Deal kills Waimea
gas station plan

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By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

WAIMEA, Hawaii >> A science center is planned to replace a controversial proposed gas station in an agreement among the landowner, the Waimea Community Association and three charitable organizations.

Once known as a ranch center, Waimea also became a science town when Canadian- French-Hawaii and Keck observatories located their headquarters there. Controversy boiled up two years ago when the landowner, Maui businessman Jim Haynes, proposed a gas station on a half-acre between the Keck headquarters and historic Church Row.

The Waimea Community Association said it was the wrong site because an attached store would sell liquor and because the site on a curve of the town's main street would be dangerous.

The community association announced a solution yesterday in which charitable organizations will provide $520,000 to buy the property where a science center is now planned. Patti Cook, an association spokeswoman, said the money will cover Haynes' $510,000 purchase cost plus $10,000, probably less than Haynes has spent seeking permits.

Under the agreement Keck will grant $270,000. The Atherton Family Foundation will make a no-interest loan of $250,000, to be repaid by the community. The Kukio Community Foundation will guarantee repayment to Atherton.

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Hawaii County