A Draft Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact was filed for an 11 acre affordable housing project proposed for development in Waiehu, Maui.

The project site was formerly used for agricultural cultivation by Wailuku Agribusiness. According to the DEA, “The subject parcel was previously used for sugar cane and more recently, the growing and harvesting of macadamia nuts. The northwestern boundary of the property borders the makai side of the Kahekili Highway at the intersection of Waiehu Beach Road and the eastern boundary abuts the Waiehu Heights residential community.”

The Hale Mahaolu Ke Kahua Affordable Housing Community is proposed to be developed as an affordable housing project under the provisions of Chapter 2.97 of the Maui County Code, which outlines residential workforce housing policy.

According to the document, the proposed project will be 100% affordable, providing rental housing for residents earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income and will be developed in cooperation with Hale Mahaolu.

The project will consist of 120 multi-family residential units, housed in 13 2-story buildings, including 28 1-bedroom units, 60 2-bedroom units, and 32 3-bedroom units, as well as a 3,477 square foot non-profit building, a 3,231 square foot clubhouse, landscaping, and related improvements.

A total of 264 parking stalls and two loading stalls will also be provided. Access to the project site is proposed via three driveway entrances off Kahekili Highway.

According to the document, “Construction of the proposed project will commence upon the MCC Chapter 2.97 approval by the Maui Council and upon receipt of building permit approval. The project is anticipated to be completed in 16 months. Total cost of the proposed project is estimated to be $33.5 million.”

Comments on the DEA (AFNSI) are due by Oct. 25, 2021 to the approving agency with a copy to the applicant and consultant.

• Approving Agency: County of Maui, Department of Housing and Human Concerns Lori Tsuhako, 808-270-7351, director.hhc@mauicounty.gov 2200 Main St., Suite 546, Wailuku, HI 96793
• Applicant: Waiehu Housing, LP, 330 West Victoria St., Gardena, CA 90248, Monte Heaton, 424-258-2910, monte.heaton@housingpartners.com
• Consultant: Munekiyo Hiraga, 305 High St., Suite 104, Wailuku, HI 96793 Chris Sugidono, 808-244-2015, planning@munekiyohiraga.com

The full document is available for viewing online.