5/17/23 #kihei

Many attendees, especially those in the rear, reacted positively to that frequent question, “Can you hear me NOW?” to start the meeting last evening at 6:30 pm. Utilizing a professional firm to rectify a long standing audio issue in this hall at St. Theresa Church, it was immediately apparent the audio was improved, although the hall does not have premium acoustics.

YES we can hear you just fine now

We opened with a brief intro from our KCA business member and KCA membership partner, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union by Sylvia Ho. She reminded our members that they can join this credit union just by being members of KCA. Check them out at 41 E. Lipoa St.

Sylvia Ho, Senior Business Development Director for Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union

The next scheduled presenter was State Represenative Terez Amato, but due to a health issue her assistant Dr. Joe Ritter offered her visual presentation.

Dr. Joe Ritter offered Rep. Terez Amato’s presentation

Next we had Nolly Yagin for the County Public Works Department (DPW) offering some information about the next segments of the North South Collector Road in N. Kihei. Even though prior reps from this department going back a decade have advised us repeatedly that the roadway was in the process of being designed, Nolly advised at this meeting that design work is still less than 50% complete. The department has not yet applied for a required Special Management Area (SMA) permit. Based on the info presented, we do no expect to see the complete street (roadway and greenway) between Waipuilani and Kaonoulu completed until 2028.

Nolly Yagen of County Public Works, Engineering Division, Highways

Next, we returned to our district legislature with our Senator Angus McKelvey, who took the room by storm in his usual manner. He breezed through a number of approved bills he proposed that benefit S. Maui, and are now on the governor’s desk for approval.  

State Senator Angus McKelvey talks 2023 successes

The wrap up concerned actions to mitigate N. Kihei mud floods via the new non profit, Malama Haleakala. Two of the founders were present, with Tova Calendar introducing Michael Reyes who offered a visual presentation of what the group is doing on the ranch lands mauka of Kihei. Michael last presented to KCA when he completed the South West Maui Watershed Plan in 2020.

Michael Reyes for Malama Haleakala non profit