What is the Real Situation with the Kanaha Building?

by Mike Moran

Now that this topic has been addressed in a May 27 article, it seems even more incredible. The planning commission says no significant impact for a six-story, 93-foot building to be constructed at Kanaha Pond abutting the wildlife refuge, a designated National Natural Landmark, upon pile-driven beams slammed into the wetland base in the tsunami evacuation zone. How about impact on the three endangered bird species or on the view corridor or traffic on Hana Highway?

Do community plans mean anything? The 2002 Wailuku-Kahului one states, “Protect shoreline wetland resources and flood plain areas as valuable natural systems and open space resources. These natural systems are important for flood control, as habitat area for wildlife, and for various forms of recreation. Future development actions should emphasize flood prevention and protection of the natural landscape” and “drainage channels should not be used for building sites but rather for public open space.” Do the commissioners consider this?

Is there truly a shortage of office space in Central Maui? It certainly doesn’t seem so when one travels around the area. I thought the cause of the doctor shortage on Maui was the lower rural rates paid by Medicare and the high cost of malpractice insurance. You mean they just can’t find an office? What is the real situation with this out-of-place building?