2/26/19. #kihei #visitors #tourism

Now, in their eighth calendar year, since its inception in 2012, the Alliance of Maui Community Associations, once again filled the room at the Kaunoa Senior center last evening with a diverse group with four Kihei Community Association directors and numerous others representing the following areas: Hana, Kaupo, Kihei, Kula, Maalaea, Waihe’e, Waikapu, and Wailuku.

The first presentation came from Terryl Vencl, who was appointed by Mayor Victorino as his (part-time) Visitor Industry Community Liaison. Terryl long headed the Maui Visitor’s Bureau that actively  “marketed” Maui’s tourism.

Now, the tide is changing and she will be looking at how the visitor industry can best be “managed” to serve not just the tourists and the visitor industry’s investors, but also the needs of our residents and communities.

How can we improve the quality of life of our residents while ensuring a healthy tourism industry?

Our impression was the attendees were pleased the new Administration is examining the industry’s effect  on their community, but first glance at these documents do not offer much assurance.

 

Recently reconfirmed Maui County Planning Director  Michele Mclean had reached out to the Alliance because she wants the Planning Department to be in closer contact with our communities.

She strove to highlight her department’s programs while welcoming input from the community on their concerns. Of special interest will be the rewriting of the county’s zoning code, resulting from the many recommendations in the audit of county legislation. She last visited the Alliance in November 2012.

 

The final presenter was a volunteer on her community association’s efforts to not let the growth of visitors spoil their lifestyle while maintaining an enjoyable and safe experience for tourists. Napua Hu’eu, Hana Highway Regulation Committee Chair of the Hana Community Association, shared a summary of the data they have collected over the last two years. She will share the first draft of a Road to Hana visitor management system.

The next ALLIANCE meeting at 6 pm on Monday, March 25.


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