As residents of Maui grapple with the prospects of the Mākena Mauka housing project, a controversial plan proposing the development of approximately 1,000 acres into a mixed residential area, community members voice their skepticism. Vernon Kalanikau, an area resident, raised a pivotal question that cuts to the core of the debate: "My concern is, who are these homes going to be for? Is this for us or for somebody else? Kinda smells like it's not for us, especially in that area," he told KITV. The concern is not unfounded considering the development’s location within the affluent Mākena Golf and Beach Club and the prediction that the majority of the units would be sold at market rate.
Nevertheless, the development's proponents have made commitments to include community benefits in the project plan. According to Maui Now, Mākena Mauka will incorporate public amenities such as beach parking areas, walking and bicycling paths, and open space areas reserved for conservation. However, concerns about water availability persist, with Kalanikau questioning if there is enough water for the proposed homes, and the current infrastructure including only a Board of Water Supply tank holding 1.5 million gallons of water nearby.
The development's scale has triggered deep-seated worries about the possible disturbance to cultural sites as well. Kalanikau speculated, "They're (developers) bound to find historical features mauka of this parcel, just like how they found on the golf course," he shared with KITV. Developer Brad Anderson responded by emphasizing the importance of community feedback, stating, "We are just beginning this process for Mākena Mauka, so please share input on this issue and any other topics of interest," remarks added during the recent scoping meetings.
It's clear that the Mākena Mauka development represents a future that not all residents can envision for their community. With markets driving prices and developers dictating terms, Mākena stands at a crossroads of development and conservation, tradition and change. Like the land itself, the hearts and minds of the local people are fertile ground for questioning whether the proposed development will serve the community's needs or those of incomers with disparate dreams.
