Since the sale of A&B sugar lands to Mahi Pono, many of us feel a sense of cautious optimism for future use of these lands. What I have yet to hear be discussed is A&B’s public statements that it will begin to focus on “commercial real estate.” Anyone with even a shred of knowledge of the history of this exploitative company should be quite concerned.

Maui is currently replete with vacant box stores and parking lots. It is time to think about repurposing existing buildings, lots, and infrastructure, not adding more. Additional retail, “shopping centers” and big box stores on Maui is a mistake. And although A&B may not be the spearhead of the specific proposal to build a civic center and parking garages in Wailuku, this is a project not in keeping with “malama aina” and we should expect that A&B will also put profits over protection as they embark on their new focus to pave over more of Maui.

Wailuku is one of the most unique and culturally important places on this island and deserves much better. Maui deserves better. Due to the greed and carelessness of A&B and other predatory corporations, this island, as many have known it, is gone forever. More thoughtless development will signal the final death blow to Maui as we know it now.

Krista Butterfield

Wailuku