NBA coach awaits land-use ruling on Maui
WAILUKU » Golden State Warriors basketball coach Don Nelson is finding operating a wedding and vacation rental business on Maui is no slam-dunk.
The Maui Planning Commission recommended Tuesday against Nelson's request to operate a shorefront vacation house rental on apartment-zoned land in Maalaea.
The Nelson Trust's request is going to the Maui County Council for a final decision.
Meanwhile, Nelson's request to operate a wedding business on an adjacent parcel, including parking for 20 vehicles, is also awaiting Council action.
The Planning Commission made no recommendation on the wedding business before sending it to the Council.
According to the Maui Planning Department, Nelson began operating his vacation rental in Maalaea in 2002, and the wedding business began a little later.
Nelson's trust has two other transient vacation rentals, in Paia and Kihei, and their applications are being processed.
A number of owners at neighboring condominiums have complained about the noise from his Maalaea businesses, including music.
"This kind of activity should be conducted in areas that are zoned for business," Maalaea condominium owner Jeanne Paty said in a letter to the commission.
"My long-term tenant is currently suffering from a back injury and must have bed rest as part of her recovery and to regain her health," Paty said. "Certainly this does not permit partying, music, and louder than residential noise."
Maalaea resident Richard Eylander said in a letter that he and his wife bought their condominium in a noncommercial area to avoid the noise.
Eylander said while his condominium does not allow amplified music, he and his wife have had to listen to music coming from Nelson's property.
"Not only is it loud, it is not music I particularly enjoy," Eylander said.
Eylander said he understands that there have been attempts to keep the music down and turn it off at reasonable hours.
"However, enforcing these rules with a group that has been partying all day is like trying to stop a runaway train. It simply isn't done," Eylander said.
Planning Director Jeffrey Hunt said Nelson voluntarily ceased operation of his vacation rental in January, and county enforcement officers worked with Nelson to bring the use of a wedding business into compliance while accommodating those who made prior reservations.