From Mark Hyde, South Maui Citizens for Responsible Growth

I am delighted to report that today the Hawaii state Land Use Commission (LUC) found by unanimous vote (6-0) that there is reasonable cause to believe that Pi’ilani Promenade North (the Outlet stores), Pi’ilani South (the shopping center) and Honua’ula Partners (Wailea 670’s 250 workforce housing) are not developing the 88 acre Kaonoulu Ranch property in substantial compliance with the 1995 Order issued by the LUC. In addition, Commissioners noted that the property owners have not filed a timely annual status report with the LUC this calendar year.

This represents a huge step forward in our case and a victory for the people of south Maui. Next, a status conference will be held in early September to set a date for a contested hearing. At that hearing the property owners will be compelled (ordered) to show how their proposed Mega Malls and workforce housing (apples) is substantially similar to a 123 lot light industrial park (oranges) proposed by Kaonoulu Ranch in 1994, and answer for the fact that the development lacks a frontage or connector roads as ordered by the Commission.

The case is not over, but for now, please take a moment to celebrate what a community can achieve when it demands compliance with law and a livable community.

Finally, we continue to need financial support for our efforts. Please consider celebrating by making a donation to the legal fund maintained by Maui Tomorrow Foundation (maui-tomorrow.org). Any amount is welcome, tax deductible, confidential and will be put to good use.

I also want to thank State Senator Roz Baker, Representative George Fontaine and Council Member Don Couch for attending the hearing. Additionally, mahalo to the Kihei Community Association, former Planning Director Mike Foley, former KCA Planning and Development Committee Chair Carla Flood and traffic engineer Victoria Huffman for testifying in support of our motion!

Mark Hyde
President South Maui Citizens for Responsible Growth