116-unit housing project for seniors in Kula proposed

The Maui News
Monday, June 16, 2008

KULA - An architect who has specialized in high-quality resort residential projects, Clayton Nishikawa, is proposing to build a 116-unit senior housing project on Lower Kula Road.

Kula Meadowood would include 70 affordable units and 46 market-priced units in what he described as an age-in-place, independent-living subdivision on 85 acres of former pineapple fields just south of Kula 200. Nishikawa said he is trying to get a reading on community support for the project, which has not been included in urban growth boundaries proposed for the county's General Plan. As such, it would likely not be endorsed by the county Planning Department.

"That's kind of an issue," Nishikawa acknowledged.

He'll make a presentation on the proposed development to the Kula AARP chapter at 9:30 a.m. today at the Kula Community Center. Nishikawa is with Architectural Design & Construction, a Wailuku firm specializing in design-build residential projects.

Nishikawa said he was in discussions with Hale Mahaolu to work on the affordable component of the project but that the nonprofit was "concerned" about the difficult land-use approvals.

Eleven of Kula Meadowood affordable units would be offered to meet Maui County Residential Workforce Housing requirements for another development proposed by Nishikawa, Kula Ridge Mauka, a 21-lot agricultural subdivision.

Nishikawa said the property's gently rolling hills and moderate climate would be "ideal" for independent seniors.

"That's something Maui doesn't have," he said.

Retiree and AARP Board Member Harlan Hughes thought the project made sense for Upcountry's aging population.

"I think the Kula community is a place it would fit," he said.

Nishikawa said the AARP meeting would help him judge the project's popularity.

"What it entails is for me to see there's enough community interest and support to move forward," he said.