This commercial project a two story a 22,000 ft2 building for “wellness related services.” is scheduled to go before the County Planning Commission in Wailuku at 9:00 AM on May 10, requesting a change in zoning (CIZ) from Residential to Commercial. Presently it is vacant land next to Kihei Veterinarian Services, and a separate vacant parcel on its southerner side. As the project was not brought to KCA, we have not reviewed or scored it.
Here are some raw documents pulled at the County planning Department offices to help inform the community and our members, as we evaluate the project before the hearing in two weeks.
Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global) is an applied research center managed by the University of Hawaii that supports the most demanding governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide in helping to create a safer, more disaster resilient world. For more than 25 years, we’ve helped our partners enhance disaster management capacity, save lives, and reduce disaster losses through the application of our advanced tools and technologies, evidence-based research, and analytical information.
Thank you so much for researching this for our community Mike! I have been following this proposed development for a while. I am not in support of it. I grew up in a home next to those wetlands and played out there for many years. While growing up, I was told that the wetlands were preserved and we were taught to take care of the area. Changing the zoning of this parcel to Business is not in the best interest of the community. There are a ton of commercial spaces sitting empty in Kihei right now. We do not need more commercial space… The property is surrounded by residential homes and lots, this proposed development would cover 85% of the land with pavement and building, allowing all of the oily runoff from the parking lot to pour into the unfilled wetlands. The development that they are trying to push through would have a 65 lot parking lot and a 22,000 square foot building, all of this, one lot away from a lovely kamaiana neighborhood. There are only a few wetland areas left in Kihei, as I’m sure most everyone knows, the purpose of a wetlands is to filter the runoff when it rains so that our reefs are not covered with sludge after each rain. They are asking for a change from Residential zoning to B-2, this is an unbelievable jump in zoning. B-2 allows 65 different uses from a gas station to a mortuary, including dance halls and restaurants… Sure, the owner/developer says it will be a “Wellness Center” but if sold with a zoning as large as B-2, it could become almost anything in the future. If anyone would like the full list of what is allowed in B-2 zoning I have a copy of the list and am happy to share.
PLEASE! Come attend the Planning Commision Meeting in Wailuku on May 10 at 9 am to discuss the proposed KWC (Kihei Wellness Center) located next to Kihei Veterinary Clinic. As a neighboring resident of our beautiful wetlands; we are trying to be a voice for the wetlands which are a vital part of our community. They provide a safe haven for the Hawaiian Stilts nesting ground as well as pure raw open space. If we develop every lot, what will make Maui any different than many other populated mainland destinations? Why will people fly here to spend their tourism dollar if all of the natural beauty’s been altered. The wetlands also provide much needed rain absorption when Kihei gets its semi annual deluges. We currently have a surplus of vacant retail space as it is. I could understand a work/live situation before an entire permanent change of zoning from R3 (RESIDENTIAL) TO THE PROPOSED B2 (COMMERCIAL)
Please voice your opinions on Tuesday 5/10/2016 at 9 am at the KALANA Pakui Building, 250 South High Street, Wailuku, HI 96793. Hope to see you there! Thank you for supporting our unique beach community. A hui hou kakao!