HONOLULU (AP) — Maui residents are voicing their opposition to a planned development along the island’s north shore that would bring new housing units and businesses to the city of Paia.
Hundreds of people gathered at a community center Monday to protest the plan, Hawaii News Now reported.
They shared concerns that the development will clog streets with traffic and overrun a local surf spot with tourists.
“We already have bad traffic in Paia as it is already. North Shore is horrible with traffic and we can’t handle it already. This influx is just crazy,” resident Valerie Toro said.
Technology, Education, Agriculture, Community and Health Development LCC is repurposing and renovating an abandoned school building on a 23-acre lot.
TEACH CEO Mark Chasan said he has plans to build a Hawaiian cultural immersion center and incorporate agriculture at the site. He wants it to be an educational opportunity for children.
“It’s about having a place where kids can get education that’s practical. So they’ll learn about biology on the farm. Geometry by designing and building buildings. They’ll learn about physics by actually working with plumbing and electricity,” Chasan said.
But some residents don’t see it that way and see the development as an intrusion on their community.
“It would be really meaningful if TEACH would pack up and leave,” said resident Kamalani Pahukoa.
The Office of Economic Development plans to meet with the developer to determine how to proceed.