Pulehunui Master Plan Encompasses Potential Prison Site

Pulehunui. Image by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A public informational meeting will be held later this month to discuss preparations of a master plan for the district of Pulehunui on Maui.

The meeting will be hosted by State Senator Roz Baker, and will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, August 27, 2012, at the Kihei Community Center.

“It is important that the public have accurate information on planning that may ultimately impact their communities as well as have the opportunity early in the process to offer any comments, concerns or get initial questions answered,” said Sen. Baker, whose Senate district encompasses the lands in question.

“Along with Representatives George Fontaine and Angus McKelvey, we hope that members of our community will attend the informational meeting to learn more about the plans for this area and contribute to the master plan process,” said Sen. Baker.

The master plan area includes the lands encompassing the old Puunene Airport and Naval Air Station, which lies southeast of Puunene and north of Kihei.

Current uses in the area include the Army National Guard Armory, HC&S cane lands, Hawaiian Cement operations and the county’s raceway and motor sports complex.

A number of state agencies initiated the master plan project and are working together for cost-sharing in the development of infrastructure such as water, sewer and other utilities as well as roadway improvements.

Sen. Baker said the joint effort for development of infrastructure will serve to benefit facilities development such as the Maui Regional Public Safety Complex, as well as other state facilities, and the county’s raceway and recreational park.

The various agencies participating in the process include the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the state Public Safety Department, and the state Department of Accounting and General Services, the Office of State Planning, and the County of Maui.

State and county representatives will be in attendance at the meeting and will provide a presentation on master planning efforts to date as well as receive public comments.

Light refreshments will be served.