Maui builders attack proposal

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILUKU, Maui — Scores of construction workers, developers, landowners and union representatives came out in force yesterday to speak out against a proposed moratorium on development in West and South Maui.

While members of the Maui County Council didn't spike the idea, most were careful to avoid uttering the "M" word as they referred the proposal to their Committee of the Whole.

Two bills establishing a moratorium were introduced by first-term Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson, who is concerned about Maui's growing traffic problem.

The bills' intent is to give Mayor James "Kimo'' Apana's administration time to prepare transportation planning models for West Maui as required by county laws passed in 1988 and 1989. These laws, which were never implemented, require roadway master plans and "a system for determining traffic impact fees.''

Under Johnson's bills, there would be a halt in issuing building permits in West Maui until the transportation planning models are completed, or for one year — whichever is sooner. The construction of affordable housing and public facilities would be exempted.

For more than four hours yesterday, the council listened as the majority of a standing-room-only crowd lashed out at the moratorium.

"If the toilet is broken, you don't put a moratorium on the toilet paper. You fix the toilet,'' said Al Boteilho, owner of Yellow Macaw Construction in Wailuku. "I wish you would put this bill in the toilet.''

Of the 95 people who signed up to testify, more than 80 spoke in opposition. About 50 or so of them are employees of Maui contractor Goodfellow Brothers Inc. Some of the workers held signs that read "Don't stop prosperity'' and "Who will pay my bills?''

"This moratorium will have no immediate impact on the traffic, other than the elimination of jobs so people won't have to drive to work," said George Lee of the Maui Contractors Association.

Steven Suyat of the Hawai'i Carpenters Union said: "The construction industry will be crippled by this bill."

But Harry Alhadeff, a Kihei shop owner, urged the council to enact the moratorium, saying something should be done to address the traffic and its potential affect on tourism.

"I'm really scared,'' he said. "Every day, I talk to people who say they aren't coming back.''

Judith Michaels added that she views the proposed moratorium as nothing more than a short period to regroup after steady growth on the island.

"Even if you're having a great game, you take a time-out to figure out what you're going to do next. We need a time-out to address the runaway development,'' she said.

Councilwoman Charmaine Tavares said the anti-moratorium message was heard "loud and clear.''

Councilman Dain Kane said he was more interested in getting the transportation models completed.

Correction: Maui Councilwoman Jo Anne Johnson has proposed a moratorium on development in the West and South Maui areas. Some information was omitted from a previous version of this story.