So MANY things have been happening, Maui County! Its ALL because of YOU and your aloha for this place we call home.
We just wanted to give you a quick update on ALL the things weʻve been involved in together, as we prepare for WORLD WHALE DAY this Saturday at Kalama Park, Kīhei from 9am – 3pm.
MĀKENA 47-ACRE RESORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The deadline to submit comments on ATC Mākenaʻs DRAFT Environmental Assessment (Draft EA or DEA) passed this Monday, February 8th. We hope that you were able to email or send in your comments so that they can be considered and can be used as documentation.
That being said, we are SO PROUD OF MAUI for packing the Planning Commission meeting (at an almost standing-room-only capacity) and offering manaʻo in opposition to the project as well as to the developerʻs DEA itself.
Currently, the only upcoming meeting scheduled regarding this project will be held on Tuesday, March 1st before the Urban Design Review Board, where ATC Mākena hopes to secure a Special Management Area (SMA) use permit. If you werenʻt able to submit your comments before the deadline, you have another chance to share your manaʻo on this project at that meeting. Mark your calendars!!!
MA`ALAEA PLANTATION PROJECT
A WIN in Environmental Court for Maui!
A preliminary injunction filed by Ma`alaea Community Association and Maui Tomorrow Foundation was granted by Judge Joseph E. Cardoza in Environmental Court this past Friday. The case seeks to invalidate a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) by the County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns. The developer had sought to bypass conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), claiming that the development would be primarily affordable housing units (with less market-priced and above-market priced lots located some distance further) and thus was eligible for fast-tracking it through the system.
Judge Cardoza noted that many of the reasons we brought up with Maʻalaea Community Association (deficiencies in the FEA and exemptions or waivers for health and safety regulations, to name a couple) PLUS public interest supporting a proper environmental review, necessitated careful consideration and stopped the project until the court makes a final determination on the merits of the case.
Of particular note is the Department of Housing and Human Concerns who was listed as a Defendant in the case, filed a statement of ʻNo Positionʻ in response to our motion, through the attorney for the County.
and Last But Not Least: WORLD WHALE DAY IN KĪHEI!
Please join us and a host of other Environmental groups, vendors, information booths and fun for the whole `ohana THIS Saturday at Kalama Park to celebrate Maui Whale Festivalʻs World Whale Day!
The dayʻs festivities kick off with a Parade of Whales along South Kīhei Rd beginning at 9am and the fun lasts until the music ends at 6pm.
Many different Maui organizations will be there including US and we sure could use your help! Weʻre looking for volunteers to help us set-up and spend the day sharing information with kama`āina (locals) and malihini (tourists) alike, on the issues weʻre working on and how people can get informed and involved. If you can spare 2 hours (weʻre looking for 2-hour shifts) to kāko`o (uphold and support) our efforts, weʻd love to have you. You can click the Get Involved button on the right side bar, call us at: 244-7570 or email us at: director@maui-tomorrow.org.
