Posted on: Thursday, August 29, 2002

NBA coach seeking to restore Pa'ia landmark

Advertiser Staff and Associated Press

PA'IA, Maui — Don Nelson, coach and general manager of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, is awaiting county approval for renovations to a small commercial building that is a landmark in the former plantation town of Pa'ia.

Nelson, a part-time Maui resident who owns the former Kobayashi Service Station building, said the property will be renamed the Shops at Pa'ia and house three businesses, including an Internet cafe. Proposed improvements include rebuilding its trademark canopy, adding a balcony with a wooden railing, and installing a cobblestone-embossed concrete walking path.

"We want to keep the integrity of the building," Nelson said. "The preservation is respectful of the old Pa'ia look. We want to keep that but also give the people something nice to visit."

While Nelson wasn't sure how old the building is, there are photos of Kobayashi Service Station dated 1917.

The State Historic Preservation Division has opposed Nelson's plans, saying it would significantly alter the historical character of the building, and county Planning Department staff have said that some of the changes are contrary to the town's design guidelines.

The county's Planning Commission, Urban Design Review Board, Cultural Resources Commission and the Pa'ia Main Street Association have expressed support for the renovation.

Nelson's request for a minor special management area permit needs the approval of Planning Director John Min, who had not taken action on the matter as of yesterday.

Neighbor Jim Fuller, owner of Charley's Restaurant across the street from Nelson's property, said he's glad the Kobayashi building will be restored.

"I think (Nelson's) doing a good thing," Fuller said. "He's fixing things up, and he's really doing a nice job."