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Developer responds to Kahoma concerns

A June 17 Viewpoint contained a resident’s views on Kahoma Village. As the representative of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and the developer, I am compelled to correct the inaccuracies in her Viewpoint.

The Kahoma Village project was thoroughly reviewed by the state Department of Housing and Human Concerns and the Maui County Council prior to its approval as an affordable-housing project. This project will meet the affordable criteria of DHHC at the time of sale. The 102 multifamily townhouses are being proposed in the high $200,000s, not $685,000. The pricing for the 101 market single-family units is estimated to begin in the mid-$500,000s and low $700,000s.

Archaeological surveys of the entire parcel were conducted by Xamanek Researches. Once the debris piles and homeless were removed, our archaeologist conducted the necessary surveys and no burials were encountered. However, archaeological monitoring will be conducted during construction. Appropriate action will be taken should we encounter any burials. Based on an 1884 map, the Alamihi Pond is located makai of Front Street on County of Maui property.

The West Maui Community Plan that was adopted in 1996 included more uses than park and open space. The property is identified as project district, which includes a mixture of commercial/business, multifamily residential and senior residential, as well as 6 acres of park/open space. As a Maui boy and the developer, I am aware of the need for housing in West Maui. My desire is to help satisfy the housing need and not to develop additional commercial/business uses.

Also, since 1996 the land along the south bank of Kahoma Stream identified as linear open space has been under the jurisdiction of the County of Maui and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Kahoma Flood Control Channel. If a linear park is desired along the south bank of Kahoma Stream, it would need to be implemented through the county in coordination with the corps.

Since adoption of the West Maui Community Plan, the County of Maui has revised its General Plan to include the Maui Island Plan, which identified directed growth maps for the island. In the MIP, the property is identified in the urban growth boundary as Lahaina in-fill. The description of the property includes the residential uses and approximately 2 acres of park and open space. Since 1996, West Maui has evolved and the MIP is a reflection of the desires of the community.

The permit review process with the county will ensure necessary public services, including sewers, are available for the project prior to its construction. Should public services not be available, the project will not move forward.

Alternative parking will be available once roadway improvements are completed. The project is required to improve Kenui and Front streets with curbs, gutters and sidewalks. On Kenui Street, approximately 30 parking spaces will be provided, which can be used by beachgoers.

I have not ignored the traffic concerns expressed by some residents of Puunoa Place. In response to their concerns, a supplemental traffic analysis was conducted and reviewed by the county Department of Public Works, which concurred with the proposed location of the driveway accesses.

Although apparently not totally successful, I have tried to address the concerns expressed by community members. Prior to submitting my applications with the County of Maui, I held a community meeting on Feb. 15, 2012, to obtain community input. This resulted in revisions in the project plans, including the driveway entrances that are being objected to by residents of Puunoa Place.

I continue to be available to discuss the concerns of the community, including those who are in need of affordable housing in West Maui.

* Stanford S. Carr is the president of Stanford Carr Development LLC.

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