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Maui’s Hamoa Beach makes Dr. Beach List of top 10

May 28th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

Maui’s Hamoa Beach on the East end of the island was ranked ninth on the 20th annual survey of Top Beaches released by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach.  The professor from Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research selected the beaches on the list based on various factors including water and sand quality, safety, and environmental management.

Hamoa Beach in East Maui ranked among top 10 in the nation. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The crescent shaped Hamoa Beach is located in a breached volcanic crater in East Maui, and features a mixture of coral and lava sand rimmed by cliffs and vegetation.  Also making the list was Waikiki’s Kahanamoku Beach on the island of Oahu that was ranked number six on this year’s list.  Topping the list was Coopers Beach on the east end of Long Island, New York.

Other top contenders were number 2, Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida; number 3, Coronado Beach in San Diego, California; number 4, Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina; number 5, Main Beach in East Hampton, New York; number 7, Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts; number 8, Beachwalker Park in Kiawah Island, South Carolina; and number 10, Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida.

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Maui County Hurricane and Tsunami evacuation survey to be released

May 28th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

A survey asking Maui, Molokai, and Lanai residents about actions they would take during a hurricane or tsunami will be mailed to randomly selected households in June.  The survey is sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Civil Defense and will be conducted by SMS Research.  Survey results will be used in preparedness and response planning for hurricanes, tsunami events, and other hazards.

Image Courtesy Pacific Disaster Center. To find out if you live in a tsunami evacuation zone, visit the PDC mapping site at: http://www.pdc.org/iweb/tsunami_zones.jsp and type in your address.

Families, care home operators, homeless shelter operators, and hotels may receive phone calls and mailers regarding this survey as well.  Participation is voluntary but encouraged by Civil Defense officials.

“Having a better idea of what people will do during an emergency will improve evacuation and emergency shelter plans,” according to Major General Robert G. F. Lee, Director of Civil Defense.  “Data gathered in this survey could help in deciding number of shelter spaces and give first responders and shelter managers a better idea of what to expect,” said Lee.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares expressed the importance of the survey saying, “It’s one way that we can become better prepared, and the results will go a long way should a disaster impact our islands. Planning for our county’s disaster response and recovery needs is more effective when there’s information available that is specific to our neighborhoods,” said Tavares.

The Hurricane and Tsunami Evacuation Survey has been sent out for City and County of Honolulu, Kauai, and the Big Island. 

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Top bid of $55 million submitted in Makena Resort Foreclosure Auction

May 28th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

Wells Fargo Bank submitted the highest bid today at the court-ordered public foreclosure auction of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort.  Wells Fargo Bank is the trustee for the mortgage lending trust that foreclosed on the property last year. It’s bid was for $55 million.

Photo courtesy: Makena Beach & Golf Resort.

The lending trust is owed more than $192.5 million in principal plus interest and other costs on its mortgage loan, but did not have to bid more at the auction because the highest competing bid was $50 million. There were a total of two bidders.

Real estate developer and broker Christopher Lau, the commissioner appointed by the court, conducted the auction and the sale now moves to a confirmation hearing before Second Circuit Judge Shackley F. Raffetto.

Mr. Lau explained, “There was a huge amount of interest in the property. I spent hundreds of hours these past few months introducing potential investors from all over the world to the property. In the end, though, the economy remains uncertain and in this environment no one was prepared to bid anything close to what the mortgage lender is owed.”  The mortgage loan represented a fraction of the over $400 Million of total debt that the current owners had taken out to acquire and develop the property.

“Makena is a special place and we are committed to a smooth transition to stable new ownership,” said Barry Sullivan, attorney for the mortgage lender. “As we said when this process started, The Makena Beach & Golf Resort will remain open and the community can count on that fact.”

Willie Kennison, Maui director for the ILWU that represents the majority of employees at the Resort, responded to the news today saying, “They reached out to us from the start of this entire process and we appreciate that they are committed to Makena just as we are.”

In September 2009, a court-appointed receiver, Miles Furutani, was installed to oversee the property, and Benchmark Hospitality International took over operations.  New activities that have been introduced include “Makena Vista”, an outdoor event space, horseback riding at “Makena Ranch,” and updated restaurants, including “Zen-Zen”.

“Our occupancy has nearly doubled from a year ago and we are looking forward to a very strong summer season,” said Kelly Lewis, the resort’s general manager.  “Our group and individual business has shown strength across the board. The Resort is open for business, will stay open for business, and we look forward to welcoming kama`aina and guests from around the world to this truly special place,” said Lewis.

The Makena Beach & Golf Resort, formerly known as the Maui Prince Hotel, is a 310-room hotel on 1,800 acres located on the southwestern coast of Maui. It was owned by a joint venture between affiliates of Everett Dowling and a Morgan Stanley real estate fund. The mortgage lender began foreclosure on the property in August of 2009.

A date has not yet been set for the court confirmation hearing but is expected within the next 45 days.

(Related MauiNOW archived stories:

April 29, 2010—Makena Beach & Golf Resort foreclosure auction, May 28

February 8, 2010 – Judge orders Makena Beach & Golf Resort to be sold at auction)

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100 Maui projects included in statewide list to create jobs and stimulate economy

May 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

Governor Linda Lingle today announced that the State has advanced more than $1.8 billion in capital improvement projects (CIP) statewide, exceeding the original goal of her Administration’s plan to accelerate public infrastructure construction to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Over the past 17 months, the State has successfully opened bids for, awarded contracts for or started construction on 827 capital improvement projects totaling $1,851,513,340.

Funding for the Hana Ramp and Wharf in East Maui is among the projects pending approval. Proposed work includes improvements to the revetment/boat ramp and ADA barrier removal. Photo by Wendy OSHER.

The list includes 100 Maui projects totaling $283,318,510. Maui specific projects and descriptions can be found at the following link. http://hawaii.gov/gov/cip/maui/madept.pdf

The original 18-month plan focused on 1,500 capital improvement projects totaling $1.8 billion which were previously budgeted and approved by the Legislature. While the State has focused on these 1,500 projects, the State has expanded its plan to include 2,470 construction projects, totaling $4,621,269,610.

“We remain focused on working collaboratively with the construction industry, trade unions and counties to help revitalize our economy and create jobs,” said Governor Lingle. “This comprehensive and aggressive capital improvement plan is a key component of moving our state forward, and investing in the modernization of our public infrastructure, buildings and facilities.”

The State estimates the projects have generated approximately 23,884 direct and indirect jobs statewide in the construction industry and other related sectors. This is based on a Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism formula which estimates that for every million dollars invested, 12.9 direct and indirect jobs are created.

The number of direct construction jobs created by the capital improvement projects is approximately 5,554. This is based on a formula used by the construction industry which estimates that for every million dollars, three direct construction jobs are created.

Projects Advancing by Department # of Projects Cost

Department of Accounting and General Services 161 $225,923,212

Department of Agriculture 8 $16,888,465

Department of Business, Econ Devel & Tourism 5 $11,980,233

Department of Defense 6 $4,036,800

Department of Education 375 $269,181,928

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands 26 $164,944,751

Department of Human Services 31 $53,086,441

Department of Land and Natural Resources 47 $67,357,085

Department of Transportation 82 $789,471,682

University of Hawai‘i 86 $248,642,743

Total 827 $1,851,513,340

Projects Advancing by Island # of Projects Cost

O‘ahu 491 $978,295,682

Hawai‘i 149 $431,665,970

Maui 100 $283,318,510

Kaua‘i 53 $108,063,444

Moloka‘i 21 $17,166,085

Lāna‘i 9 $16,398,233

Statewide projects 4 $16,605,416

Total 827 $1,851,513,340

Progress of all the capital improvement projects can be tracked on the Governor’s website at www.hawaii.gov/cip.

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Baldwin Principal placed on leave pending investigation

May 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

MauiNOW.com photo.

Baldwin High School Principal Natalie Gonsalves was placed on directed leave pending an investigation.  Department of Education District Superintendent Bruce Anderson said the action was taken on Thursday, May 20th, but details surrounding the investigation were not available for release.  Gonsalves has been the Principal at the school for four years.  Vice-Principal Philip Gilbert was placed on temporary assignment to handle duties as principal during the investigation.  Anderson said he is unsure how long the investigation will last.

MauiNOW.com Staff

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VIDEO: Compromise on East Maui Water met with mixed emotions

May 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ6iftc6pQQ[/youtube]

A decision was reached last night to partially restore stream flows to select waterways in East Maui.  The historic decision was met with mixed emotions and a call for compromise from some who had until last night, been firm in their approach for or against the sugar industry, and demands from sustainable practitioners.

“You took the whole fight away from one farmer versus another farmer and you put the battle to where it belongs, which is in the rivers,” said longtime cultural advocate Walter Ritte Jr. of Molokai. Photo by Wendy OSHER.

“I thought there was no room for compromise,” said longtime cultural advocate Walter Ritte Jr. of Molokai. “You took the whole fight away from one farmer versus another farmer and you put the battle to where it belongs, which is in the rivers.  You spoke for somebody that could not speak.  So I congratulate you guys,” said Ritte.

While some were satisfied with recommendations made, the decision was quickly met with opposition by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, which appeared on behalf of taro farmers who are fighting for a restoration of water for sustenance and stream life.

The state Commission on Water Resource Management decided to restore a total of 9.71 million gallons of water per day to 6 out of 19 East Maui streams under consideration.

HC&S General Manager Chris Benjamin expressed concerns over proposed reductions during his testimony on Tuesday.

Company officials expressed worries over economic impacts to its 800 employees if water reduced for sugar cane cultivation.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares meantime, advised commissioners against restrictive instream flow standards at the Waikamoi stream in particular, saying the severity of the impact would affect nearly 10,000 Upcountry water users.

The commission decided to restore 1.68 mgd to the Waikamoi stream in the wet season only.  Other streams getting partial restoration include Makapipi, Hanawi, Waiohue and west and East Wailuaiki. The commission decided to keep the 13 remaining East Maui Streams at status quo levels with no changes recommended from current usage.  Commission Chair Laura Thielen explained further mitigation measures that will be imposed.

The initial report from HC&S must be filed with the commission no later than September. The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation has 10 days to file its request in writing for a contested case hearing.

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HC&S facing future with less water for sugar

May 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

A historic decision was handed down on Tuesday that outlines in stream flow standards at 19 East Maui Streams. While water commission members saw it as a compromise, two of the main parties in the case have expressed concerns.

“We will keep trying our hardest to keep HC&S viable to enable this transition,” said General Manager Christopher Benjamin. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Attorneys for the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, representing taro farmers and subsistence water users, plan to file a request for a contested case hearing on the matter. Attorney Alan Murakami said it was difficult to account for the cultural suffering endured by loss of water, and urged members to refrain from issuing a ruling based on economic arguments.

On the other side of the issue, officials at Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company are fighting for continued use of water to sustain the sugar industry, which employs 800 people on Maui, and is recognized as the last sugar producer in the state.

HC&S General Manager Christopher Benjamin said the decision by the commission cannot be looked at in isolation. “It is yet another sizeable reduction in HC&S’ access to water, every day, that it needs to farm 35,000 acres of sugar cane on the Central Maui plain,” he said.

”An already challenging business has been made even more difficult,” said Benjamin who explained that yesterday’s decision is just one factor on top of a decision made by the commission in 2008 on five other East Maui streams, and a still-pending decision on Na Wai Eha that serves as a source of water for the Central, South and West Maui areas.

“That being said, we appreciate that the Commissioners recognized our higher irrigation needs in the summertime and responded to our proposal to compromise with seasonal releases of water,” said Benjamin.

Benjamin said the company supports the return of water to Makapipi Stream year-round for the Nahiku community. The stream was one of two that were granted annual restoration of water flow—the other was Hanawi. Out of the 19 streams considered under Tuesday’s decision, only six will benefit from varying levels of restoration. The others will keep flows at current status quo levels.

“HC&S has been making good progress in overcoming many challenges and has many reasons to be optimistic about our future, which will hopefully include biofuels,” said Benjamin. “We will keep trying our hardest to keep HC&S viable to enable this transition,” he said.

VIDEO from Tuesday’s (5/25/2010) Meeting:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ6iftc6pQQ[/youtube]

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VIDEO: Three Fire Fighting Vehicles added to Maui fleet

May 25th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ceePJDdN7s[/youtube]

Three fire department vehicles were blessed today with Hawaiian names reflective of the districts that they will serve.  The practice of naming the firefighting fleet in the Hawaiian tradition is unique to the county of Maui.

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Maui Fire Chief Jeff Murray tour discuss the features of the new mini pumper trucks and their ability to access narrow roads in Kula and Napili. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Tanker 3 which will be used to fight fire in the west Maui district was given the name Ma’a’a, a famous wind of the area that proved to be pleasant for chiefs who resided in the region.  Firefighter III Kyle Farm explained the mana’o behind the name, which also speaks of a brave, daring and bold nature.

The root word ‘a’a means “to meet a challenge,” and is reflective of the task that firefighters are faced with when they are deployed to protect life and property.

The Ma’a’a wind Farm said,  “moves over the Kahalawai, the West Maui Mountains, it goes out toward Lanai, and then because it’s so hot inland of Lahaina, it draws the wind back onshore.  It’s a very cooling breeze and it was enjoyed by the chiefs.”

“When you break down Ma’a’a, many of us know what ma’a means—to be familiar, to be accustomed to, to know something thoroughly.  And ‘a is a word used for fire or light.  Back in the days, in ka wa kahiko, the only light in Hawaii was in the sky, or fire.  The word for fire is ahi—‘a is light and hi is to push forward,” said Farm.

The Mini 11 truck will serve the district of Napili and was named Noweoula for a local of the region.  The literal translation is “scarlet red,” which refers tot the color of the light, consistent drizzle common in Napili.

The Mini 13 truck, which will serve the Kula district, was named Waiakoa meaning, “water of the warriors” and refers to a fresh water spring in Kula, said to have been a source of water for warriors in the area.

All three trucks were built by SVI Trucks of Loveland, Colorado and purchased with general county funds for a total price tag of $984,000.

“It’s always nice to come in and to a blessing of equipment that is going to give the department more and better tools to be able to do your jobs, which is to protect life and property,” said Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares.
”We are very proud of the fact that we were able to garner the funds to be able to get you the best equipment available,” said Tavares.

Tanker 3, Ma’a’a features a 2,000 gallon water tank, a 30 gallon foam tank, and a 500 gallon per minute pump with a compressed air and foam system.  The Mini 11 and Mini 13 trucks are capable of accessing narrow roads characteristic of the Kula and Napili regions.  Both are equipped with command lights, a 300 gallon water tank, 20 gallon foam tank and a 150 gallon per minute remote engine driven pump.

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Ching left off US World Cup roster

May 25th, 2010 by mauirican

By Fred Guzman

MauiNow.com

As a fan of the sport I was disappointed and more than slightly surprised that Hawaii’s Brian Ching was not included on Bob Bradley’s final 23-man roster for the US World Cup team.

Granted, Ching was coming off a hamstring injury, but the hard-working, hard-nosed forward played well earlier this week as a second-half substitute in a 4-2 exhibition loss to the Czech Republic.

Ching’s scrappiness, work rate and knack for scoring on half-chances gave the US a much-needed element. All of the other forwards are runners rather than fighters.

Sadly, this is Ching’s last shot at playing in the World Cup. He turned 32 on Monday and there’s no way he’ll be under consideration when the next WC rolls around in four years. Ching was the US roster four years ago, but never got on the field.

The US plays Saturday against Turkey in Philly before departing for SA. The US will play a friendly against Australia in on June 5 before playing England on June 12 in their Word Cup opener, and complete group play against Slovenia and Algeria.

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Decision made in East Maui water case

May 25th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

Water to six East Maui streams will be restored at varying levels, under a decision issued by the state Commission on Water Resource Management tonight (Tuesday, May 25, 2010). The commission also voted to keep instream flow standards at status quo levels at the remaining 13 East Maui streams under consideration. The decision was quickly met with opposition by the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp., which asked for protective order for a contested case hearing before the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

After eight hours that included testimony, presentations and deliberations, the state Commission on Water Resource Management decided to restore a total of 9.71 mgd to 6 out of 19 streams under consideration. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation has 10 days to file the request in writing. The Attorney General’s office with then advise the commission on how to proceed with a decision to be made on the matter in a future commission meeting.

Of the six streams granted water restoration, two will be restored based on an annual calculation with Makapipi stream to get 0.6 million gallons per day (mgd) restored, and Hanawi stream to get 0.06 mgd restored. Commission Chair Laura Thielen said the restoration, “is a nominal amount to create a wetted pathway for connectivity.”

Four other streams will be restored on a seasonal basis based on recommendations from either the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) or staff recommendations from the Commission on Water Resource Management (COWRM).

The Waikamoi stream, which serves the Upcountry area, will follow the smaller DAR figures with no restoration in the dry season, and 1.68 mgd restored during the wet season. Earlier in the evening, Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares advised commissioners against restrictive instream flow standards at Waikamoi. She said the severity of the impact would affect nearly 10,000 Upcountry water users including homes, small businesses, farmers, ranchers, 10 schools, 11 churches and three medical care facilities.

The West Wailuaiki, East Wailuaiki and Waiohue streams will follow the more conservative DAR recommendations in the dry season and the more generous COWRM recommendation for the wet season. The combined dry season restoration for the three streams is 0.45 mgd and 6.92 mgd in the wet season.

The commission also issued a series of recommendations to the County of Maui and to HC&S for monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Maui County will be tasked with repairing infrastructure in an effort to reduce waste. HC&S will have to update their documentation of any system loss from reservoirs, and report on the end use of water annually to the commission. The initial report must be filed with the commission no later than September of 2010.

“I want to thank the Maui Community for being so diligent and respectful through these entire proceedings,” said Thielen. I know it’s been a very emotional issue for the people here and it’s been many years in coming and you folks deserve a lot of credit for the community participation and involvement along the way,” she said.

Based on the decision, total restoration of water for the 19 streams under consideration is 9.71 mgd.

(Video and additional information to be posted here at MauiNOW.com on Wednesday morning, May 26, 2010)

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