- 116-unit housing project for seniors in Kula proposed
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.
Where is Maui's Affordable Housing?
From long-term homeowners to first-time buyers, Maui's housing situation is a serious concern for thousands of residents. The "housing crisis" on Maui has been attributed to several factors, including desirability of location, global and domestic economic cycles, federal housing policies and population shifts. In less than three years, residents have witnessed the average price of a single-family home climb from $375,000 to $665,000-prompting many to abandon dreams of owning a home, and others to leave Maui in search of a cheaper slice of the housing pie.
Victorino proposes resolution seeking fairness for TVR operators
WAILUKU – Operators of transient vacation rentals who have been "caught in legal limbo" because of the County's confusing and contradictory enforcement policies shouldn't be punished, Maui County Councilmember Michael Victorino said today. Victorino has proposed a resolution calling on the County Administration to suspend enforcement actions against TVR operators until the Council has had a chance to review and enact legislation currently pending before the Council's Planning Committee. The Committee isn't expected to review the bills submitted by the Department of Planning and the planning commissions until June.
Maalaea project's EIS ready for review
The developers of a proposed 949-unit residential community at Maalaea have submitted their draft environmental impact study for public comment. The $400 million Maalaea Mauka would cover 257 acres of former sugar cane land classified by the state and county as agricultural. The project would be mix of single- and multifamily homes, townhouses, rental apartments and affordable housing for seniors. Maalaea Mauka would also include park land and a community center, according to the document issued Dec. 8.
(see also: 1,000-home Hawaii subdivision planned)
Planned Maui Lani complex in question
A Maui Lani official said that she is unsure if the company will be able to build a proposed 72-unit affordable rental complex after a County Council committee imposed additional conditions on the project. The committee wants Maui Lani to lengthen the time that at least half of the units have to be rented to families earning below 80 percent of the median income level.
Maui Lani had proposed it would keep rents in the 80 percent and below median income level ($55,920 for a family of four) for 15 years, but would then make the units available for sale or rent to the "gap" group - those making 120 percent to 160 percent of the median income ($83,880 to $111,840) for an additional 10 years.
Councilors find housing details hard to swallow
With the support of county administration housing officials, Maui Lani Partners is using the state's fast-track housing law to shorten government reviews of a 72-unit low-income rental complex planned on 2.5 acres next to Pomaika'i Elementary School. Council members can accept the project as proposed, modify it with the developer's consent or reject it within 45 days of the proposal's submission on Aug. 24.
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- Affordable housing mandate added to Honua'ula's list
Council Member Michelle Anderson on Wednesday proposed that Honua'ula be required to develop 250 affordable units offsite immediately after the County Council approves zoning for the project. She also wants the developers to donate a park as a condition for the project approvals.
Zoning request stalled by neighbors' protests
Haiku residents up in arms about a proposed Kokomo subdivision petitioned the Maui Planning Commission Tuesday to prevent a zoning change that would allow landowner Ron Serle to create a 10-lot rural subdivision in the area. According to Serle and his planning consultants, however, the land has been designated for rural use since 1983 in the Paia-Haiku Community Plan.
Groups seeking to rally opposition to 1,400-unit project
Manager focusing on what is right in plan for Honua'ula
Read two newspaper articles that describe opposing points of view – from opposition groups and from the project manager – regarding a proposal to build 1400 homes on 670 acres in the Wailea/Makena region of South Maui.
Developer: Land to stay agricultural
The developer of an 1,800-acre agricultural subdivision in lower Kula said the plan is aimed at keeping the former pineapple land in agricultural use. Farmers and residents in the area were not convinced when representatives of Kula 1800 Investment Partners LLC presented the plans at a special meeting of the Kula Community Association. Waiakoa Ranch would have 86 large lots on the former pineapple and pasturelands running from Pulehu to Naalae Road below Kula Highway. Lot sizes will range from 6 to 40 acres, with one large remnant parcel of 323 acres available for sale or lease.
The efforts to preserve Honolua Bay and Lipoa Point
Read three recent articles on efforts by local citizens and ellected officials to preserve Honolua Bay and Lipoa Point from luxury home development.
A&B files for new residential project in Kihei
A&B Properties is proposing long-range residential development of 93 acres in North Kihei. A&B Vice President Grant Chun said A&B's petition for land reclassification from agricultural to urban is the "first step in a long process" toward development of nearly 68 acres of multifamily units, 25 acres of single-family residences and 1.4 acres of commercial space. The amount of acreage eyed for the project would be enough room for about 600 multifamily and single-family units, he said.
- Na HALE O Maui offers hope to future homeowners with a radical new approach to affordable housing
Under the old rules of affordability, people on Maui earning the median income shouldn't move into a home that costs more than about $160,000-to do otherwise is to spend far too much each month on mortgage payments, leaving nothing for savings. But for the last few years it's been impossible to find a house for even twice that amount anywhere on the island that's fit for human habitation.
Sustainable communities will benefit all
The sustainable communities we envision are affordable and welcoming - free from financial or physical barriers preventing anyone from entering. In Hawaii, developers must also respect and preserve the beauty of our islands by including open space and recycling waste instead of diverting it to landfills. And our best communities will help reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported fuels by generating half of their power on-site.
Project district OK'd for Kapalua Mauka
A deadlock in the Maui Planning Commission broke Tuesday afternoon, giving Maui Land & Pineapple Co. approval for its plans to build multimillion-dollar homes and a new private golf course at the Kapalua Resort. The development, which earlier this year had received project district zoning approval from the County Council, also was seeking a special management area use permit for off-site infrastructure improvements to support Kapalua Mauka.
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