Committee to Discuss Directed Growth Plan in July

General Plan Committee Chair Gladys Baisa file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Maui County Council’s General Plan Committee will conduct meetings next month on proposed directed growth boundaries.

The first will be held on July 5 and will focus on the Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula areas.  Another meeting is planned for July 10, to discuss growth boundaries in Haiku and Paia.  Both meetings begin at 9 a.m. in the Council Chamber.

The review of the Makawao, Pukalani, and Kula portions of the directed growth plan began last week.

Committee Chair Gladys C. Baisa noted that a combined six hours of testimony were received on June 12 and 14, with deliberations beginning on June 19.

“Given the amount of public interest and the tough decisions facing the Committee, the Committee simply needs additional time to complete its review of these areas,” said Baisa in a statement. “Going forward, it is essential for the Committee to take every opportunity to meet so that the Committee can give a sound recommendation to the Council in a timely manner,” she said.

Baisa said members are, “committed to seeing the Maui Island Plan process through by the end of the year.”

She encouraged concerned property owners to submit written testimony, and to testify.

“We are making difficult decisions on landmark legislation that will have long-lasting effects on the residents of this County,” she said. “I can’t stress enough how important public input is to the Committee’s process.”

*** Supporting information courtesy County of Maui.