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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, May 1, 2001

Coalition prevents Waimea Minit Stop

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

WAIMEA, Hawai'i — A Maui developer has agreed to sell a half-acre parcel in Waimea to a coalition of nonprofit interests, ending a two-year controversy over plans to build a 24-hour gas station and convenience store on the lot.

Many in the community opposed plans for the gas station/convenience store in Waimea's "Church Row," which includes 'Imiola Congregational Church, built in 1832, and popular Cherry Tree Park.

The $500,000-plus acquisition was put together by Peter Young, former head of the Waimea Community Association who now serves in the administration of Mayor Harry Kim as deputy managing director for West Hawai'i.

"He's the hero," said Fred Chaffee, a research astronomer and director of the Keck Observatory, which has its base facilities immediately west of the vacant lot.

Keck will contribute $270,000 toward the land purchase, with the balance coming from an interest-free refundable grant from the Atherton Foundation. The Kukio Community Foundation will serve as guarantor for the grant.

Developer Jim "Kimo" Haynes, who owns a chain of Minit Stop stores on Maui and one at Kawaihae on the Big Island, bought the 23,000-square-foot property in 1999 from Maryl Realty of Kona for $510,000. Maryle had acquired it from Parker Ranch two months earlier for $371,500.

Under the sale arrangement forged by Young, Haynes will make his money back plus $10,000 in costs incurred toward developing the site.

"Everyone is walking away happy," said Young, who credited Haynes for not seeking any profit in the deal.

Haynes is reported to be in Europe and could not be contacted for comment.

Chaffee said the future use of the vacant lot is uncertain. Patti Cook, a businesswoman who worked with Young and others to block the Minit Stop, said community leaders envision a community science center that focuses on astronomy and marine sciences.