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Consider benefits before saying no to TEACH idea

I am writing so that readers will not think Maui is the “land of no!” when it comes to new ideas and innovation. Contrary to the angry mob’s statement that “nobody wants this” at the recent TEACH meeting (The Maui News, Feb. 16), I live in Haiku near Old Maui High School and think the project is a great idea.

Maui is severely underdeveloped, and the project offers a lot for the community, particularly children, students, clubs, commercial kitchen users and budding farmers, to take advantage of. The proposed community hub is certainly superior to the dilapidated ruins that currently occupy the space.

As a business owner, I am frankly surprised that a private enterprise is willing to invest $50 million to revitalize the campus with only a 60-year lease. Even if they reap $1 million annually in profit, that’s a long payback.

Seriously, what do we have to lose? The proposal is $50 million saved by taxpayers. If the community doesn’t like it and does not find their programs useful, TEACH will not renew at the 60-year term, and guess what? We get a remodeled facility for free!

It saddens me that so many folks on Maui are so quick to protest but fail to propose better solutions. Maui County has managed this property since its closure in the ’70s and gotten nowhere. Let’s give TEACH a chance.

Loren E. Clive

Haiku

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