NANEA KALANI at Maui News:

The majority of testimony focused on opposition to developer Frampton & Ward’s plan to build 1,500 housing units – including 750 affordable housing units – on 600 acres in Olowalu.

More than half of the 55 testifiers during a four-hour morning session spoke out against the project, which the General Plan Committee previously voted to include within the island’s urban-growth boundary.

Testifiers repeated arguments that have been heard throughout the General Plan process, urging the council to reverse its decision in favor of protecting the reef and coastline along Olowalu.

Marine biologists, ocean researchers, snorkel tour operators and boat captains said the development would cause detrimental harm to the reef through sediment and storm-water runoff during and after construction.

Sarah McLane, executive director of the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, expressed concern that if Frampton & Ward’s plans don’t pan out, having a growth boundary around the area would allow other developments to come in. She recommended removing the boundary altogether.

“I’m personally pro affordable housing. I’m pro jobs. I’m also for putting these things in areas that can actually sustain them in the long run,” McLane said. “Olowalu is something that all of us, the entire island, are supposed to be protecting.”

Read the whole article at Maui News