Maui Discussion
Politicians Enter Battle Over Planned Kihei Malls
This is a controversy that will not go away and it looks like Kihei may be in for a long hot summer of administrative hearings, legal action and an aroused community determined to stop the development.
OPINION: Gay Marriage – Go All the Way
“Hawaii’s civil union law was a milestone for gay rights in the aloha state, but it should never be the finish line.”
Kihei “Giganta” Mall Opposed at Meeting
Resistance to the planned Piilani Promenade mall in Kihei appears to be intensifying as residents met Tuesday night to discuss the matter.
OPINION: Marijuana Can Fix Our Economy
“We’ve got a hole in our budget, and the perfect substance to pack it with.”
POLL: “How Should Cane Field Lands Be Used?”
This poll is to allow Mauians to highlight their preferences for how the land might be used in the event that (food) sugar production ceased.
OPINION: EPA Maui Hearing an Expensive Farce
EPA officials and their colleagues from the state Department of Health got an earful from angry Mauians protesting open cane burning.
New “Short Term Rentals” Law Explained
Maui’s new short-term rental housing ordinance is supposed to allow “small businesses to benefit from tourism.” But there are many caveats. Here is a breakdown.
LETTER: Benefit For Maui’s Peggy Kan Hai
“I would like to introduce you to Peggy Kan Hai. A woman with a heart big enough to love the world.”
HC&S Energy Plans: Big Opportunities, New Risks
HC&S’s ambitious plans in renewable energy are cast in a setting of many new risks and unknowns.
Maui’s Energy Future Comes Into Focus
As Maui’s energy future comes info focus, Maui Now begins a series of articles on what’s coming next in fuels and renewables, and the people who are making it happen.
OPINION: Teacher Evaluation Plan is Nonsense
“Educators should definitely be held accountable for their student’s level of achievement. But beware, for there is a fine line between useful assessment and useless paperwork…”
Economic Outlook Shows Signs of Improvement
Tourism is leading Hawaii out of the recession, visitor arrivals and state tax collections are strong. Jobs not so much.
Answers Provided on Maui’s Electric Car Question
Maui Now test drove the Nissan Leaf at the April 27 EVA conference, and found it smooth, fast and comfortable – a car in every respect, except that it’s totally silent and it doesn’t use gas.
POLL: Should Hirono Debate Now?
Opponents and Hawaii’s media have criticized US Rep. Mazie Hirono’s lack of participation in political debates for the 2012 election. What do you think?
POLL: Vacation Rental Bills – Why?
What do you think is going on with the proposed vacation rental bills? Vote now to have your say.
ReWailuku Update – Old Town, New Vision
Wailuku residents got an update on planning efforts for their town in a report that called for an urban grocery, more parking and a town where “you could walk everywhere.”
Gut Hawaii’s Environmental Laws to Make Construction Jobs?
Senate Bill 755 is one of the most controversial measures now before the Hawaii State Legislature. Critics say it guts environmental laws. Supporters say it’s a jobs bill that will get public works going again.
Maui County Budget 2013 – Final Call for Review
The 2013 Maui County Budget with revenues and expenses estimated at $626.8 million is now being reviewed by the County Council. Mauians are encouraged to comment on the financial document in April.
Senator Baker Comments on ‘Vacation Rental Bills’ Controversy
“This version HB2078, SD2 gets rid of the requirement that owners living out of state or on another island use a licensed rental agent to manage their properties.”
LETTER: Condo Owner Objects to Vacation Rental Bills
“…So in some convoluted way, they decided that if they forced non-resident owners, like myself, to hire licensed property managers to manage our condos, somehow they’d catch the tax cheats.”
