WAIKAPU - A Washington state-based company tied to the president of development firm Pacific Rim Land plans to build an $8 million light industrial subdivision in Waikapu.
The 31-acre lot along Waiko Road would be subdivided to create 41 lots ranging in size from 10,000 square feet to 78,000 square feet, according to a final environmental assessment recently filed by landowner Waiko Industrial Investment LLC.
The Maui Planning Commission recently issued a "finding of no significant impact" based on the project's final environmental review.
Pacific Rim Land President John Zapotocky is listed as vice president of Waiko Industrial Investment's parent company, which is also incorporated in Washington state.
The company's consultant, Wailuku-based V. Bagoyo Development Consulting Group, was authorized to pursue the needed land use approvals for the project, according to a letter filed with the environmental assessment.
Vince Bagoyo said the industrial subdivision is still in the early planning phase, and added that, to proceed, he needs to seek a community plan amendment, a zoning change from agricultural to light industrial and a state land use district amendment designation from agricultural to urban.
Bagoyo noted that the property has been included in the proposed urban-growth boundaries of the draft Maui Island Plan under review by the Maui County Council.
The proposed site is a U-shaped lot that wraps around the existing Consolidated Baseyard light industrial park on Waiko Road.
The company bought the land from Alexander & Baldwin two years ago, and says it hasn't been used for agriculture in recent years. Most of the property is used as horse pasture, with 4 acres used as a permitted construction equipment and material storage facility, according to the environmental assessment.
The project's market study says there is strong demand for reasonably priced industrial lots in Central Maui.
Proposed site improvements, which could cost up to $10 million, include building a drainage system, internal roadways, utilities and a private wastewater system.
The subdivision would use existing privately owned wells in the neighboring Consolidated Baseyard for water.
In commenting on the project's environmental review, the Department of Planning's Long Range Division said it supports the location of the proposed subdivision.
"The proposed project falls within the proposed urban-growth boundaries of the draft Maui Island Plan, and thus conforms to an island growth strategy that encourages development of land in proximity to major work and employment centers and existing infrastructure," said Simone Bosco, senior planner with the division.
* Nanea Kalani can be reached at nkalani@mauinews.com.
