Environment makes gains at legislature
News Release, May 5th, 2005
Bills sent to Governor's desk would help protect wild coastline, increase clean energy use, provide additional recycling centers, prohibit golf courses on farmland, and reduce coastal light pollution

Jan - April 2005
by Lance Holter & Conservation Committee

Contact your legislators or track legislation @ http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/.

Malama Kahakai: Legacy Beach Campaign
State legislature leadership is supporting a "Legacy Lands" bill for purchase of coastal lands. To receive alerts email mikulina@lava.net or sign up at www.hi.sierraclub.org

North Shore Heritage Park/ Paia By-Pass
County Planning Dept & Council, A&B Properti 12/13/05 rative vision of open space/ transportation corridor planning for Maui's North shore, with more meetings to come. The Goal: connect parks, greenways, transportation corridors AND alternatives, (think: lite rail) with economic opportunities and protection of natural historic & cultural resources. Next step: involve more people and think big!

Pali to Puamana Park-Way Eight-mile long coastal park along the West Maui shoreline from the Pali tunnel to Lahaina town. Present Hono'apiilani Hwy would move inland and lands seaward of the new road would become beach parks. Approved: funding for the first 100-acres (Ukumehame). Proposed: funding for an additional 30 acres in Olowalu.

Keone'o'io/Ahihi-Kinau
Keoni'o'io/Ahihi-Kinau task force members are working on a management plan. There is a ranger now on duty and educational kiosks have opened.These simple management steps have greatly reduced the amount of abuse of natural resources, although poaching of fish in the marine protected area is still an ongoing concern. Plans for National Seashore designation will continue, even under the current Republican Congress and White House. Funding for the ranger and educational programs will expire at the end of 2007, unless the Hawaii Tourism Authority decides to renew its grant to cover the costs.

Makena Resort Rezoning Proposal
Rezoning request has 41 proposed conditions which landowner, Seibu Corp., has not yet agreed to. MG is concerned that these proposed conditions will do little to protect the area's cultural and natural resources and will not have active enforcement. One condition, requiring Makena Resort to hire a consultant to draft a master plan for state-owned Makena State Park, would require very close public scrutiny. Maui County Council is expected to consider the request again in early 2005. Seibu Corp. has been rocked by scandals in Japan and rumors are swirling in the international press that the company is reportedly ready to sell all their Hawaii resort properties.

Water Issues
In October '04, Maui Tomorrow and Hui O Na Wai 'Eha presented the Water Commission photos & videos of "dumped" stream waters from 'Iao and other streams in Central Maui. EarthJustice filed a petition with the Commission to return "wasted" waters to streams. OHA recently gave EarthJustice a $50,000 grant to continue this important effort. MG supports efforts to bring back natural flows & native stream life to Maui's legendary streams.The Maui County Council is considering an appropriation in its 2006 budget to help fund needed stream studies in the Central Maui area. Once studies scientifically determine the level of flows needed, restoration of waters can follow.

Letters of support to for this important study can be sent by email to: bf.committee@co.maui.hi.us or faxed to Committee chair Dain Kane fax 270-7686.

GMO Regulation
GMO activists continue to show the provocative film "Future of Food" to build public support for a county ordinance requiring GMO open field locations to be known and monitored. Right now, the public doesn't know which fields in Maui are "GMO" fields and which ones are natural. Legislation to help regulate GMO farming in Hawaii is being considered this session.

Proposed SuperFerry Subject of Recent Legal Action
Kahului Harbor is heavily used by cargo barges, canoe paddling teams, surfers and fishermen. The SuperFerry could require a number of harbor infrastructure changes that would impact these activities. Unfortunately, the proposed Superferry's plans are being held as "confidential information" by the state agencies that have reviewed them.

Representatives of Maui Tomorrow and other concerned groups have met with Superferry head John Garibaldi over the past several months to express their concerns, yet plans to address impacts seem sketchy. MG, ILWU, paddling groups and others are calling for a thorough Environmental Impact Study (EIS) on the proposed ferry service and the structural changes it requires. State Department of Transportation (DOT) backed off proposed construction at Pier 2C in Kahului Harbor, but wants to avoid an EIS of the whole project.

Senate Bill 1785, that would have required an EIS for the ferry, was not successful, but legal experts from Sierra Club and other organizations determined that existing state laws require a new project using state funds and public facilities to prepare an EIS, without any specific legislation mandating it. The Sierra Club, Maui Tomorrow and a coalition of others concerned about the lack of solid information available about the Superferry filed suit on March 21 to require the state DOT to do an EIS on the project.

County Councils in Maui and Kaua'i have also passed resolutions requesting the ferry to do an EIS, as has Mayor Alan Arakawa. The state and Superferry backers claim that they have no time to do an EIS and still make the project work, although they acknowledge the ferry project has been in the planning stages for 2 years.

Many Club members support additional transportation choices being available for local residents, but see the need for a well planned effort that can prove sustainable and affordable. Sierra Club activists have lobbied for many years to get better inspection of existing shipping companies and airlines at Maui's harbors and airports. We are starting to make some progress with the construction of a state-of-the-art freight inspection facility at Kahului Airport. It is unfortunate, that our state does not chose to provide these facilities unless legal action is taken.

West Maui Developments
30 new projects/16,000 new units proposed (45,000 additional residents!!!) Many would override the 1996 community plan and convert ag lands to high end housing. MG is working with Maui Tomorrow and other activists to advocate for community-based planning that minimizes impacts to roads & water resources. Badly needed affordable housing needs must come first.

Cruise Ships
The Mayor's Cruise Ship Task Force has heard many citizens express a desire to regulate and monitor the cruise ships to avoid ongoing air & water quality impacts while the industry itself, proposes to double current volume of passengers. After a year-long study, the Task Force is finalizing a report that will describe the impacts and benefits to the island and make recommendations.

Dr. Gershon Cohen, an ocean ecologist from Alaska a recently updated the task force on regulatory legislation used by other states. Both California (allows no waste discharge in state waters & fines violators) and Alaska (state-employed marine engineers monitor all cruise ships in state waters 24/7) have tough laws.

What you can do: Support state legislation (Senate Bill 1002 and House Bill 422) to convert our current "gentleman's agreement" (MOU) re: cruise ship discharge limits into a real law- setting up permits and fines. Ask Maui legislators protect our waters. Call/email/fax to express your support.

Maui Group Conservation Report
Posted April 2004

Lime Kiln (Kapuka'ulua) Beach Litigation Judge Mossman upheld the 2001 County Planning Dept. decision to rescind building permits for 3 houses on the old lime kiln shoreline site. The Planning Commission will use Mossman's ruling to guide their decision on the case. Then, an appeal of the project's SMA permit will be heard. Thanks to Christina Hemming and Hui Alanui O Makena for their countless hours of research to resolve this important issue. Donations for legal costs: Call 579-8116.

Paia By-Pass

Congressman Ed Case has requested funding in the upcoming Congressional Appropriations Bill to study choices for an alternate Paia route. MG is hoping to link the bypass with planning for open space corridors and bike access paths along the northshore. Maui state legislators have asked Case for federal funding to help build the alternative route. Rep. Sol Kaho'ohalahala is researching State files to determine ownership for the roadways of the area.

North Shore Heritage Park- Paia

Anne Stewart, Legislative Director for Congressman Ed Case, told Lance Holter that Case is committed to working to preserve Maui's last best North Shore Legacy Beach. Case's office has received about five hundred action cards and a Sierra Club petition with thousands of names asking to preserve land set aside as "Park" or "Open Space" in community plans for the region. The area from Stable Rd. to Paia town is rich in historic, biological and recreational resources. Pa'ia Youth and Cultural Center is already seeking support to preserve a section of coastal lands adjacent to their facility. Mahalo to landscape architect Cay Hubert and artist West Stout for creating a conceptual plan of the park. Community members will discuss the park concept with A&B Properties VP "Chubby" Vicens in late March.

Keoni'o'io/Ahihi-Kinau

Hawaii Tourism Authority has granted funding for use studies, portable bathrooms, on-site rangers (non-enforcement) and boundary marker buoys in Ahihi-Kinau. Still undecided is the question of regulating commercial use in the area. DLNR is proposing a permit system, but some are calling for a complete ban on commercial users in Ahihi-Kinau. The area is currently impacted by hundreds of visitors and cars daily. Maui Group wants to hear from our members before taking a final position on this important issue. Email Conservation Co-Chair Lance Holter MG supports protecting the area as a National Seashore.

Makena Resort Rezoning Proposal

The County Council has deliberated 2 weeks on the rezoning of over 150 acres of Seibu Co. lands mauka of Makena State Park.

Maui Group members testified about impacts to reefs, coastal access, native plants and cultural sites, as well as the lack of sufficient open space, available water and affordable housing. Several were concerned about additional liability the county could occur if zoning was granted and water was not available.

The majority of testifiers did not support further urbanization of the Makena area. Many urged the council to leave a legacy for future generations with a plan more sensitive to Makena's unique cultural and biological features.

The Council has proposed numerous conditions to be placed on any Makena rezoning approval. A final County Council vote is expected over the next several months. More written and oral testimony will be accepted. Thanks to Council Planning & Land Use Chair Wayne Nishiki and his staff for providing an opportunity for so many citizens to participate. Speak up for Makena! Call 579-9802

Makena Video Contest

Inspirational! Repeat showings of winners and more entries on Akaku community TV. The most moving pieces were from young people. All spoke of the need to protect Makena lands as a wild and natural legacy for generations to come. Many young filmmakers also offered heartfelt testimony at the Makena hearings.

Cruise Ships

Mayor Arakawa's Cruise Ship Task Force has representatives from the private, public, and non-profit sectors, including Stacia Bobikevich, MG conservation co-chair. The Task Force will explore both current and potential impacts of the rapidly growing cruise industry in Hawaii and ways to maximize community benefits and minimize impacts.

East Maui Streams

Petitions by Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. and Maui Tomorrow challenging leases for diversion of 60 billion gallons of East Maui stream water were upheld in Circuit Court in Sept 2003. Now EMI and HC&S staff are finding ways to provide additional water to East Maui taro growers. The case seeks to amend stream flows in over 20 East Maui streams to help rural farmers and restore habitat for native stream life.

County GMO Resolution

A resolution urging the state to set up local advisory boards on genetically modified organisms passed unanimously Mar. 4 in the County Council's Parks and Agriculture Committee.

Focus Maui Nui

Community visioning to direct Maui Nui's sustainable future. Planning actions needed for priorities: Education, Environment, Affordable Housing & Traffic, Economic Development, Cultural Preservation & Human Services- in that order.

Got muddy runoff?

Contact Blue Water Response Team! Trained Sierra Club volunteers can help with proper reporting to assist the state in taking action. Call 579-9802.

Maui Group Conservation Report
Posted September 2, 2002

SHORELINE PROTECTION

Keawakapu Beach Victory
Former MG chair Diane Shepherd and her father Glenn recently made headlines when their petition challenging an improper shoreline certification was upheld by the BLNR. This reaffirms a precedent against the use of artificially planted and watered Naupaka to establish shorelines set by a successful challenge filed by Hui Ala Nui o Makena at Palauea Beach last year. Diane and Glenn deserve our gratitude for investing a year of their time and many thousands of dollars to compel the State to enforce its own laws.

Baldwin Beach Update
The contested case for Baldwin Beach (old Lime Kiln site) is October 14-17th. We are still waiting for a lateral access walkway from the owners, for the public in order to go from Baldwin Beach to Paia along the shore. The erosion will be the highest during August and September. Donations are still welcome. Send to Christina Hemming, PO 791114, Paia, HI 96779.

North Shore Heritage Park Grant Delayed
North Shore Heritage Park: Maui Group learned in August that a "Monitor, Map & Guard" grant approved by National SC to hire a community organizer on Maui for a campaign to preserve a significant amount of open space in the Baldwin Beach area could not be funded at this time. Recent stock market fluctuations have caused some Sierra Club donors to scale back on their support of the Club's educational programs such as MMG.

However, community support is strong for a North Shore regional park to protect Hawaiian cultural sites, plantation history and beach access. Progress on this critical issue will continue through the volunteer efforts of student intern, Ian Thomas while Maui Group seeks additional funding for a long-term community organizer position. Ian, an urban planning major from Ohio, will spend 10 weeks (beginning in October) working with the community to help develop a park planning process for the area. If you'd like to get involved in making a North Shore park a reality call the Group office at 579-9802.

MAUI WATERSHEDS

On July 14, MG sponsored a watershed forum featuring professional watershed managers from East and West Maui, Haleakala National Park and the Maui Invasive Species Committee. The informative panel discussion was held in an outdoor setting in Ho'olawa Valley and included a brief tour of the nearby watershed area to point out the invasive plants that threaten watershed productivity. All agreed that efforts to manage invasive plant, insect and animal species must continue and expand to insure Maui's watersheds are healthy reliable sources of future water supplies. Sierra Club members can help by volunteering for watershed service outings and advocating for watershed management funding at state and county levels. Thanks to Wailele farm for hosting the forum and Dick Mayer for moderating. It can be viewed on video on Akaku community TV.

WATER ISSUES

Maui Group recently submitted extensive comments on Maui County Water Department' s proposal to build 8 wells and a large transmission line in the Ha'iku region to supply water to South Maui. The well proposal EIS claimed there would be no impacts to streams, springs, private well users and the near-shore environment. Our review found little factual data in the report to support any of these conclusions and no clear comparisons of costs and benefits of the proposed project (estimated cost $48 million in 1992) and other potential sources of water to supply future South/Central Maui growth. Maui Group Conservation Report
Posted Monday, July 1, 2002
Rob Parsons, Conservation Chair

Land use and planning of developments large and small are the focus throughout Maui, and particularly along the South shore.

PI`ILANI HIGHWAY INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS
The State Department of Transportation (DOT) was unfazed by official comments filed by Maui Group regarding their Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on Pi`ilani Highway Interim Improvements (re-striping to 4 lanes). Despite 21 separate omissions, inaccuracies and misrepresentations listed by Maui Group, a Final EA was issued with a Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI). This paves the way for a yearlong construction project on one of Maui's busiest arterials, with the end result being a loss of bike-lanes, safety margins, left-turn options and a reduced speed limit. One of the most absurd responses regarded the need for relocating 19 light poles at the Ka Ono Ulu intersection, as they are less than a foot from the current drainage gutter (which would be paved over to create a new 2-foot shoulder/bike lane). DOT claimed the poles would not require moving since MECO says they are breakaway poles! While the Sierra Club State Chapter expressed sympathy, it decided against a costly legal chal-lenge over the validity of the FONSI. Construction could begin this summer if State funding shortfall is solved.

SOUTH MAUI GROWTH
Residents and visitors traversing the 5.8 mile stretch of Pi`ilani Highway from Mokulele to Kilohana encounter no less than 5 major projects under construction. These are among the 1800 housing units already approved for Kihei urban infill. Maui Group efforts to raise awareness to rezoning efforts by Makena Resort and Wailea 670 have cited these increasing strains to our island's sagging infrastructure. Makena and Wailea 670 have contributed funding for Pi`ilani Highway Interim Improvement design studies to the tune of $600,000. Though conflict of interest was raised, it was asserted that this funding would not guarantee project approval. According to reliable sources, the Makena rezoning is likely to reappear this summer, while Wailea 670, sensing that they are second in the waiting line, is unlikely to appear on Council agendas until 2003. The “Molina decision” by the Board of Ethics, regarding Council member Michael Molina’s ability to vote on Makena rezoning due to a family property holding in the immediate area, is likely to be re-heard in June or July.

KAHULUI BIG BOX SPRAWL
Maui Group voiced their discontent at County Council May 30th, when the final reading of the Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan revision was reviewed. A dozen testifiers expressed concerns at the late re-insertion of an A&B Properties proposal to re-designate 177 acres on the Kahului outskirts from prime ag lands to light-industrial. Despite valiant efforts by Wayne Nishiki and JoAnne Johnson, responding to more than 80 e-mail requests to reconsider, the Council voted 6-2 for re-designation. Testifiers spoke of a golden opportunity to create a scenic corridor for the DOT-proposed airport reliever road, rather than the cluttered commercial gauntlet of big-box stores and fast food outlets at Dairy Road. A Maui News editorial called the Council’s decision “myopic,” and “ignoring Maui’s future needs in favor of immediate economic development.”

PALAUEA, SOUTH MAUI RUNOFF
Maui Group members have met with State and Federal officials concerning construction site runoff into the ocean at South Maui sites. No charges have currently been filed, though photographic documentation of Maui’s 2002 wet winter has caused a stir with enforcing agencies. Under scrutiny are the Betsill project in North Kihei and the One Palauea Bay project just South of the Fairmont Kea Lani resort. Ocean runoff has also been documented muddying the waters at Makena Landing.

MAUI NO KA OI MAGAZINE
The current issue of Maui No Ka Oi magazine includes an excellent summation of 2001 deliberations on “Smart Growth.” Among those quoted are Sierra Club National awardee Mary Evanson, Maui Group Conservation Chair Rob Parsons and Hannah Bernard, spokesperson for Hawai`i Wildlife Foundation and naturalist at the Maui Ocean Center.

EAST MAUI WELLS FOR SOUTH MAUI GROWTH?
Maui Group Chair, Daniel Grantham, testified at a recent public meeting on the East Maui Water Development Plan. The County’s Plan proposes 8 wells along the Kauhikoa Ditch in Ha`iku and a 36" pipeline to transport 10-15 mgd of water to Central and South Maui. Maui Group members attended and expressed their concerns: declining rainfall aver-ages in East Maui, lack of solid data on minimum stream flows, effects of well pumping on streams, exploitation of East Maui water for South Maui over development and lack of sufficient funding for ongoing watershed restoration and management. The County is under court order (after a 1993 challenge by East Maui citizens) to produce a more accurate Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the East Maui well project. A revised EIS on the plan is expected out in June. Members are invited to learn more about East Maui watersheds during upcoming Water Hike series, July thru September.

Maui Group Conservation Report
Posted Wednesday, June 12th, 2002
Rob Parsons, Conservation Chair

Land use and planning of developments large and small are the focus throughout Maui, and particularly along the South shore.

Three large projects are currently proposed: 

Seibu/ Makena Resort's request for a zoning change that would allow development of condos, time share and commercial retail on some 200 acres out of 1700 they own.

Wailea 670's "downscaled" proposal for a private golf course community with some mixed usage, on 670 acres just soutn of Maui Meadows and above the Wailea Resort.

Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto's renewed request for 900 units including many affordable housing units, on 200 acres just north of Maui Meadows.

To address the projected impacts of these proposals, Sierra Club activists have helped build a community coalition, through newspaper articles and ads, flyers, roadside sign-waving, and public access TV. The common refrain has been, "Too much traffic, not enough water." The I`ao Aquifer, water source for most of Central and South Maui, is tapped near it's sustainable yield, and the Pi`ilani Highway in Kihei has daily bumper-to-bumper slow-downs. Additionally, another 1800 housing units have already received approvals or are currently under construction in the South Maui region.

Proponents of the projects say that the large-scale developments would boost the tax base, provide jobs, improve the infrastructure and bring new capital investment to south Maui.

Opponents assert neither project is in the long-term best interest of the community, that they grant blanket zoning entitlements worth billions of dollars to developers and realtors while providing causing far more impacts than benefits to Maui residents.

The decision by the Maui County Council on Feb 21 to delay a vote on the Makena Resort rezoning requests likely means the project will be on hold until summer.

The full council was scheduled to vote on a proposed zoning change on Makena Resort land next to the Maui Prince Hotel and apparently had the five votes needed for passage.

However, before last week's scheduled vote, the Maui County Ethics Commission ruled Councilman Mike Molina, one of the project supporters, had a conflict of interest because his family owned land near the project and its value could be enhanced by the development. The conflict was revealed on a live TV call-in show which featured Molina and fellow Councilman Alan Arakawa debating Sierra Club members Lucienne de Naie and Rob Parsons over the Makena vote.

Molina contested the ruling and said he would seek a second opinion, but didn't vote. The council sent the measure back to the Land Use Committee, which earlier sent the zoning request to the full council.

Veteran council observers say it's highly unlikely the committee will take up the Makena issue again before June because budget hearings are scheduled to run through May. Thus, it becomes a huge election issue, as Maui's mayor and all nine County Council positions are on the ballot this fall.

Wailea 670, noting the increasing community opposition to the Makena requests, withdrew their proposals from a Land Use Committee agenda in early February.

The Sierra Club has also questioned the validity of smaller project proposals in the area. Most notable is the request to develop four 4000 sq. ft. condominiums, each with its own swimming pool, on 1.5 acres in a rural residential area of Makena.

Sierra Club researched and submitted official comments to the DOT's draft Environmental Assessment of Proposed Interim Improvements for Pi`ilani Highway Widening. Noted are 21 separate points of inadequacy or omission of discussing impacts, including conflicts of interest both with the preparers of the EA (who also are planning consultants to Makena Resort and Wailea 670), and the Department of Transportation, which is both the applicant and the receiving agency for approval.

The Sierra Club cited lack of discussion of reasonable alternatives, such as public transportation or a new mauka reliever roadway. They recommended preparation of a full EIS. by an independent consultant, perhaps from out of state. They cautioned against a hasty, poorly planned effort to try to compensate for the impacts of previous short-sighted planning efforts.

Maui Group Conservation Report
Posted Wednesday, March 27th, 2002
Lucienne de Naie

SOUTH MAUI DEVELOPMENTS

Kihei-Wailea-Makena Area
This continues to be the center of debate over whether the County’s definition of "Smart Growth" includes approval of exclusive resort development and luxury housing sprawl in water-short, traffic-clogged South Maui.

Wailea 670
The plan for 1400 luxury vacation homes is still lacking a confirmed water source. Private upslope wells are proposed in dry Kanaio to supply at least 2 million gallons a day, taking water from an area that needs all it can get for Hawaiian homes. The Planning Commission passed Phase I of the plan. County Council hearings expected early in 2002.

Makena Resort
The request to rezone 755 acres of Seibu resort land (mauka of the Prince Hotel and Makena State Park) for 1600 timeshare and resort units will be scheduled for further public hearings thanks to a request by Council members Nishiki, Johnson and Tavares. Club members and the public voiced concerns about runoff impacts to reefs, 2 million gallon a day water needs, Community Plan violations, increased traffic and lack of affordable housing. Next hearing January 2002. Learn more on our March 23 beach walk (see Outings Schedule).

NORTH MAUI DEVELOPMENTS

Baldwin Beach Condo Development, Pa`ia

Board member Christina Hemmings continues to monitor this controversial project. In early December, the County asked a judge to order owners to comply with the no-occupancy order issued in August and vacate their nearly completed oceanfront house or face penalties and fines. Sierra Club, Maui Group has donated $1000 to help defray legal expenses in this precedent-setting case. Maui Tomorrow and Surfrider Foundation have also donated funds.

Spreckelsville “Village” Sprawl
A 220-acre prime agricultural area across from Baldwin Beach was proposed by owners A&B as 380 units, golf course, some senior housing, a small shopping center and park. The proposal was turned down by the County Council Planning Committee and sent back to square one. A&B says, “We will be back.”

Ma`alaea Harbor Expansion
Hearings on new, revised EIS are expected in 2002.

WATER ISSUES

Stream Diversions
Local attorney Paul Mancini has been appointed hearing officer to consider Native Hawaiian Legal Corp’s and Maui Tomorrow’s challenge to 30-year leases proposed for East Maui stream diversions. No hearing date has been set.

Iao Aquifer Designation
The State Water Commission met on Maui, Nov. 14, and agreed to consider the petition by Maui Meadows Homeowners Assoc. for the State to take over management of the Iao Aquifer. USGS experts presented substantial evidence the aquifer is being over pumped. The commission will return to Maui January 9, 2002 to hear from local officials. Updates on this issue, including a newsletter, are available through Maui Tomorrow’s Ka Waiola Project. Get on the mailing list by contacting Lucienne de Naie, laluz@maui-tomorrow.org.

COASTAL PRESERVATION

Hawaii Chapter’s “Malama Kahakai”
This campaign seeks to preserve coastal lands on all islands through increased state funding for open space. Maui Group continues to build support for a national park along 6 miles of Keone`o`io (La Perouse Bay) shoreline. Governor Ben Cayetano needs to know residents and visitors want the state to offer the National Park Service a lease on state lands within the proposed park boundaries. Call 579-9802 for postcards to support both efforts.

Big Beach/Makena State Park
Maui Group is also supporting a master plan for the 156 acres of Pu`u Ola`i /Oneloa (Big Beach/Makena State Park). Sierra Club activists have worked with other community groups for over 20 years to see South Maui's most famous coastline protected for responsible public use. Ex Comm member Martha Martin is representing the Maui Group on the State Pu`u Ola`i working group.

Keawakapu Shoreline
Maui Group Publicity Committee Chair Diane Shepherd and her father Glenn challenged a shoreline setback for a beachfront remodel where the boundary was being defined by a bank of artificially planted and watered groundcover. A similar challenge at Palauea Beach resulted in the removal of the almost 30 feet of irrigated vegetation encroaching on public shoreline. Keawakapu decision is pending.

Maui Group Conservation Report
Posted Wednesday, December 26th, 2001
Lucienne de Naie

SOUTH MAUI DEVELOPMENTS 

Kihei-Wailea-Makena Area
This continues to be the center of debate over whether the County’s definition of "Smart Growth" includes approval of exclusive resort development and luxury housing sprawl in water-short, traffic-clogged South Maui.

Wailea 670
The plan for 1400 luxury vacation homes is still lacking a confirmed water source. Private upslope wells are proposed in dry Kanaio to supply at least 2 million gallons a day, taking water from an area that needs all it can get for Hawaiian homes. The Planning Commission passed Phase I of the plan. County Council hearings expected early in 2002.

Makena Resort
The request to rezone 755 acres of Seibu resort land (mauka of the Prince Hotel and Makena State Park) for 1600 timeshare and resort units will be scheduled for further public hearings thanks to a request by Council members Nishiki, Johnson and Tavares. Club members and the public voiced concerns about runoff impacts to reefs, 2 million gallon a day water needs, Community Plan violations, increased traffic and lack of affordable housing. Next hearing January 2002. Learn more on our March 23 beach walk (see Outings schedule).s.

NORTH MAUI DEVELOPMENTS

Baldwin Beach Condo Development, Pa`ia
Board member Christina Hemmings continues to monitor this controversial project. In early December, the County asked a judge to order owners to comply with the no-occupancy order issued in August and vacate their nearly completed oceanfront house or face penalties and fines. Sierra Club, Maui Group has donated $1000 to help defray legal expenses in this precedent-setting case. Maui Tomorrow and Surfrider Foundation have also donated funds.

Spreckelsville “Village” Sprawl: A 220-acre prime agricultural area across from Baldwin Beach was proposed by owners A&B as 380 units, golf course, some senior housing, a small shopping center and park. The proposal was turned down by the County Council Planning Committee and sent back to square one. A&B says, “We will be back.”

Ma`alaea Harbor Expansion: Hearings on new, revised EIS are expected in 2002

WATER ISSUES

Stream Diversions
Local attorney Paul Mancini has been appointed hearing officer to consider Native Hawaiian Legal Corp’s and Maui Tomorrow’s challenge to 30-year leases proposed for East Maui stream diversions. No hearing date has been set.

Iao Aquifer Designation
The State Water Commission met on Maui, Nov. 14, and agreed to consider the petition by Maui Meadows Homeowners Assoc. for the State to take over management of the Iao aquifer. USGS experts presented substantial evidence the aquifer is being over pumped. The commission will return to Maui January 9, 2002 to hear from local officials. Updates on this issue, including a newsletter, are available through Maui Tomorrow’s Waiola Project. Get on the mailing list by contacting Lucienne de Naie, laluz@maui-tomorrow.org.

COASTAL PRESERVATION

Hawaii Chapter’s “Malama Kahakai”
This campaign seeks to preserve coastal lands on all islands through increased state funding for open space. Maui Group continues to build support for a national park along 6 miles of Keone`o`io (La Perouse Bay) shoreline. Governor Ben Cayetano needs to know residents and visitors want the state to offer the National Park Service a lease on state lands within the proposed park boundaries. Call 579-9802 for postcards to support both efforts.

Big Beach/Makena State Park
Maui Group is also supporting a master plan for the 156 acres of Pu`u Ola`i /Oneloa (Big Beach/Makena State Park). Sierra Club activists have worked with other community groups for over 20 years to see South Maui's most famous coastline protected for responsible public use. Ex Comm member Martha Martin is representing the Maui Group on the State Pu`u Ola`i working group.

Keawakapu Shoreline

Maui Group Publicity Committee Chair Diane Shepherd and her father Glenn challenged a shoreline setback for a beachfront remodel where the boundary was being defined by a bank of artificially planted and watered groundcover. A similar challenge at Palauea Beach resulted in the removal of the almost 30 feet of irrigated vegetation encroaching on public shoreline. Keawakapu decision is pending.

SOUTH MAUI DEVELOPMENTS MAKE HEADLINES

The Kihei-Wailea-Makena area continues to be the center of the debate over whether the County's commitment to "Smart Growth" includes approval of more exclusive resort developments in water-hungry, traffic -logged South Maui. Residents are asking for responsible planning, not rubberstamp approvals.

Wailea Beach Villas
Special management Area exemption for a 104-unit luxury project on the only remaining open beachfront in the Wailea area, was approved by County Planning Commission on July 11. Concerns expressed by the Sierra Club and others led to an earlier deferment to allow developers to address traffic issues, water availability and public beach access. Final approval overlooked sensible coastal protection policies and allowed a private swimming pool within the sensitive shoreline setback area. Public access is limited: parking in the few (10) public parking stalls available in the gated parking lot will be regulated by permit passes issued by a guard!

Wailea 670
This upscale, gated community of 1400 luxury, mostly vacation homes adjacent to the existing neighborhoods of Maui Meadows is the largest project ever proposed for the Wailea/Makena area. Maui Group representatives have testified numerous times, at Planning Commission hearings and public information meetings. They cite the huge impact the proposed project would have on the resources of the area and the continued need for affordable, not luxury housing in South Maui. Wailea 670 has announced plans to overcome lack of available County water by drilling wells on private land upslope (1,400') of the project to generate up to 5 million gallons of water a day for this and other South Maui development. This plan would appear to violate the Kula Community Plan and existing priorities of water use in the State's water code. The State code gives first priority to water needs of Hawaiian Homes development, agriculture and the existing community. Waiohuli Hawaiian homelands area (in the Kula District) is counting on well water from the same region to serve its 400 families. Kula Community Plan mandates that water resources developed in that planning district be used in the planning district. No approvals have yet been granted for Wailea 670.

Makena Resort
Request to rezone 755 acres of Seibu resort land (mauka of the Prince Hotel and Makena State Park) for 1600 timeshare and resort units was deferred by the County Council's Land Use Committee after a standing room only hearing in Kihei. The project's 2 million gal day water needs, impacts to ocean water quality and reefs, violation of Community Plan and Land Use Commission conditions, traffic and continued lack of housing opportunities for the average Maui family were all concerns listed by Club testifiers and the public. The matter will be reconsidered after more data is available on water resources.

NORTH MAUI DEVELOPMENTS

Baldwin Beach Condo Development, Paia
The County issued stop-work orders for two of the three "Montana Beach Condominium" house/condos under construction, and an order to vacate was served on the owners of the one completed structure. The three houses occupy a stretch of white sand beach enjoyed by the community for generations and designated as "Park/Open Space in the Pai'a-Ha'iku Community Plan. A recent legal opinion from the County Corporation Counsel affirmed that the county’s long-standing policy of exempting projects with fewer than four buildings from shoreline Special Management Area requirements was "invalid from its inception.” This resulted in the stop work orders. In April 2001, Maui Group Board member, Christina Hemming, joined Hui Ala Nui O Makena in hiring attorney Isaac Hall to appeal the legality of the development. After four Planning Commission hearings, the message seems to be getting heard: federal state and county laws regulating coastal zone development should be followed by the planning department. Mahalo, to Christina for her persistent efforts to educate policymakers on this issue!

Spreckelsville "Village," New Plan, Old Problems
A 220-acre prime agricultural area across from Baldwin Beach was previously proposed by owners Alexander & Baldwin as "Spreckelsville Mauka"-- a 420-unit upscale golf course housing development with small park. Redesigned as "Spreckelsville Village," A&B now proposes 380 units, a golf course, some senior housing, a small shopping center and park, and has resubmitted the proposal to the Maui Council's Planning Committee. Water, traffic, urbanization and lack of affordable housing are all concerns.

A&B has proposed a trade off to limit traffic impacts in Pai'a. An affordable housing project on 80 acres near Pai'a School that was approved in the 1995 Pai'a-Ha'iku Community Plan would be abandoned, if Sprecks "Village" project is approved. The Paia School Project District had a 7-acre park (along Baldwin Ave.) and a mix of affordable and market price housing (380 units) including some "self help" lots for low income families. For two years Maui Group members and the majority of the surrounding communities have called for the Spreckelsville area to be removed from the urban Wailuku-Kahului Community planning area and rejoined to the rural Pai'a-Ha'iku Community planning area (as was the case in the 1980's). A&B's Sprecks proposal would then need to go through a planning process with local residents of the Northshore communities and fit with the strategic plan already developed for the adjoining village of Pai'a. Contact Maui Group Conservation Chair, Rob Parsons (wazoo@maui.net) or the Sierra club office 579-9802 for updates on this important issue. Hearing date: September 20 1:30 pm County Council chambers

WATER ISSUES

Stream Flows
Native Hawaiian Legal Corp petition to amend stream flow standards (ask for increased stream flows) on 27 East Maui streams has been accepted by the State Commission on Water Resource Management and research on existing stream flows, health of native stream life and needs of rural users are underway. The Maui Group supports this effort to bring more balanced planning to resources held in the public trust (as Hawai'i's surface and ground water's are.)

East Maui Water for South Maui Development?
Many private and public wells are being permitted or proposed without adequate knowledge of Maui's sustainable water resources. An impartial carrying capacity study for Maui's water is needed before the County's East Maui Water Development Plan (10 wells along the 1,000' elevation in Ha'iku pumping water through a 36' pipeline to central and south Maui) is made the solution to Iao aquifer water shortages. MG has long called for protection of East Maui water resources and will challenge the County’s plan, if necessary. Uncertain rainfall patterns connected to global climate changes make responsible water resource planning a necessity for the future. Those wishing to contribute to any future legal costs of this effort may call the Sierra Club office for tax-deductible donation information.

COASTAL PRESERVATION

Working with the Chapter's Malama Kahakai campaign, Maui Group continues to build support for a national park along 6 miles of Keone'o'io shoreline (La Perouse Bay). Rep Patsy Mink needs to know residents and visitors want a park. Guided hike of Keone'o'io area with renowned naturalist, Ann Fielding, will be offered on Nov 11. Postcards also available to support Keone'o'io efforts. Call 579-9802 or email: laluz@maui.net

Join Maui Group in supporting a master plan for the 128 acres of Pu'u Ola'i/Oneloa (Big Beach/ Makena State Park). Sierra Club activists have worked with other community groups for over 20 years to see South Maui's most famous coastline protected for responsible public use. Come to October 27th beach cleanup and tour and learn more.

More Proposed Developments for South Maui
Wailea 670 developers were asked by the Planning Commission to meet with community groups to hear concerns about the proposed 1,400-unit project adjacent to Maui Meadows. Wailea 670 is represented by former Maui County Director of Public Works, Charlie Jencks. The Sierra Club and Maui Tomorrow once again brought up traffic problems and water shortages. Wailea 670 has offered to help fund plans for road improvements to Pi`ilani Highway, but much to our dismay, its only solution to the traffic problems is to widen the road, a short-term solution at best. Wailea 670’s water plan is to drill wells on Ulupalakua Ranch land as a “private” water source. A test well is being drilled at this time and a long-term agreement has been reached with the Ranch. Mr. Jencks stated that the investigation into their proposed water source would not be completed before the next Planning Commission meeting on Wailea 670.

On May 22, the proposed Wailea Beach Villas, a 104-unit luxury project on the only remaining beachfront in the Wailea Resort, went before the Planning Commission and failed to be approved. Sierra Club members voiced concerns about water shortages and traffic congestion. The Planning Department gave the project its usual evaluation of “no significant impact” on water or traffic. To its credit, on June 12, the Planning Commission voted to defer the issue and told the developers to return with figures that quantify the sustainable yield from the Iao Aquifer. This Planning Commission seems to not rubber-stamp every project that comes before it. We applaud those Planning Commissioners who are taking the long view of Maui’s future.

Water! Water! Water
Posted Sunday, July 1st 2001

Water has been the issue of the year. The attention is long overdue. The Bureau of Land and Natural Resources held its meeting on Maui last month to a packed house. East Maui Irrigation asked to increase its water lease from a year-to-year to a 30-year lease. There was moving testimony from native Hawaiian citizens, the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Sierra Club, and Maui Tomorrow, among others. 

With several court cases pending on water rights issues, EMI left the meeting with a decrease in its water leases from the former year-to-year to a month-to-month lease. We realize this battle is not over, but once again, a step in the right direction. 

Lucienne de Naie penned an incredible letter for the supplemental EIS on the East Maui Water Development Plan. The plan is to drill a series of wells in East Maui that will eventually benefit proposed developments in Spreckelsville and South Maui. The letter brought up, among many other concerns, the fact that this water plan “will not help Hai`ku families who have been waiting years for a water meter, nor will it ease water shortages in Kula. Rather than serve the needs of existing residents and their families who will be underwriting its costs, it seems to be aimed at providing water for a type of future growth that will benefit a few large landowners, luring out of state buyers.”

The Old Lime Kiln Beach Controversy
Posted Sunday, July 1st 2001

A victory was achieved on this front when stop-work orders were issued by the County for two of the three "Montana Beach Condominium" house/condos under construction, and an order to vacate was served on the owners of the one completed structure, all on a stretch of white sand beach previously enjoyed by the community for generations. The orders were in response to a legal opinion from the County Corporation Counsel that stated that the county's long-standing policy of exempting projects with fewer than four buildings from SMA requirements was "invalid from its inception." 

In April, one of our Board members, Christina Hemming, joined Hui Ala Nui O Makena in hiring attorney Isaac Hall to appeal the legality of the development, and, after four hearings in front of the Planning Commission, the tide has turned in our favor. One Council member, who is planning to run against our incumbent mayor in the next election, has stated that he feels the entire development should be torn down and the area restored to the Open Space designation called for in the Community Plan. Mahalo, Christina -looks like we're going to win this one!

Support New National Park 
Patsy Mink has introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress asking the National Park Service to study the possibility of a national park along 6 miles of south Maui shoreline, from Ke'oneoi'o to Kanaloa Point. The remote shoreline and archeological sites are in need of management and protection. The Maui Group has been collecting signatures at community events in support of the bill. More letters of support are needed. 

Maui Group Supports an Up-To-Date Master Plan For State Park at Makena
Posted Sunday, April 1st 2001

Maui Group Testimony at Maui County Planning Commission hearing, June 2001

In 1983 Maui Sierra Club Executive committee members Dr. Rick Sands and Athony Ranken led a community effort to secure state local and federal funding for the purchase of beachfront lands surrounding Pu'u Olai in Makena. They were inspired in part by the state's original 1977 plan for a coastal park spanning many miles of South Maui coastline to Kanaloa Point.

This plan, although over 30 years old now, was farsighted. It provided a concept that would offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities for Maui's residents and visitors while protecting sensitive biological and cultural resources.

It is commendable that the state is moving forward with plans to provide needed facilities such as the proposed restroom for this popular destination. It would seem prudent however, that state planning officials consult with Haleakala National Park personnel who have been using similar composting toilets at their Kipahulu facility for a number of years to learn more about the practicality of such systems for large volumes of users. There appear to be a number of sources of non potable water in the Makena region that could be investigated to provide water for low flush toilet systems. The neighboring Maui Prince hotel has permits for 12 wells and is using several of these sources to provide water for landscape irrigation. While it is understandable that the state wants to avoid the expense of treating the sewer effluent or releasing it on site in a sensitive coastal area, there are solutions to effluent treatment and disposal that should be researched.

The greater need here is to begin the process of creating a master plan for the State Park at Makena. It is always less efficient to execute improvements in a piecemeal fashion, than it is to have a well thought out plan where each component supports other needed functions. We urge the Planning Commission to send a recommendation to the DLNR that it request funding for an updated EIS and Master Plan for this most valuable public resource: the State park at Makena.

Energy Report
Posted Sunday, October 1st 2000
Daniel Grantham

The Maui County Council Economic Development Committee, chaired by Riki Hokama, held its second meeting for devising a county energy plan on Thursday, September 14.

County Energy Coordinator Kal Kobayashi presented a draft plan, in which the first policy addressed "the County of Maui's role in the development of energy infrastructures," to allow "state regulators like the PUC, the State Land Use Commission, and the State Board of Land and Natural Resources to build upon the County's informational requirements and use the County Energy Plan to better respond to local needs and values."

The second policy calls for "consumer energy technologies, such as onsite power generation systems and energy efficient equipment...designed to make Maui user friendly by empowering consumers and retail energy services companies to buy, sell, and operate consumer energy technologies."

"The third policy focuses on utility-scale power plants and it empowers independent power producers with more opportunities and easier access to the electric grid market. This policy will help to ensure that all viable utility energy suppliers are properly considered and not unduly limited or delayed from selling energy."

Mr. Kobayashi expressed his concern that Maui Electric Company will "battle" these policies, but sees their adoption as necessary to the future energy preparedness and economy of Maui County.

Current council members have become educated on energy issues during the power plant controversy over the last two years, and are showing they know how to ask pointed questions rather than just accepting the utility's view of reality.

For information on renewable energy options for Maui's future contact Daniel Grantham, dannyg@flex.com.

Conservation Report
Posted Saturday, July 1st 2000
Neola Caveny and Rob Parsons

In January, Mayor Apana stated that the County is prepared to purchase two half-acre lots at Palauea Beach for a public park. This was the direct result of a year-long effort by the Sierra Club and other groups to save the last stretch of pristine beach in South Maui from development-- and we have not given up on obtaining the remaining seven lots for a park.

Sierra Club efforts appear to be paying off in the future planning for the Spreckelsville/Baldwin Beach region. On January 31, the Planning Committee of the Maui County Council, swayed by faxes, petitions, and public testimony, voted unanimously to deny A&B's proposal for 25-30 luxury houses in what is currently wooded dunes overlooking Baldwin Beach. The proposal is one of many land use items being considered in the revision of the Wailuku/Kahului Community Plan. The committee also voted 7-2 to redraw the district boundary, thereby honoring the wishes of the Spreckelsville community and other North shore associations to redistrict Spreckelsville into the Pa`ia/Ha`iku planning region.

But, by a slim 5-4 margin, the committee gave initial recommendation to allow a 9-hole expansion of the Maui Country Club, surrounded by 400 houses, on 212 acres of prime agricultural land mauka of the Hana Highway. Final revision of the Wailuku/Kahului plan, which still must consider the Spreckelsville proposals until a final vote, is imminent. The Planning Committee's final recommendations will then be forwarded to the full council for first and second reading. Public testimony will be allowed.

Sierra Club, Maui Group, has taken a lead role in spreading the word to educate community members about the potential impacts of A&B's proposed developments. Through newspaper articles, Akaku television, radio talk shows, flyers, displays at community events, bumper stickers, and rush hour sign-waving rallies, Sierra Club activists have broadened the community-based efforts to implement smart planning. Numerous concerns have risen regarding infrastructure shortfalls. Most obvious is the traffic backup, sometimes with bumper-to-bumper conditions from Pa`ia stretching back to Kaunoa Center, nearly two miles. Other concerns include: over pumped Iao aquifer, overcrowded schools, loss of prime ag land and open space views, lack of proper public review of impacts (such as an Environmental Assessment), adequate inventory of already planned housing, prices beyond the reach of most Maui residents ($230,000 - $350,000), and potential domino effect of other mauka prime ag parcels.

Volunteer action is still very much needed, especially in public testimony at council meetings, and notifying council members through faxes, phone calls, and e-mails. "No Sprecks Sprawl" bumper stickers are available at the Sierra Club office in Pa`ia, behind The Moana Cafe. Call 579-9802, or contact Rob Parson, wazoo@maui.net.

Sprawlsville for Spreckelsville?
Posted Friday, January 21st 2000

Public education efforts conducted by the Maui Group and supported by several other local community planning organizations have inspired hundreds of citizens to attend a series of public hearings to protect a popular beach park and call for smart growth on Maui's north shore. Newspaper headlines are reporting that "Foes hammer A&B Spreckelsville Plan."

The community is raising the roof about the sprawling proposals of corporate mega-landowner Alexander & Baldwin which would turn 13 acres of wooded dunes along Kapuka'ulua (Baldwin) Beach into 24-30 house lots. A&B would also sprout a thicket of 420 house lots and a golf course on 212 acres of prime agricultural land just a few hundred yards from the beach.

Residents are concerned about the numerous and profound impacts that these projects would have on their environment, economy, and quality of life. Already more than 145 people have spoken out publicly on the issue. Sign-waving road rallies have also been popular, attended by up to 80 people on blustery evenings in Spreckelsville and Paia, the affected planning areas. EPEC volunteers participating in the effort include general contractors, soccer moms, grammar school students, small business owners, and area residents. More than 5,000 people have signed petitions calling for coastal land conservation and smart planning.

Consideration of A&B's requests is still being handled by the Planning Committee of the Maui County Council. For those who wish to bear witness or participate, we offer the following information.

TAKE ACTION
Proposed meeting date Sept. 30, 1:30 p.m. County Council.

Conservation Report
Posted Saturday, January 1st 2000
Diane Shepherd and Neola Caveny

Waena Power Plant Expansion
A new, expensive ($417 million), diesel-burning power plant has been proposed for Maui. The SC Maui Group is actively opposing this project, and is urging greater investment in energy efficiency and modern clean technologies. Maui Group volunteer Daniel Grantham has organized informed testimony at public hearings on the issue and, aided by a grant from the National SC campaign to reduce global warming, has produced a video, brochure, and display to educate the public about better energy choices. (Contact him at daniel@maui.net for more information.) The County Council is expected to vote by the end of 1999 on the land reclassification needed if the plant is to proceed.

Proposed A&B Subdivision at Spreckelsville
Four sessions of public testimony before the County Council brought a huge turnout of concerned citizens to speak out against a proposed subdivision of 420 houses mauka of the highway (with a 9-hole golf course) and 30 beachfront homes on Baldwin Beach, on land owned by Alexander & Baldwin. In order to proceed, A&B needs a zoning reclassification by the County of prime agricultural land to single-family. Over 250 people have registered to speak, with the Council Chambers overflowing at the first session, even in the middle of a weekday. The often impassioned testimony has run 6 to 1 against the project, with speakers coming from a broad spectrum of the community - business owners, parents, students, lifeguards, and kupuna - as well as many Maui Group activists. 

The group has held three large roadside rallies and appeared on local television and radio shows to speak up for "smart growth" and against costly, poorly planned urban sprawl. Over 3000 signatures have been collected on a petition in opposition to the project, providing a database for a phone tree and mailing list which was activated before the hearings, encouraging the public to attend and speak. Individuals from the Maui Group have met with council members and presented them with a long list of already approved government and private projects for Maui which will provide many jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars to the economy, refuting claims from the construction industry that their members depend on this project for jobs. Maui Group activist Rob Parsons has been instrumental in this issue, and was featured on the cover of "The Planet, "the SC national activist newspaper, as well as the front page of "The Maui News." The Maui Group hopes to have the Council transfer the area to the Pa`ia-Ha`iku Community Plan, rather than continue to include it in the more urban Wailuku-Kahului Plan. This would force the project to face a community plan amendment process and true public scrutiny. Other issues on which the Maui Group has offered comments:

An application by HC&S's Pa`ia mill to burn coal in their generating plant (Maui Group member Rob Karpovich has done extensive research on this issue and has brought it to public attention).

Opposing the Navy's ongoing sonar-based sound transmitter experiments in Maui waters, as well as their proposed LFA systems (underwater weapons detection using low frequency sounds) in Hawaiian waters and worldwide.

Encroachment of a private residence on public beach access at Chang's Beach (Po`olenalena) in the Makena area.

A Big Mahalo to AT&T
Posted Saturday, January 1st 2000

AT&T Wireless of Maui has donated a cell phone to the Maui Group for use in assuring safety on our hikes and outings, and for facilitating the activity of volunteers working on public interest and educational issues. Maui Group heartily thanks AT&T Wireless for their support of our activities.

EPEC Report
Posted Friday, October 1st 1999
Lucienne de Naie

Since June the Maui Environmental Public Educational Campaign (EPEC) has been very busy in educational outreach activities in four areas.

Ma`alaea Harbor Expansion
Sierra Club EPEC co-sponsored a recent "Save Ma`alaea Celebration and Surf Bash Concert" on Aug 29 at the Lahaina Civic Auditorium. Traditional Ma`alaea issue allies - Surfrider Foundation, Save Our Surf, Sierra Club, Protect Ma`alaea Coalition, Hawaii Wildlife Fund and Na Kupuna o Maui were all on hand to present information at the end-of-summer event. A high-quality arts and crafts show coordinated by Hanohano Artisans Alliance, Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and displays, and 9 hours of music donated by local groups made this an exciting and popular event for residents and visitors. Around 1,000 people attended. Further public hearings on the Ma`alaea expansion issue are expected early next year. An educational video on the issue is expected to be completed by November and available to further public education work.

Kahului Airport Expansion
The Land Use Commission (LUC) hearings are long, but the message is clear. There is actually NO evidence to support the visitor industry claim that expansion and internationalization of the airport will guarantee higher visitor counts, room occupancy, or a better economy for Maui. It has also become apparent that there are no planned means available to meet increased infrastructure needs if international flights boost visitor counts. Nor is there guaranteed funding for promised plans to improve interception of alien species at the airport. Local citizens and community leaders are very skeptical of the state's costly gamble with Maui's future; and two informal surveys done through local schools have shown opposition running 3 to 1 against expansion. A display of all letters to the editor on the issue from the past few years showed the same proportions. No official polls have been taken by the state. Rainforest Action network has listed the Kahului expansion project on their website as a major threat to native flora/fauna in Haleakala National Park. LUC hearings on the topic are expected to take until the end of the year.

Spreckelsville Sprawl
The A&B Spreckelsville Mauka golf course subdivision (400 homes) and its smaller companion project makai in the dunes of Maui's popular Baldwin Beach (30 homes) have galvanized the public's reaction to poorly planned development on Maui's rural north shore. Residents are concerned that both projects will have a direct impact on the "wild" open feeling of the North Shore's most popular beach - Baldwin Beach Park. On August 17 a highway sign waving rally, organized by EPEC volunteer Rob Parsons, brought out over 80 people from local teens to the past-president of the PTA. In backed-up rush-hour traffic, people honked their appreciation. "This is the largest development ever proposed for Maui's North Shore," Parson's explained. "Folks are ready to draw a line in the sand, and Baldwin Beach is the spot." The Maui County Council will hear testimony on the project's rezoning from Ag to Urban beginning on October 14 (details: call 573-4147 or 270-7838).

Conservation Report
Posted Friday, October 1st 1999
Diane Shepherd

Spreckelsville 
The Land Use Commission approved the conversion of 210 acres in Spreckelsville from agriculture to urban use as requested by Alexander and Baldwin. The planned development of some 400 houses mauka of the road and 30 makai now goes before the County Council. The public has raised concerns about the huge scale of the project and its impacts, including traffic congestion, in an already troubled area. The makai units are behind the long expanse of shoreline at Baldwin Beach which is the only significant white sand beach on the North Shore. The Sierra Club seeks to scale down the project and eliminate the makai units. The Club also supports efforts by the Spreckelsville community to be removed from the Wailuku-Kahului General Plan and placed under the Pa`ia-Ha`iku Plan where the area logically belongs. Public Hearing: Oct. 14, County Bldg. Call 573-3454 or 270-7838 for updates on exact time and place.

Palauea 
Recent bulldozing of the northernmost undeveloped lot at Palauea created alarm. The work is being done by an archaeological firm and does not signify immediate construction plans. However, the threat to the area remains. The Trust for Public Lands has begun negotiations with the owners of most of the beachfront lots, but cannot report any certain progress at this time. Mayor Apana and the council continue to cite tight money while funding such extravagances as the $1,600,000 Golf Fund, a public subsidy for grown-up playtime.

Maui Airport Expansion Encounters Turbulence
Posted Thursday, July 1st 1999

Airport Planners Short on Answers
The State Land Use Commission (LUC) might end up spending the summer receiving testimony on proposed expansion of Kahului Airport. Crowds have thinned down to a dedicated few dozen people - consisting of interested citizens and assorted state and county officials. The pace of witness testimony is slow, but the drama runs high.

The process showcases the unique features of an LUC hearing. It's one of the few places where the public (or, in most cases, an attorney representing a citizen group) can really question public officials and their paid consultants in depth on a specific topic. The results are often very revealing.

On May 7 the State of Hawai`i called its first expert witness in the LUC Kahului Airport hearing. So far only three witnesses have testified - Terryl Vencl, Executive Director of the Maui Hotel Association; Ben Schlapak, head of the State Department of Transportation Airports Division; and Roz Baker, head of the County's Office of Economic Development.

REVELATIONS THUS FAR:

The Airport Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) predicts significantly higher rates of visitors for Maui whether or not the airport is expanded. The EIS predicts yearly counts of 3.2 million without expansion. (Current rates are around 2.5 million/year.)

The state's expert witnesses seemed very reluctant to admit that Maui's 1999 visitor-industry figures are leading the state in terms of both highest occupancy rates and room rates. Only Terryl Vencl of the Maui Hotel Association was willing to acknowledge Hall's statement that "lack of a 9,600-foot runway hasn't been an impediment to Maui's success" as a visitor destination. Witnesses also avoided commenting on the fact that urbanized resorts such as Waikiki have been steadily losing market share.

Neither the state nor the county have polled local residents, nor have they offered a referendum to find out if the public wants an expanded airport. And yet several government officials have directly testified that the project is favored by a majority of Maui residents, without having any specific proof. (Public testimony at the LUC April and May hearings ran three-to-one against expansion.)

The state and county have no studies comparing benefits and risks of Kahului expansion. County Economic Office chief Roz Baker deferred questions on expected county-funded road, water, and sewage expansion costs associated with the expansion to the county's Public Works Department. This prompted Isaac Hall, the interveners' attorney, to comment: "You can only testify on economic benefits, not economic burdens to taxpayers." Baker had earlier stated that airport expansion benefits "outweigh the costs," but guardedly admitted that she could not produce a study to prove this assumption.

The Airport EIS claims that no nonstop international flights can occur until customs facilities and a new alien species interception hangar are in place. But DOT administrator Ben Schlapak acknowledged that the state hasn't even decided where the new hangar facility will be. Nor has it secured the permits that will be necessary if it moves from its original location as shown in the airport EIS. Yet other witnesses have testified that Japan Airlines is hoping to begin direct flights within the next year and a half.

Fully loaded DC-10s have a low "safety margin" for take-off on the present length runway. However, charts in the airport EIS show that fully loaded 747s will have a similar low margin on the extended runway. In other words, the large planes that are used for long-distance flights would need to limit their weight in order to take off safely.

The state and federal governments amended the Airport EIS with an "Alien Species Action Plan" in order to meet objections from the US Department of the Interior. But the plan's first step - a "risks assessment" - has been criticized by both Vencl and the staff of Haleakala National Park. The US Fish and Wildlife Service considered withdrawing its support of the plan unless it was remedied. No guaranteed funding is yet in place for the program.

Vencl praised New Zealand's very effective alien species inspection program, which she visited. While she was in New Zealand, though, she never asked what the program cost nor how it's funded. Both of these are key questions in Maui's efforts. Vencl was also unaware that New Zealand accepts international flights at only one airport - not five, as is being proposed for Hawai`i.

Vencl was asked whether the MHA had ever polled Maui visitors to find out if they want an expanded airport. She replied that "my office hardly makes contact with visitors." She testified that the "members of my association don't want to see any expansion of hotel rooms right now or in the immediate future." Vencl said any decision by the MHA to support a hotel moratorium would have to be made by the association's board.

On Kaua`i, the state DOT is proposing a shorter runway expansion - 8,500 feet. It is believed that the shorter option would allow smaller jets such as DC-10s to take off with greater weight capacity but still discourage larger classes of aircraft from direct flights. But Schlapak insists that such a length option could not be considered for Maui.

Airport noise studies in the EIS did not take into account the substantial noise levels generated by 747 aircraft used for international carriers (such as Japan Airlines.) Ben Schlapak, who has headed Kahului airport planning for the State DOT for the past ten years, had only sketchy knowledge of the omission.

Schlapak stated at first that the large aircraft must have been included in the noise studies. But when Hall, referred him to the specific page in the EIS, Schlapak reluctantly admitted to the oversight. Schlapak countered that 747s come in quiet and noisy versions. Hall's persistent questions, though, pinned down the fact that Japan Airlines currently uses the noisier variety.

Hawai`i is one of only two states in the US that still allows noisy "Phase 2" aircraft to operate. Airport EIS noise studies predict that noise levels will be acceptable - but they base their predictions, in part, on the assumption that Aloha Airlines would be flying quieter "Stage 3" aircraft. Since the EIS study was published in 1995, however, Aloha has sold its expensive Stage 3 jets and has purchased more of the old, noisy aircraft.

At one time, the state DOT was considering a night curfew for airport flights. But, pressured by airline companies, the state has since changed its position. Hall's cross examination of Schlapak spanned nearly ten hours and took on a decided cat-and-mouse style. Whenever Hall cited specific statements, charts, and conclusions in the Airport EIS that refuted most of the state's main rationales for airport expansion, Schlapak refused to admit their validity.

On several occasions Hall skillfully backed the DOT official into a corner, at which point Schlapak criticized Hall for "taking things out of context." While Hall traded pleasantries with the state's first witness, Terryl Vencl, he didn't get much cooperation from Roz Baker. Vencl's testimony was direct and brief, but Baker and Schlapak both gave the distinct impression that they resented the probing questions. They frequently asked Hall to define common terms, or they complained that questions were unrelated to the issue at hand.

When Hall questioned Baker about her educational background, determining that she had no particular formal training in economics, the county's attorney challenged the line of questioning as being irrelevant. "These guys really defy logic" commented one audience member watching the proceedings. "They admit that there's not one study that proves airport expansion will provide the economic benefits promised. They can't give the public any idea of what it might cost for infrastructure expansion - in fact they pretend that that's just going to happen by itself. They seem to have changeable plans and plenty of access to public funds." Said the observer, "If you tried to run a business this way, you'd be in big trouble."

The LUC has held sessions on June 3 and 4 and June 24 and 25. All hearings have been held at the Nahele room of the Sandalwood Golf Course Clubhouse in Waikapu. Meetings are open to the public and public testimony (from those who have not previously testified in person) is accepted at the beginning of each session. The next hearing dates are July 8 at 9:30 am and July 9 at 9 am. Hearings continue on July 22 and 23 at the same opening times.

EPEC Report: Earth Day Event Draws Maui Crowds
Posted Thursday, July 1st 1999
Lucienne de Naie

Maui EPEC staff and volunteers grabbed front page headlines as they massed hundreds of activists opposed to expansion and internationalization of Maui's airport at an Earth Day (April 22) hearing. The public hearing, hosted by the state Land Use Commission (LUC) reopened a thirteen year long controversy over the state's proposed 700 acre Kahului airport urbanization plan. Public testimony ran 3 to 1 against the project, even though expansion is supported by the State, local Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Bureau, unions, and Maui's huge tourist industry.

Airport opponents waved signs, and held up oversized pinwheels festooned with "creepy crawly" rubber snakes and bugs. They hoisted a bright cartoon-style banner proclaiming "Big City Airport - Big City Problems" for press and TV camera's to capture. LUC officials had to ask some participants to wait outside for the meeting room's capacity was only 180. The National Parks and Conservation Association (allies in the issue) sent an Earth Day press release to media nationwide naming Maui's Haleakala National Park as one of the nation's "10 most endangered" (due to airport expansion plans). Haleakala is a UN World Biosphere Site and one of America's top ten national park attractions.

The NPCA story garnered airplay on local and national radio and TV news, National Public Radio and all local papers. The LUC hearing also made the evening news in Honolulu and was well covered in Maui and Honolulu papers for several days.

The EPEC-coordinated Earth Day media campaign featured large ads in both daily and independent papers showing an actual map of the state's airport build out plan (never before published). Maui Group Chair, Bill Watson, was quoted in local papers calling the airport plan "One of Maui's most discussed and least understood issues." Many residents (and a few visitors) appeared at the Earth Day hearing clutching the newspaper stories, horrified by the scale of the proposed changes to Maui's green cane fields.

As a result of the tremendous public turnout, the LUC scheduled two more days of public testimony. An additional 36 speakers returned on May 6 - 7 to share their views. 35 spoke against the expansion. A final ruling by the LUC is expected later this year. Then the issue will be heard by local County council and Planning Commission since it is in a coastal zone management area.

Maui EPEC organizers have a busy summer ahead. They plan an Airport educational sign campaign along Hana Highway and continuing public outreach through local media, events and volunteers. "It is truly amazing how few people in Maui have any idea what a huge project this is and how much Maui has to lose if it goes through," EPEC volunteer Mitzi Sevilla stated.

Conservation Report
Posted Thursday, July 1st 1999
Diane Shepherd

Three of the recent issues of concern to the Sierra Club, Maui Group, involve proposed intensive development of agricultural land, open space, or conservation areas. Alexander and Baldwin is seeking approval to convert 210 acres of prime agricultural land opposite the Spreckelsville Golf Course in Pa`ia to 420 houses and a 9-hole extension of the golf course. This development would go against both county and state provisions to preserve agricultural land. Thousands of signatures have been collected in opposition to the land designation change. The Sierra Club is seeking denial of the land use change. Palauea Beach has been the focus of conservation efforts for several years and is one of the "poster child" beaches promoted by the Sierra Club coastal preservation campaign. In the past, the Maui County Council passed numerous resolutions supporting its acquisition as county park, and Mayor Lingle's administration attempted to negotiate the purchase of at least one lot. 

The situation has suddenly become much more urgent; recently most of the parcels have been put up for sale as house lots, and several have been sold. South Maui has seen more and more shoreline disappear behind the walls and hedges of luxury homes . Palauea was one of the few open spaces left. May 13th Mayor Apana visited the site with representatives of citizen groups, including the Sierra Club, and on June 1 he sent to the County Council a proposal to purchase one lot. This may involve condemnation proceedings because the owner has been unwilling to sell to the county in the past (public access or a public park will lower the value of the land). Needless to say, acquiring the entire beach as public park would be best, but without creative solutions in these times of limited public finances, one lot would at least keep the beach accessible to the public. At the rate that public access to the shoreline is being lost, one day the only way to get to the beaches, that by state law belong to the public, may be from the sea.

Further down the South Maui coast another luxury home is being planned in the middle of a conservation district. The former Carter estate sits at the Makena end of La Perouse Bay adjacent to the `Ahihi-Kina`u Conservation Area. `Ahihi-Kina`u is one of the "hot spots" designated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources as in need of special attention and protection. The Carter land was purchased by Brian Schatz of Colorado who proposes a main house, guest house, and swimming pool. Concerns have been raised about the effects of siltation during construction, later runoff from habitations and gardens, plus drainage from the swimming pool into the pristine waters of the reserve. The Sierra Club seeks to mitigate the effects of development on this unique area.

Spreckelsville A&B Development
Posted Saturday, May 1st 1999

The Maui Group has testified against Alexander & Baldwin's plan to reclassify 230 acres of agriculture land outside Pa'ia into 470 residential lots and a nine-hole golf course. There are two sections of the project development plans: 1) 212 acres mauka, which includes the 95-acre golf course and 420 homes on the remaining 117 acres; and, 2) 18 acres makai for 50 residential lots. Concerns are: traffic, water availability, sprawl, loss of agricultural land, loss of unique coastal lands including an important sand dune ecosystem, pesticide runoff, drainage, nearby historical sites (the project borders a pre-contact heiau at Kailua Gulch), and misappropriation of community planning authority. If A&B's land re-districting desires are granted, building will begin by 2002. Public hearings are in process at both the State Land Use Commission and the Maui County Council, which is reviewing the Kahului-Wailuku Community Plan. The dual project site is on the eastern fringe of that plan's land use map. Call the Conservation Hotline at 573-3454 for information about scheduled public hearings and associated events.

Conservation Report
Posted Saturday, May 1st 1999

Ma`alaea Grading Permit
On January 26th, the Maui Group, in company with the Ma`alaea Community Association, expressed opposition before the Planning Commission to a grading permit to Mike Spalding and Associates for the Ma`alaea Triangle. Last year, disregarding the conditions of the permit granted for the first phase of the project, Spalding graded in the winter months without staging or planting. This led to massive runoff and dust that affected not only Ma`alaea Bay but the businesses and residents of the area. The Planning Commission denied the current request for a permit. Mr. Spalding will reapply when weather conditions are drier.

Ukumehame Wind Farm
At a hearing on the proposed wind farm, whose windmills would produce energy to sell to the Maui Electric Company, the Maui Group joined other organizations and individuals in support of the project.

MECO Waena Power Plant
Opposition to a proposed power plant was voiced at the Nov. 10 County Council Planning subcommittee hearing on reclassification of agriculture land for a 232 MW diesel powered generating site. A coalition of Sierra Club, Maui Tomorrow, Maui Clean Air Coalition, and the Hawaiian Organic Farming Association has been helped immensely by technical experts from the Rocky Mountain Institute. Over protests by MECO staff, plant opponents were given a full 3 hour presentation slot. Responding to public pressure opposing a diesel plant, the Council Planning subcommittee voted to postpone any reclassification until more is known about alternative energy generation options.

Maui EPEC (Environmental Public Education Campaign) Report
EPEC is funded by a National Sierra Club grant. Maui has been continued as an EPEC site until Nov 25, 1999. Lucienne de Naie will continue as EPEC coordinator (full time). The Maui EPEC 1998 campaign has been very successful 1) in publicizing its two key conservation issues: poorly planned expansion of Ma`alaea Harbor and Kahului Airport; and 2) in rallying public support for more environmentally friendly solutions on both projects. The EPEC Visitor Preference Survey (see above) was the result of a major outreach effort, and will be a valuable tool for 1999 EPEC work. Lucienne de Naie, Konstance Palmore, and Jeff Mangel were part-time staff on the 1998 Maui EPEC effort. Pauline Sugarman, Laureen Elizabeth, Mitzi Sevilla, and Celeste King also served as volunteer organizers.

Airport Expansion on Maui is Heavily Contested
Posted Saturday, May 1st 1999
Lucienne de Naie

The staff and volunteers of Sierra Club, Maui Group's Environmental Protection and Education Campaign (EPEC) grabbed front page headlines as they massed hundreds of activists opposed to expansion and internationalization of Maui's Kahului airport at an April 22 (Earth Day) and April 23 hearing. The public hearing, hosted by the State Land Use Commission (LUC), reopened a long controversy over the State's proposed 700 acre airport urbanization plan. Public testimony ran 4 to 1 against the project, even though expansion is supported by the State, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Maui Visitors Bureau, unions, and Maui's huge tourist industry. Sierra Club, Maui Group and its allies have been fighting the expansion of Maui's Kahului Airport for the past 13 years. Issues include combating sprawl, protection of a wildlife refuge for endangered birds (contained within the airport boundaries), and safeguarding nearby Haleakala National Park from invasive species imported by direct domestic and international flights.

The National Parks and Conservation Association (NPCA), allies in this issue, sent an Earth Day press release to media nationwide naming Maui's Haleakala National Park as one of the nation's "10 most endangered" (due to airport expansion plans). Haleakala is a UN World Biosphere Site, and one of America's top ten national park attractions. The NPCA press release cited the proposed airport expansion as cause for real alarm due to threats of the Park's rare native species being exposed to invasive pests from unmonitored international flights. The State of Hawaii is currently colonized by an average of 20 new pests every year. Most enter through air flights. Local flora and fauna are defenseless to compete.

The NPCA story garnered airplay on local and national radio and TV news, National Public Radio, and all local papers. See http://www.npca.org/readaboutit/tt_haleakala.html. The EPEC-coordinated Earth Day media campaign featured an effective radio message with a popular native Hawaiian activist, and large ads in both daily and independent papers showing an actual map of the state's airport buildout plan (never before published). All urged residents to attend the Earth day hearing.

Sierra Club Maui Group Chair, Bill Watson, was quoted in local papers calling the airport plan "One of Maui's most discussed and least understood issues." Many residents (and a few visitors) appeared at the Earth Day hearing clutching the newspaper stories, horrified by the scale of the proposed changes to Maui's green cane fields. As a result of the tremendous public turnout, the LUC scheduled two more days of public testimony. The hearings, conducted on May 6 ? 7, resulted in another strong anti-airport expansion showing. Approximately 25 people spoke against the project. One spoke in favor. A final ruling by the LUC is expected in June or July of this year. Then the issue will be heard by the Maui County Council, and the Maui County Planning Commission (as the project is in a coastal zone management area).