Reproduced with the permission of the Lahaina News, 8/18/97:
BY MARK VIETH
Editor
KAANAPALI -- Residents aired concerns about the impact of a time share at North Beach during a Maui Planning Commission tour of the area Monday.
Commissioners came to Kaanapali to review the shoreline management plan established in a 1988 county permit to subdivide North Beach into hotel lots.
A handful of residents came along, and expressed concerns about accessing the beach, traffic generated by new resorts, damage to reefs and other issues.
Amfac Maui and Ka'anapali Ownership Resorts L.P. have applied to the commission for a Special Management Area Permit to build a 280-unit time share next to Kahekili Park.
Speaking on Amfac's behalf, consultant Mike Munekiyo said the shoreline plan ensures that as each lot is developed, there is evaluation of drainage, dune erosion and other issues. He said the company is trying to do what's best from an environmental standpoint.
Environmental consultants also spoke about wetlands (there is only one near The Mahana, which will be preserved), and the importance of preserving the dunes as a natural buffer.
Commissioner Moana Anderson bristled when she learned that primary access to North Beach will be from parks at the ends of the beach.
"How will I take my three children to the beach? There is not enough parking at this site as it is for the entire West Side community," she said.
"We cannot just have lateral access -- show me a plan where the public can access the beach legally. The beach belongs to us."
Pua Lindsey of Lahaina said she would like to see a Hawaiian cultural park at North Beach, to benefit the community and Amfac. She also asked that North Beach be called its original name, Keka'a.
Hannah Bernard of the Hawaii Wildlife Fund said that if North Beach is developed, much of the reef fronting the parcel will be dead or degraded.
" I am not willing to stand by and accept that one more reef will be destroyed," she said.
Members of the Maui County Council asked the commission to tour North Beach, and then consider the potential impact of the time share.
Psy 412 Miami University. Last revised: Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 23:56:26. This document has been accessed 886 times since July 15, 1997. Comments & Questions to R. Sherman .