With real concern, I read the article about Pukalani Superette's opposition to the proposed town center (The Maui News, June 13), and I have to agree with Aric Nakashima.
Upcountry is rich agricultural land, and it should be kept that way as much as possible.
Housing for seniors is a good idea, especially for those who have worked and loved the land Upcountry and are now approaching their golden years. But the Maui County Council committee that is considering the general plan must be made up of young folks who don't understand the needs of senior citizens and their difficulty navigating stairs.
Supposed senior housing was built in Pukalani, near the new Long's store. But every unit in The Cottages at Kulamalu is two stories, which doesn't attract seniors at all. After a while, the developers opened home sales to anyone, not just seniors, so they could get the units sold.
Now Chris Hart, representing the developers of the Upcountry town center says, "I can only say, we are definitely of the mind we would like to do a two-story senior housing community as a residential component of the property." What? That plan failed the seniors miserably, so why do it again?
I can only say that Mr. Hart, the developers and the Maui County Council committee are considering themselves and not the needs of our seniors. I'm with you, Mr. Nakashima, let's get that silent majority heard before Upcountry is ruined with further stupid development plans.
Gayle Robideaux
Keokea
