It’s Always A Process

It’s been a long time coming, but one thing’s for sure—changes to Maui’s landscape are inevitable. On Tuesday, November 5^th, Kihei residents seemed more open and welcoming to a redesigned Piilani mix-use project. The proposed project resides on former ranch property in North Kihei, just down from the Shell gas station and Hitter’s Paradise (Kihei’s batting cages).  The overall upbeat attitude is a positive sign, as last time around, residents were not really pleased with the developer’s original plans for a 700,000 square feet outlet mall. This outrage led to a challenge at the State Land Use Commission.

Sarofim Realty, the Texas-based land owner, and their consultants presented a brand new conceptual plan for a revised $200 million Piilani Promenade project. The project is set to span over a 75 acre parcel of land that is mauka (mountain side) and east of Kaonoulu Road.

Drawing similarities to what developers call a “walkable community,” the first set of plans call for a 226 housing unit (25% will be affordable), a 2.5 acre park, retail, business and light industrial areas, pedestrian and bicycle pathways and infrastructure upgrades. Also, there is a proposed 1-million-gallon water tank for the project and South Maui, and highway improvements at the project’s entrance, at Piilani Highway and Kaonoulu Road.

Kihei Resident, Donna Rolens believes, “It’s nice; it’s not two megamalls…but we’ll see.” Rolens said that she still wanted to know more about the project’s traffic plans, noting that the Kihei High School will be built nearby.

Although the meeting was mostly conducted in high spirits, some glaring concerns still remain. Residents are still worried about the potential traffic problems, the size of the retail proposed, and the 1-million-gallon water tank that would be dedicated to the county.

However, these concerns of the citizens cannot be fully addressed due to the plans not being fully formalized, and retail space cannot be accounted for until tenants are found. Currently, the company is conducting environmental research with “working” numbers, with more detailed information to be provided during the entitlement process.

Project owner-representative Charles Jencks has decided work directly with the community in the project rather than have their former representatives, Eclipse Development Group on the job.

Jencks said that he hopes that the final environmental impact statement will be issued next year and aims to go through a community plan amendment process with the Maui Planning Commission and County Council. Jencks also believes that the project will generate an estimated 1500 jobs.

As of right now, the project is on schedule assuming all the kinks are worked out, and Kihei could have a new, desirable, and thriving neighborhood in its near future.

Contact a South Maui Real Estate Specialist

Please feel free to use me as your Maui Real Estate Specialist. I have grown up on Maui and spend a considerable amount of time out and about trying to keep up with what is current. Do not hesitate to call, send me an email, or shoot me a text. I am more than happy to answer all of your questions.

Aloha,