU Committee, Please reject Bill 171 amendment, and to make it clear that at least 450 affordable units shall be required. Please oppose this amendment to Bill 172 and keep the language requiring a donation toward the South Maui Community Park, and update the amount to $7.5 million to account for inflation.
Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee
Re: Bill 171 & 172
Honorable Chair and Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee,
I strongly urge you to reject the proposed amendment to Bill 171 and to ensure that the requirement for at least 450 affordable housing units remains clear and enforceable. A significant number of affordable housing units was a critical requirement for the past council's approval of zone change for a project at this location and should not be allowed to be so heavily compromised. Doing so sets a depleting standard for this committee and council.
This standard is critical to addressing the pressing housing crisis in Maui County. Affordable housing is a fundamental need for our local families, workers, and kūpuna, many of whom are struggling to find stable and accessible housing. Reducing or weakening this requirement would directly undermine efforts to provide homes for those most in need.
Furthermore, I respectfully oppose the amendment to Bill 172 that seeks to alter the requirement for a donation toward the South Maui Community Park. It is essential that the language mandating this contribution remains intact. Additionally, I recommend updating the amount to $7.5 million to reflect the rising costs due to inflation.
Parks are a vital resource for the South Maui community, serving as a place for residential families to gather, children to play, and residents to connect. Ensuring adequate funding for this facility is not just a financial consideration—it is an investment in the well-being, health, and resilience of this community.
Maui is at a critical juncture. Decisions made by this committee will shape the future of our island and the quality of life for generations to come. I ask that you prioritize the needs of local residents over special interests by rejecting the proposed changes to Bill 171 and 172.
Mahalo nui loa for your time and for your commitment to serving the people of Maui County, and all of Hawaiʻi with the impact of your decisions.
Sincerely,
B. Oriana McCallum
J.D. Candidate '25
William S. Richardson School of Law
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Dear Members of the Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
Regarding the Amendments to Bills 171 and 172, written to relieve Honua`ula Partners LLC (HP) of some of the obligations they unilaterally agreed to in 2008:
While the current bills involve the agreed-to $5 million funding from HP for public benefit, there is an additional commitment HP made of $2.5 million to endow management of the Native Plant Preservation Area (NPPA) in their 2018 Habitat Conservation Plan, which the Maui Planning Commission Approved. Details of the Endowment are provided below.
I want to call your attention to the fact that all references to the $2.5M endowment were deleted from the July 2022 Honua‘ula Natural Resources Preservation Plan.
In the September 24, 2024 meeting of the Planning Commission, the $2.5M endowment was mentioned nowhere in the correspondence, exhibits, and documents submitted by HP. (This endowment is not connected with the Native Plant Greenhouse mentioned in the proposed amendments.)
In my testimony at that meeting, I brought these deletions to the attention of the Planning Commission. At the end of the meeting, HP representative Chipchase stated (from the minutes),
"The funding commitments for that are also set. Dr. Altenberg was simply wrong. We talked about this extensively at the phase two hearing. The funding commitments have remained in place. It's $2.5 million as an initial contribution as well as an additional $25,000 a year for, I believe 30 years or some long duration. In addition, before those contributions are separate from those contributions, the 170 is to be fenced with an eight foot tall deer fence, and there is to be a full time site manager engaged as part of the management of that area. All of that is set and we don't propose to change any of it."
I was very gratified to hear this from Mr. Chipchase. However, I remain concerned that every document produced by HP since 2018 that I have seen makes no mention of this $2.5M endowment for the Native Plant Preservation Area.
I sent the email below to Mr. Chipchase requesting that he provide documentation for the continued legal obligation to provide this endowment. I have received no response.
Therefore, I request that in your deliberations over the bills before you, you ask Honua`ula Partners to provide documentation of their continued obligation and commitment to establish and fund this $2.5 million endowment for perpetual management of the Native Plant Preservation Area.
I urge the Committee and full Council to hold Honua`ula Partners LLC to all the conditions that they unilaterally agreed to in 2008, and the Endowment in the Habitat Conservation Plan approved in 2018, and reject the amendments to Bills 171 and 172 before you.
Thank you for your service to represent the public interests of the people of Maui.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lee Altenberg <Lee.Altenberg@dynamics.org>
Subject: Honua`ula NPPA endowment
Date: September 24, 2024 at 5:45:01 PM HST
To: cchipchase@cades.com
Cc: Lee Altenberg <Lee.Altenberg@dynamics.org>
Aloha Mr. Chipchase,
I was very happy to hear in your discussion today that the $2.5M endowment for Habitat Management and Monitoring Funding is still part of the project.
The April 2018 Draft Preservation/Mitigation Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan for Honua'ula (Wailea 670) , which was approved by the Planning Commission had a Section 8. IMPLEMENTATION, that included this text:
p. 6: "1. Maintenance of the NPPA will continue in perpetuity through the establishment of an endowment. The
endowment will be managed by a conservation organization, entity, or management board that will be selected
prior to issuance of the permit. Habitat in the NPPA will be managed under the supervision of Honua'ula (or its
successors or assigns) during the first 15 years of the permit term. Thereafter, habitat management will be
implemented under the supervision of a conservation organization to be agreed upon and named before the
permit is issued, The endowment funding the mitigation costs will be fully funded before construction begins."
p. 92: "8.4.2.2. FUNDING BY COST COMPONENT
This funding approach includes the following approaches to funding the key cost components described
above:
• Upfront Land Improvements and Investments. Funding of 100% of the upfront land
improvements and investments before grading begins. This includes the easement for the NPPA
and the NPP A perimeter fence.
• Habitat Management and Monitoring Funding for First 15 Years: Annual restoration,
management and monitoring costs for the first 15 years of the permit term is $2,914,484.
Revenue generated by sales or by the developer will fund the first 15 years of management. Prior
to revenue generation, funding for the first 15 years of mitigation will be assured via a letter of
credit or bond approved by DOF A Wand USFWS prior to groundbreaking.
• Upfront Endowment Funding. An investment of $2,443,161placed in an endowment account with
NFWF or other entity approved by DOF A Wand USFWS, before grading begins will provide
funding for annual costs of mitigation after the first 15 years of the permit term."
The entire Section 8 was deleted from the July 2022 Honua‘ula Natural Resources Preservation Plan. There is no reference to any funding or endowment in that 2022 revision. This is what I referred to in my testimony today. I am sorry that the internet connection was unstable.
Chapter 3. AVOIDANCE MEASURES states only that HP will hire a manager:
p. 40: "A natural resources manager will be hired to oversee conservation management of the NPPA in
perpetuity. Honuaʻula will hire the natural resources manager for the first 15 years; the conservation
organization who takes over management at the end of year 15 will oversee the natural resource manager."
"The natural resources manager will be hired before conservation measures are implemented and before
any major construction activities begin, and he or she will be responsible for designing and implementing
any necessary protocols to avoid impacts to any listed species. This position will remain filled for the life
of the project."
Has this manager been hired yet?
There is no mention of funding or an endowment for Habitat Management of the Native Plant Preservation Area in the Exhibits file that were submitted to the Planning Commission for this hearing.
I would appreciate if you could provide the documentation that legally commits Honua`ula Partners to endow the fund as described in the 2018 Habitat Conservation Plan Section 8. Does the Endowment Account exist now? Has it already been funded? With whom is the account established, or is intended to be established?
I would be greatly comforted to see these assurances for the implementation of the Habitat Management and Monitoring Funding.
Mahalo for your attention,
Lee Altenberg, Ph.D.
Affiliation (for identification purposes only; testifying as an individual): Graduate Faculty in Information and Computer Sciences, and the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Specialization, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa
I oppose this amendment. We need affordable housing NOW and can't have too much. This proposed development has a history of broken promises and runarounds and certainly does not deserve rewriting the original agreement to their desire to avoid following through with their promises. Certainly they should widen Piilani Highway. This is a huge safety issue. As far as union construction workers wanting this amendment, how is it really to their benefit? The number of homes is still the same, and then there are the jobs to widen the highway. Maybe they would like housing that they themselves could afford?? Only perhaps because this developer would rather hold out on the project if they don't get what they want?
Rita Massey, Maui Meadows
it is amazing that someone can support a bill without any reason for that support other than it would be beneficial to their uniont. My question to them; If they build an additional 450 sffordable homes on Maui wouldn't that construction also support unions and operating engineers?
Dear Committee Members,
I urge you to reconsider this deeply troubling proposal. Eliminating the mandated number of affordable homes is both outrageous and unacceptable. Without a clear minimum requirement, we are entrusting this critical decision to the developer—a decision that should rest with you as leaders and with us, the community.
Maui is at the brink. We have desecrated our lands, depleted our water resources, and created impossible conditions for our people to thrive. This massive development must not follow the same destructive path. Without a minimum mandate for affordable homes, the developer has no obligation to prioritize the needs of our community, and history shows they will not act in our best interest.
A concrete, enforceable minimum number of affordable homes must be required in this project. Anything less is a failure to serve the people of Maui and address the housing crisis that is driving local families away.
Is this the future we envision for Maui? A place where we continue to cater to wealthy, non-resident buyers while our local families are priced out? A future where our communities suffer so that profits can be prioritized over people? I implore you to take a stand for Maui’s residents. Protect our lands, our water, and our people by ensuring housing that serves those who call Maui home.
Sincerely,
Kahele Dukelow
As an ILWU member who works in South Maui, I support the affordable housing element of this project. It is badly needed for our roughy 1500 members who work in South Maui.
From 40+ year CA development realtor - market rate & affordable housing
Bottom line: People love affordable housing - somewhere else. Typical is Mark Andreesen: [Affordable housing will ]"MASSIVELY decrease our home values, the quality of life of ourselves and our neighbors and IMMENSELY increase the noise pollution and traffic." Pure NIMBY elitism.
The personal conviction of financial, intellectual, class, racial superiority tears society apart. We all have red blood.
Example: Approval of ~1700-unit Palisades Highlands development was subject to sizeable affordable housing project. Opposition raged with predictable claims; City of Los Angeles demanded; we built affordable housing at the foot of the mountaintop project. No one noticed - beautiful Mediterranean architecture eliminated fears of low-class invaders.
Aloha is all about welcoming all kinds of people. Maui needs not buy into the boring Stepfordish arrogance - deleting "Aloha".
No infrastructure no build
No affordable housing no build
Aloha,
RE: HLU-36 Bills 171 and 72 (2024) BILL 171 (2024) AND BILL 172 (202
I respectfully ask the Committee to:
• Reject the amendments to HLU-36 Bills 171 and 172 EXCEPT FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE GOLF COURSE AS ALLOWABLE USE
• Enforce the original commitments for affordable housing, infrastructure, and park contributions and adjust donation to Parks for inflation from 5 million to 7.5 million
The promises made in 2008 (see brief recap of key promises below) were the basis for approving this project. Modifications to these bills allow the developer to renege on affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and community benefits.
Please protect Maui and do not allow this.
Brief summary of promises made in 2008
2008: Rezoning and Phase I Approval
The Maui County Council narrowly approved rezoning and Phase I of Wailea 670 (renamed Honuaʻula) in a 5-4 vote, despite incomplete environmental, archaeological, and cultural impact studies. The decision was based on the developer’s promises and 30 conditions aimed at ensuring accountability.
Key promises included:
700 affordable housing units
Widening Piʻilani Highway to four lanes
Millions of dollars for public parks
Historic preservation and habitat conservation safeguards
Please hold developers to these promises.
Leslee Rachel Cooper
Maui resident
I oppose both of these Bills. We are in desperate need of affordable housing, so decreasing the amount is unacceptable.Chapter 2.96 being changed from 50% to 25% requirement is a failure on the County’s part. 1150 total units at 25% is 287.50 units (affordable), so the fact that the slideshow claimed that 230 units were the minimum requirement to qualify under Chapter 2.96 and the presenter stated that 288 units were above the minimum required amount of affordable units is incorrect. If I’m wrong in this, please clarify. And is there a clause that allows the developer to change an affordable unit into a market unit? The $5,000,000 towards a cultural center and $550,000 towards a “First Responder’s Park” or related structures, should be completed first, along with the affordable housing units, which were originally 450 units. So many broken promises for our “affordable” projects, that we should make sure they hold up their end before developing market units.
November 25, 2024
Councilmember Tasha Kama, Chair
HLU.committee@mauicounty.us
200 S. High St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
RE: HONUA’ULA CHANGE IN ZONING
Aloha Chair and Council,
My name is Shane Dudoit, and I’m the Deputy Director for Parks and Recreation. I’m testifying today in SUPPORT of Bil 171 and 172.
• First, I’d like to clarify and state that the County of Maui, Department of Parks and Recreation, agrees to the proposed terms set between Honua’ula Partners and Parks and Recreation. Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must donate $5 million to the Parks Department in addition to the usual park dedication fees. We support the proposed changes to have Honua’ula Partners donate to a nonprofit 2 acres on site and additional cash for a total contribution of $5 million for the development of a cultural center and native plant nursery. Again, this is agreed upon by the Parks and Rec Director.
Of course, funding is always great to help us expand, but to find a landowner willing to provide 2 acres and funds for a cultural center and native plant nursery is significant. On Maui, we have too few cultural centers. Too few native plant nurseries. This amendment allows us to do something the Parks Department can’t do. The cultural center and native plant nursery will support the massive 170-acre preserve areas and provide a venue for cultural and community learning and activities. Again, the Parks and Rec Department supports these changes 100%.
• Second, I support deleting the “golf course” as an allowed use of the property. As initially approved in the zoning, the project had an 18-hole golf course. As approved in Phase II, the project does not have a golf course. Maui Tomorrow argues that the Phase II site plan is invalid because it does not include a golf course. To put an end to the misguided argument, I support the removal of the golf course as an allowed use. This will prevent any future landowner from trying to develop a golf course.
• Third, we NEED to build more affordable housing sooner rather than later. I’d like to see my kids be allowed to be homeowners. With a median price of over $ 1 million, the average salary to afford a home here in Maui is $219,198, which was in 2023. $219,198 – with our cost of living, families are barely making ends meet – WE NEED TO DO BETTER FOR OUR KIDS AND OUR GRANDKIDS. More housing and more jobs mean more of our families can stay in Maui.
• As a retired firefighter, I support the proposal of giving land to house a joint emergency responders station as well as land for a first responders memorial park rather than only the station.
• This project will, more than likely, provide steady labor for the next 20 years.
• Lastly, as a reminder, the amendments are not necessary for the project to move forward. No matter the outcome here today, this project WILL move forward. THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ONLY MAKE THIS PROJECT BETTER.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this matter today. I urge you to support the proposed amendments – MAHALO
SHANE DUDOIT
I oppose everything except deletion of the mention of golf course as acceptable use. I request the gold course conditions regarding use of non-potable water , ground water and ocean waters be retained as applicable for landscaping in lieu of golf course.
My testimony is in the attached file. The developer must be held accountable. I oppose these bills.
Aloha HLU Committee, Please reject Bill 171 amendment, and to make it clear that at least 450 affordable units shall be required.
Please oppose this amendment to Bill 172 and keep the language requiring a donation toward the South Maui Community Park, and update the amount to $7.5 million to account for inflation.
Condition of Zoning #2: This developer specifically Agreed to be resonsible for the widening of the last mile of Piilani where the traffic is often bumper-to-bumper making it difficult for those of us who live in Maui Meadows to get anywhere. We need a four-lane Piilani Hwy from Kilohana Drive to Wailea Ike Drive NOW. The developer promised to build it 16 years ago. It should continue to be Solely Responsible for this before it builds anything on the Wailea 670 land......
I am a 38 year continuous Resident of Maui; 20 years in Maui Meadows. I am So sad to see only luxury condos and homes that hardly anyone who live here can afford 'raping' Wailea. As a former President of the Maui Meadows Neighborhood Association I well remember this developer specifically Agreeing to many issues that it is now reneging.
PLEASE USE YOUR IMPORTANT CIVIC POSITION TO STOP THIS FOR WE ORDINARY RESIDENTS. MAHALO!
Bonnie Newman, 745 Kupulau Drive, Kihei - 808/ 283-0645
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
I strongly oppose both bills 171 and 172. It comes down to 3 things;
A/ Hold them accountable for 450 affordable units
B/ The developer didn't pay (but agreed to) 5M for the park, include inflation and demand $7.5M
C/ Pi'ilani highway. The developer MUST widen the highway to 4 lanes before breaking ground. It's not just ONE of the most important conditions since 2008 approval, but it's vital for our community and fire hazard. It should absolutely NOT be put as a burden on tax payers money.
Scarlett Marten, long term resident
I oppose the modification of the 700 affordable units requirement down to 450.
Please listen to our voices to keep the people in mind who need housing and not the voice of the developers who only want to make money.
Mahalo for your service in the Maui County to protect the interests and needs of the people--especially housing.
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
I'm so pissed about this development and the broken promises... They will never build the number of affordable units needed. Every home should be affordable! And none are - not even the the ones labeled affordable... These developers have no interest in following through on their commitments, they only promise to get what they want and then cheat and bypass the rules. And they are not planning to widen the highway now? There is a reason why we put that condition into place. If they can figure a way to widen The Piilani - do it! And then we can talk about the rest of the deal...not to mention the water supply needed to irrigate that area and the damaging effects the runoff will have on the nearby ocean. Unfortunately the county council is bought out by developers and big money interests. Wailea doesn't need more vacation rentals or high prices housing. We need more housing for our workers and lower income and houseless people. Build that in Wailea. Instead, you are obviously profit motivated.
Jodi Sussman, Kihei
Aloha Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
On behalf of Maui Nui Resiliency Hui, an organization committed to advocating for affordable housing and fostering sustainable communities, we write to urge you to uphold, strengthen, and facilitate affordable housing initiatives in Maui County. Addressing the housing crisis is at the core of our mission, and we believe the Council’s decisions on this matter will have profound impacts on the future of our community.
Affordable housing is a fundamental need for the people of Maui Nui—our local families, kūpuna, and workforce. Every day, we witness the struggles of individuals and families who face unstable and inaccessible housing in a market that increasingly leaves our most vulnerable residents behind. Weakening affordable housing requirements would significantly undermine the collective effort to provide homes for those most in need and would hinder the progress our community deserves.
We strongly advocate for policies and actions that encourage and facilitate development of more affordable, attainable, and mixed-use housing. We also recognize that addressing this crisis requires more than meeting minimum requirements—it requires bold action and a commitment to going above and beyond. We urge the Council to collaborate with all stakeholders, including housing providers, non-profits, and community organizations like ours, to develop creative financing solutions and innovative approaches. These include leveraging public-private partnerships, exploring modular and tiny home models, and utilizing adaptive reuse to create more housing opportunities.
Together, we can exceed baseline standards and create lasting solutions that address the depth and complexity of Maui’s housing crisis. By working collaboratively and fostering partnerships, we can ensure that Maui remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive—today and for generations to come.
We call on you, as our elected leaders, to facilitate the production of affordable housing and uphold your responsibility to the people of Maui nui. This is your kuleana, and we believe that by rising to meet this challenge, you will honor the trust placed in you by our community. Chair and Committee members, your leadership is essential in championing this issue. The Council must take decisive steps to create meaningful, impactful change.
Mahalo for your time, attention, and commitment to our community. Maui Nui Resiliency Hui stands ready to work alongside you to build a resilient future for all.
Kai Nishiki
Sarah Freistat Pajimola
Executive Directors,
Maui Nui Resiliency Hui
November 25, 2024
TO: The Honorable Tasha Kama, Chair
The Honorable Tom Cook, Vice-Chair
and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee
Maui County Council
FROM: Mark Anthony Clemente
Government Relations
Hawai’i Regional Council of Carpenters
SUBJECT: BILL 171 (2024) AND BILL 172 (2024), AMENDING CHAPTER
19.90A, MAUI COUNTY CODE, AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 3554,
AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED, RELATING TO KĪHEI-MĀKENA
PROJECT DISTRICT 9 (WAILEA 670) (HLU-36)
Aloha Chair Kama, Vice-Chair Cook and Members of the Committee on Housing and Land Use:
My name is Mark Anthony Clemente writing on behalf of the Hawai’i Regional Council of Carpenters to provide comments on Bill 171 (2024) and Bill 172 (2024) and support of the project overall.
The amendments are not necessary for the project to move forward. The project is moving forward, however, the amendments make the project better. More affordable housing could be built sooner rather than later.
Further, we support a cultural center and native plant nursery instead of simply giving money to the county. The project provides land for a joint police/fire station and first responders memorial park rather than only a fire station, as well as prevent any future owner from attempting to develop a golf course.
The Hawai’i Regional Council of Carpenters supports local jobs for local people that pay aliving wage, and the project will provide steady of labor for the next 20 years. More housing and more jobs means more of our local families can stay in Hawaii.
Suggested Amendments
• Delete “golf course” as an allowed use of the property. As originally approved in the zoning, the project had an 18-hole golf course. As approved in Phase II, the project does not have a golf course. Maui Tomorrow argues that the Phase II site plan is invalid because it does not include a golf course. To put an end to the misguided argument, golf course as an allowed use will be removed.
• Delete a reference in the zoning to developing 450 affordable units on site. The project has always been required to comply with Chapter 2.96. The reference to 450 affordable units on site was meant to direct the location of the affordable units when Chapter 2.96 imposed a 50 percent affordable requirement, the project planned to develop 1,400 units (700 market and 700 affordable) and the affordable units were to be split between on-site (450 units) and off-site (250 units) locations. As approved in Phase II, the project has a total of 1,150 units. Although Chapter 2.96 was changed to require workforce housing at a ratio 25 percent of market housing, the reference to 450 affordable units on site remains in our zoning ordinance. Under Chapter 2.96, the project requires 230 workforce housing units as 25 percent of 920 market units. As approved in Phase II, the project will develop 288 workforce housing units on site against 862 market units. Maui Tomorrow argues that the Phase II site plan is invalid because it does not include 450 affordable units. To put an end to the misguided argument, the reference to 450 affordable units will be removed.
• Under the existing conditions, units cannot be developed until the highway is widened to 4 lanes. The development of the workforce housing should be allowed before the highway is widened.
• Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must widen the highway, however the Hawaii Department of Transportation to widen the highway if we develop an additional 50 workforce units on site, which would bring our total workforce units up to 338 units on site and bring down our market units to 812.
• Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must provide land for a fire station, and to support first responders, the station should be a joint police and fire station. The police and fire chiefs agree.
• Under the existing conditions, Honua‘ula must donate $5 million to the Parks Department in addition to the usual park dedication fees. The developer wishes to donate to a nonprofit two acres on site and additional cash for a total contribution of $5 million for the development of a cultural center and native plant nursery. The Parks Director agrees.
• Technical changes to the conditions related to the water system for the project and the signalization of an intersection.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify and for your consideration of this test
Aloha HLU Committee, Please reject Bill 171 amendment, and to make it clear that at least 450 affordable units shall be required. Please oppose this amendment to Bill 172 and keep the language requiring a donation toward the South Maui Community Park, and update the amount to $7.5 million to account for inflation.
Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee
Re: Bill 171 & 172
Honorable Chair and Maui County Council Housing and Land Use Committee,
I strongly urge you to reject the proposed amendment to Bill 171 and to ensure that the requirement for at least 450 affordable housing units remains clear and enforceable. A significant number of affordable housing units was a critical requirement for the past council's approval of zone change for a project at this location and should not be allowed to be so heavily compromised. Doing so sets a depleting standard for this committee and council.
This standard is critical to addressing the pressing housing crisis in Maui County. Affordable housing is a fundamental need for our local families, workers, and kūpuna, many of whom are struggling to find stable and accessible housing. Reducing or weakening this requirement would directly undermine efforts to provide homes for those most in need.
Furthermore, I respectfully oppose the amendment to Bill 172 that seeks to alter the requirement for a donation toward the South Maui Community Park. It is essential that the language mandating this contribution remains intact. Additionally, I recommend updating the amount to $7.5 million to reflect the rising costs due to inflation.
Parks are a vital resource for the South Maui community, serving as a place for residential families to gather, children to play, and residents to connect. Ensuring adequate funding for this facility is not just a financial consideration—it is an investment in the well-being, health, and resilience of this community.
Maui is at a critical juncture. Decisions made by this committee will shape the future of our island and the quality of life for generations to come. I ask that you prioritize the needs of local residents over special interests by rejecting the proposed changes to Bill 171 and 172.
Mahalo nui loa for your time and for your commitment to serving the people of Maui County, and all of Hawaiʻi with the impact of your decisions.
Sincerely,
B. Oriana McCallum
J.D. Candidate '25
William S. Richardson School of Law
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Dear Members of the Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
Regarding the Amendments to Bills 171 and 172, written to relieve Honua`ula Partners LLC (HP) of some of the obligations they unilaterally agreed to in 2008:
While the current bills involve the agreed-to $5 million funding from HP for public benefit, there is an additional commitment HP made of $2.5 million to endow management of the Native Plant Preservation Area (NPPA) in their 2018 Habitat Conservation Plan, which the Maui Planning Commission Approved. Details of the Endowment are provided below.
I want to call your attention to the fact that all references to the $2.5M endowment were deleted from the July 2022 Honua‘ula Natural Resources Preservation Plan.
In the September 24, 2024 meeting of the Planning Commission, the $2.5M endowment was mentioned nowhere in the correspondence, exhibits, and documents submitted by HP. (This endowment is not connected with the Native Plant Greenhouse mentioned in the proposed amendments.)
In my testimony at that meeting, I brought these deletions to the attention of the Planning Commission. At the end of the meeting, HP representative Chipchase stated (from the minutes),
"The funding commitments for that are also set. Dr. Altenberg was simply wrong. We talked about this extensively at the phase two hearing. The funding commitments have remained in place. It's $2.5 million as an initial contribution as well as an additional $25,000 a year for, I believe 30 years or some long duration. In addition, before those contributions are separate from those contributions, the 170 is to be fenced with an eight foot tall deer fence, and there is to be a full time site manager engaged as part of the management of that area. All of that is set and we don't propose to change any of it."
I was very gratified to hear this from Mr. Chipchase. However, I remain concerned that every document produced by HP since 2018 that I have seen makes no mention of this $2.5M endowment for the Native Plant Preservation Area.
I sent the email below to Mr. Chipchase requesting that he provide documentation for the continued legal obligation to provide this endowment. I have received no response.
Therefore, I request that in your deliberations over the bills before you, you ask Honua`ula Partners to provide documentation of their continued obligation and commitment to establish and fund this $2.5 million endowment for perpetual management of the Native Plant Preservation Area.
I urge the Committee and full Council to hold Honua`ula Partners LLC to all the conditions that they unilaterally agreed to in 2008, and the Endowment in the Habitat Conservation Plan approved in 2018, and reject the amendments to Bills 171 and 172 before you.
Thank you for your service to represent the public interests of the people of Maui.
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lee Altenberg <Lee.Altenberg@dynamics.org>
Subject: Honua`ula NPPA endowment
Date: September 24, 2024 at 5:45:01 PM HST
To: cchipchase@cades.com
Cc: Lee Altenberg <Lee.Altenberg@dynamics.org>
Aloha Mr. Chipchase,
I was very happy to hear in your discussion today that the $2.5M endowment for Habitat Management and Monitoring Funding is still part of the project.
The April 2018 Draft Preservation/Mitigation Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan for Honua'ula (Wailea 670) , which was approved by the Planning Commission had a Section 8. IMPLEMENTATION, that included this text:
p. 6: "1. Maintenance of the NPPA will continue in perpetuity through the establishment of an endowment. The
endowment will be managed by a conservation organization, entity, or management board that will be selected
prior to issuance of the permit. Habitat in the NPPA will be managed under the supervision of Honua'ula (or its
successors or assigns) during the first 15 years of the permit term. Thereafter, habitat management will be
implemented under the supervision of a conservation organization to be agreed upon and named before the
permit is issued, The endowment funding the mitigation costs will be fully funded before construction begins."
p. 92: "8.4.2.2. FUNDING BY COST COMPONENT
This funding approach includes the following approaches to funding the key cost components described
above:
• Upfront Land Improvements and Investments. Funding of 100% of the upfront land
improvements and investments before grading begins. This includes the easement for the NPPA
and the NPP A perimeter fence.
• Habitat Management and Monitoring Funding for First 15 Years: Annual restoration,
management and monitoring costs for the first 15 years of the permit term is $2,914,484.
Revenue generated by sales or by the developer will fund the first 15 years of management. Prior
to revenue generation, funding for the first 15 years of mitigation will be assured via a letter of
credit or bond approved by DOF A Wand USFWS prior to groundbreaking.
• Upfront Endowment Funding. An investment of $2,443,161placed in an endowment account with
NFWF or other entity approved by DOF A Wand USFWS, before grading begins will provide
funding for annual costs of mitigation after the first 15 years of the permit term."
The entire Section 8 was deleted from the July 2022 Honua‘ula Natural Resources Preservation Plan. There is no reference to any funding or endowment in that 2022 revision. This is what I referred to in my testimony today. I am sorry that the internet connection was unstable.
Chapter 3. AVOIDANCE MEASURES states only that HP will hire a manager:
p. 40: "A natural resources manager will be hired to oversee conservation management of the NPPA in
perpetuity. Honuaʻula will hire the natural resources manager for the first 15 years; the conservation
organization who takes over management at the end of year 15 will oversee the natural resource manager."
"The natural resources manager will be hired before conservation measures are implemented and before
any major construction activities begin, and he or she will be responsible for designing and implementing
any necessary protocols to avoid impacts to any listed species. This position will remain filled for the life
of the project."
Has this manager been hired yet?
There is no mention of funding or an endowment for Habitat Management of the Native Plant Preservation Area in the Exhibits file that were submitted to the Planning Commission for this hearing.
I would appreciate if you could provide the documentation that legally commits Honua`ula Partners to endow the fund as described in the 2018 Habitat Conservation Plan Section 8. Does the Endowment Account exist now? Has it already been funded? With whom is the account established, or is intended to be established?
I would be greatly comforted to see these assurances for the implementation of the Habitat Management and Monitoring Funding.
Mahalo for your attention,
Lee Altenberg, Ph.D.
Affiliation (for identification purposes only; testifying as an individual): Graduate Faculty in Information and Computer Sciences, and the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Specialization, University of Hawai`i at Mānoa
I oppose this amendment. We need affordable housing NOW and can't have too much. This proposed development has a history of broken promises and runarounds and certainly does not deserve rewriting the original agreement to their desire to avoid following through with their promises. Certainly they should widen Piilani Highway. This is a huge safety issue. As far as union construction workers wanting this amendment, how is it really to their benefit? The number of homes is still the same, and then there are the jobs to widen the highway. Maybe they would like housing that they themselves could afford?? Only perhaps because this developer would rather hold out on the project if they don't get what they want?
Rita Massey, Maui Meadows
it is amazing that someone can support a bill without any reason for that support other than it would be beneficial to their uniont. My question to them; If they build an additional 450 sffordable homes on Maui wouldn't that construction also support unions and operating engineers?