“BAIT & SWITCH” PROJECTS IN NORTH KIHEI
A Southern California developer plans to convert 68 acres mauka of Pi’ilani Highway at the intersection with Kaonoulu Street into two Mega Malls, described by the developer as soon-to-be the largest outlet malls in the state of Hawaii, exceeding 700,000 square feet of retail space coupled with acres of asphalt parking lots. When zoning changes for this parcel were approved in the mid-1990s it was for a light industrial complex and only in the last two years has the project changed to this large retail development. At the very least a new traffic study needs to be done and the project’s frontage road, a condition of zoning from the State Land Use Commission, must be included in the plan.
The County of Maui currently supports these Malls even though
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The traffic study was done 18 years ago, and for a different use.
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The Malls will, according to the developer’s own words, be situated at “the largest intersection on the Island.” Traffic on Pi’ilani Highway will be severely affected.
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These retail centers do not comply with the Kihei-Wailea Community Plan nor do they comply with the parcel’s M-1 light industrial zoning, which requires mostly light industrial use rather than commercial/retail.
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The Malls represent significant hardscape above a part of Kihei that is prone to severe flooding.
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The public have not been given an opportunity to be heard on the matter and the developer has refused to discuss the Malls with the community
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The Malls don’t comply with lawful conditions imposed on the site by the State Land Use Commission.
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The Malls are out of scale with Kihei and represent more unwanted sprawl.
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There are no plans to make the Malls walkable or bikeable or to connect them with other uses mauka of the highway, including the proposed Kihei High School.
TAKE A STAND FOR OUR COMMUNITY! DEMAND ENFORCEMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY PLAN AND OUR RIGHT TO A LIVABLE COMMUNITY.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO MAUI TOMORROW’S PIILANI PROMENADE LEGAL FUND TO ENSURE THAT THIS PROJECT UNDERGOES THE FULL LEGAL PROCESS. (Please indicate “Kihei Megamalls Legal Fund” in “Designation” box to insure your donation goes to this cause.)
See the developer’s proposal, Kihei-Makena Community Plan, LUC Order
Download the Flyer
See our Call to Action
See the Pi’ilani Promenade timeline
