Smart Development is
Close to Jobs, Schools
And Doesn't Cause Traffic Jams

It is encouraging to see Kahului town being revitalized.

The Kulanaa'o campus apartments for Maui Community College students and the A&B Residences at Aina O Kane are great examples of the type of development Maui needs presently and in the future.

These projects are close to existing infrastructure, employment opportunities, educational and recreation facilities. This type of pedestrian-friendly environment will encourage walking, biking and the use of public transportation.

In fact, it has been estimated that the average working couple can save up to $1,000 per month when housing is in close proximity to employment and schools!

Our community will enjoy better health and more time with our families when these mixed-use projects are built within existing urban growth boundaries. Mahalo to all those involved.

Kai Nishiki
Haiku

In an article on the Olowalu and Pulelehua Developments, Kai said,

Maui County Council candidate Kai Nishiki said she was concerned that existing infrastructure wouldn't be able to handle so much new growth. Highways are already clogged with traffic, beach parks are bursting, and schools are so overwhelmed that some classes have had to meet in tents, she said.

"If 6,000 new housing units are added to West Maui, that could mean an additional 2,000 school-age children," she said, noting that only one project, Pulelehua, has proposed including a new school.

She asked planning commissioners to look at locating any new development close to jobs, noting long commutes - like the trip she makes several days a week from Haiku to Honokowai - are hard on families.

"I leave my kids before they wake up, and by the time I get home, they've already gone to bed," she said.