MNHCoC Features “Waikapū’s Future, an Evening with Mike Atherton”

The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce announced that local developer Mike “Coach” Atherton will be the feature speaker at the June general meeting as he discusses his plans and vision for the Waikapū Country Town. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Maui Tropical Plantation-Tram Station in Waikapū.

Mike Atherton. Photo Courtesy

Atherton is a developer and co-owner of Maui Tropical Plantation, he moved to Maui a decade ago and invested in the community with the purchase of 2,000 acres which included Maui Tropical Plantation. Since the purchase, he has worked with county and the community to help bring his dream for a “complete and entire community,” to Maui residents.

The Waikapū Country Town is panned to include 1,000 single-family and 433 multi-family units, and when finished, will encompass offices, shops, parks, a school and around 1,000 acres of agricultural land.

Development and plans of the project calls for it to be built in two five-year phases through 2026. “Waikapū used to be a town,” Atherton said. “We’re giving residents a chance to get their identity back.”

“Mike Atherton has been a long standing and generous supporter of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce” said Teri Freitas Gorman, president of the MNHCoC. “Growth is inevitable but responsible growth imperative. It’s important for our members to hear Mikes’ vision for Waikapū Country Town and what it will mean for island-born people who so badly need a community where working families can afford to live. We encourage everyone to come, listen, and question.”

A Hawaiian dinner will be provided by Dani’s Catering with no-host cocktails and networking to begin at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. RSVP and pay in advance online or call Shirley Blackburn at (808) 757-3045 to pay by phone. Deadline for RSVPs is Sunday, June 18.

This is also the annual meeting for all MNHCoC members to elect new board members. Voting and installation of new MNHCoC Board Members at Large will be conducted during the dinner.