Mayor Charmaine Tavares Proposes Purchase of Lower Waiehu Beach Park Using Open Space Fund

Mayor Charmaine Tavares’ proposal to purchase Lower Waiehu Beach Park for $75,000 with the Open Space Fund received early support from the County Council. The County Council passed a resolution last week authorizing the land purchase. Lower Waiehu Beach Park, which comprises 1.65 acres of property, is bordered by the Waiehu Golf Course and a County park.

Photo of L. Waiehu Beach Park courtesy County of Maui.

“I appreciate the Council’s support of this proposal as it went through First Reading,” Mayor Tavares said. “The County’s acquisition of Lower Waiehu Beach Park is a critical step in preserving this area as a public park for our residents to enjoy for generations to come. It’s a great opportunity to be able to preserve open space for our public at a cost that’s reasonable. Thanks to the assistance of the private landowner, we have been able to purchase the land at a significantly discounted price for the community’s benefit. This is a win-win for everyone.”

The purchase price of $75,000 is significantly lower than the appraised value of $344,000, the value determined by ACM Consultants, Inc., which prepared the land appraisal for the County.

The County currently manages the property as a County park under an agreement with the landowner, C. Brewer and Company, Ltd. However, C. Brewer had indicated to the County that it intends to dissolve by the end of the year and could not guarantee that the park would be maintained for public use by another private owner.

A bill appropriating monies from the Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Scenic Views Preservation Fund for the land purchase passed first reading by the County Council last Tuesday, but must still pass second and final reading before the County can purchase the property.