Valley Isle could get
Costco gas pumps
WAILUKU » Costco on Maui is planning to open a retail gasoline outlet on the southwest corner of its property near the Kahului Airport.
Maui Costco Wholesale Gas Station plans to operate six dispensers, including 12 fueling stations.
Gasoline prices at retail outlets on Maui have generally been among the highest in the state -- about $2.58 for self-service regular unleaded. Oahu and Kona Costco pumps boast lower posted prices than competing stations on their respective islands, but discount networks on the Big Island offer prices that are competitive with Costco.
The Kirkland, Wash., retailer has filed an application for a special management area permit with the Maui Planning Department. The Maui Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to review the application in August.
Costco said it feels a traffic impact study for its gasoline outlet is unwarranted because new traffic will be minimal.
It said it expected 22 new inbound and outbound vehicles daily on weekdays and 23 inbound and 25 outbound vehicles on Saturdays.
The firm said it will be removing 55 parking stalls to develop the gasoline outlet but still will have 675 parking stalls, seven more than required by the county.
The construction of the outlet, estimated to cost $750,000, is expected to be completed in two months after the firm receives its permits.