WAILUKU - The owner's representative of the 670-acre Honua'ula development in South Maui asked members of the public and Maui County Council on Thursday to take a close look at the project's voluminous cultural resources preservation plan - a condition for its construction - before making any more judgments.
Charlie Jencks appeared before the Economic Development, Agriculture and Recreation Committee to present the plan.
Jencks, though, asked those concerned about the project, particularly Native Hawaiians, to read the document and share comments on it. The development features 1,400 homes, half of which would be affordably priced, as well as shopping centers and golf courses.
The plan calls for 73 acres to be set aside for buffer zones, plant preservation and open space. Another more than 45 acres would remain untouched as a cultural preserve, according to the plan.
Meanwhile, the committee unanimously deferred action on whether to approve the study because it must first be reviewed by the Maui County Cultural Resources Commission.
Jencks said Honua'ula officials have had only about 30 comments to date on the cultural resources preservation plan. Comments also are being sought from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the state Historic Preservation Division.
"If someone else comes up with information, please come forward," said Jencks, who represents Honua'ula LLC (formerly known as Wailea 670). "We are trying to do the best we can."
However, members of Maui environmental groups said the studies don't go far enough, particularly to protect native plant species, and the developers don't set aside enough land for preservation.
Jencks also added that the project is in the consultation phase of a separate archaeological study with the state Historic Preservation Division.
* Chris Hamilton can be reached at chamilton@mauinews.com.
