It is great to see much planning and enthusiasm on the proposals of building and adding more to communities such as Olowalu, Villages of Leiali'i and Kaanapali 2020. Much thought was given to Olowalu as a police and fire station were included in the planning along with a school and even a post office.
With this increase of homes resulting in more population to the west side, there was no mention of a hospital for residents and tourists. Aren't the lives and health of the residents, the children and even the tourists important as we still do not have a hospital for the west side of Maui?
A hospital was a big issue that was supported by local organizations and a few politicians only a few years ago. Land was finally granted but since then not one word as to when a hospital can be built and staffed.
With increased traffic from more residents, construction and tourists, our only two-lane eroding highway is left for an ambulance to travel to a hospital. Recently we saw traffic backups due to sewage pipe work just south of Kaanapali, plus highway reorientation further on due to ocean erosion. Time is critical to an individual being taken to the other side in an ambulance.
It appears that many have forgotten the need of hospital for the west side of Maui. A hospital is needed today and not to be delayed like the Lahaina bypass was.
Stan Zajac
Lahaina
