WAILUKU - A proposed fast-track affordable housing project rejected last year by the Maui County Council is now being considered for approval by the council's Land Use Committee.
Developer Royal Main Properties LLC proposes to build Kaiwahine Village as a 120-unit multifamily subdivision with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units in 15 buildings, off-street parking and other improvements on 9.3 acres off Hale Kai Street in Kihei.
In December, the council's Public Services Committee disapproved the same project, but without considering it on its merits. Council members at the time rejected it because of what they said was bad timing. With the Christmas and New Year's holidays approaching, council members decided it would be best to reject the project and let the new council address the proposed development.
On Wednesday, Land Use Committee Chairman Bob Carroll, who returned to the council after being out for one term, closed off a three-hour meeting, saying he hoped to spend the panel's next meeting working to make "this project acceptable."
The committee is scheduled to revisit the proposed development beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers.
Kaiwahine Village is seeking approval through the state's fast-track approval process, which allows affordable housing developments exemptions from certain land-use and other government requirements.
A decision on a fast-track housing application needs to be made within 45 days of its filing with the council, or by March 21 for the Kaiwahine Village.
Last year, former Public Services Committee Chairman Wayne Nishiki, who was defeated in the November election, said more community involvement was needed to review the project, particularly because neighbors of Kaiwahine expressed concern about traffic impacts and the Kihei Community Association asked for more time to review the proposal.
On Wednesday, there were only two people, both representatives of the Hawaii Carpenters Union, who testified on the project, asking council members to recommend approval.
"We need the jobs this project would create," union representative Bill Kamai said.
In response to a question from a council member, Kamai said he has been given assurances that Kaiwahine would use union members.
As many as 300 members of the Carpenters Union on Maui are currently unemployed, according to union apprentice coordinator Bruce U'u. Both he and Kamai estimated that at least 70 members would be able to work if Kaiwahine were approved.
U'u called Kaiwahine a "win-win," with carpenters getting work and the community receiving more affordable homes.
Kaiwahine planning consultant Chris Hart said the project would improve water pressure in the north Kihei area, with the construction and use of a 150,000-gallon tank for residents.
In his presentation to council members, Hart showed projected residential sale prices at $180,000 for the one-bedroom units; $225,000 for two bedrooms; and $250,000 for three bedrooms.
The character of the homes would be similar to places such as Iao Parkside in Wailuku and Kihei Villages, he said.
Based upon a prevailing interest rate of 4.5 percent, the unit prices fall between 60 and 80 percent of the Maui median income for families, the "low-income" group, according to a handout provided by the county's Department of Housing and Human Concerns.
The department is supporting approval of the project.
* Claudine San Nicolas can be reached at claudine@mauinews.com.
