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Maui park raises
impact concerns

Kihei residents praise its value
but worry about its impact
on adjoining areas

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By Gary Kubota
Star-Bulletin

KIHEI, Maui -- South Maui residents expressed both support and worry about a proposed 29-acre "family educational theme park" at a presentation before the Kihei Community Association last night.

While residents praised the educational and research value of the Maui Nui Park, some who live near the proposed park worried about the impact on adjoining neighborhoods.

"What are you going to do about the noise?" asked resident Dale Green, treasurer of the Kihei Resort.

Charles Maxwell said he was worried about the archaeological treatment of the site, on sandy land above Suda Store. "There are known burials throughout the area," and the site also has an underwater stream, which is the home of a legendary moo, or lizard, Maxwell said.

Kihei teacher Joy Gaston spoke of her students' excitement in learning about the proposed park, especially the proposed relocation of the Dolphin Institute from Oahu to the park.

"We need something like this for our children," Gaston said.

Lloyd Sueda, a Maui Nui Park official, said the proposal was still in the planning stage and that more studies need to be completed before he could respond to some questions.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation wants to develop the 29-acre site as a complex with a variety of businesses, including a 120,000-square-foot air-conditioned mall, education and sports facilities, wedding waterfall and chapel, and 800 to 900 parking stalls. Foundation officials hope to attract about 1,500 to 2,000 visitors a day.

The Foundation would have to get a number of permits before moving forward with the project, including a shoreline permit. A public hearing before the Maui Planning Commission is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11. at the Kihei Community Center.

Under the Weinberg ownership, three previous developments have been proposed for the site, including a complex with large retail stores, a safari village with a zoo, and a rain forest village.

The proposed theme park had the support of some Kihei residents because of the relocation of the Dolphin Institute to the park and plans to start an educational outreach program in the schools.

Some Institute people said the relocation will help expand their research and provide a better home for their four research dolphins.

Institute President Louis Herman, a professor at the University of Hawaii, said the one-acre lagoon at Maui Nui Park will be five times the size of the dolphins' present habitat.

"We think it will be a very exciting prospect," Herman said.

Some residents questioned the need for the Institute. Pacific Whale Foundation President Greg Kaufman raised questions about whether there would be duplication in services.

"Why do we have to end up with Maui Nui Park?" Kaufman asked.