But parks department planner Pat Matsui said only $4.8 million has been allocated for park development, with initial site work estimated at $13 million.

Although Matsui is eager to get the park built, he said funding is an obstacle.

In addition to site work, Phase 1 of the community park includes a $10 million gymnasium. Total cost of the park is estimated at $40 million.

Because of Matsui's concerns about funding, the planning commission allowed the parks department 10 years to complete Phase 1, with a provision allowing the county to seek an extension of the special management area permit.

But planning commissioners also added to the potential cost of development with a condition requiring the parks department to provide facilities for a new youth center as part of the 45-acre community park.

Meeting at the Kihei Community Center, the commission approved the SMA permit and granted Phase 2 Project District approval for development of the 45-acre county property adjacent to Lokelani Intermediate School and bounded by Pi'ilani Highway, Welakahao Street and a portion of Liloa Drive.

The current park plans call for the gymnasium, three soccer fields, two softball fields, one baseball field, a tennis center, an amphitheater, storage for park maintenance and restrooms.

The condition for a youth center was pressed by Commissioner Jonathan Starr, who said he was "very surprised" that the county's plans did not include one in the park project.

Starr said he was part of an effort by the Kihei Community Association to have the county acquire land for a community park to include a youth center. Public testimony at the commission hearing Tuesday night on the park plans was unanimous that a youth center is needed at the site, he noted.

"It's going to be impossible for me to support this project in this way," he said.

Among others urging that the park include a youth center were Gene Zarro and his wife, Cheryl, both former presidents of the Kihei Youth Center, who referred to the location near Kihei Elementary and Lokelani Intermediate schools.

"We need to have a quality youth center put in place where the kids are," Gene Zarro said.

He said a youth center need not be included immediately, but he said it should be in the county's plans for the South Maui Community Park.

The executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Maui, Colin Hanlon, said he was testifying as a Kihei parent of three children in urging a new youth center for a community where the population is growing.

The Kihei Youth Center currently operates at the old Kihei School on the north end of the district along South Kihei Road and Kenolio Road near Uwapo Road.

Parks Director Tamara Horcajo cautioned that adding to the cost of the park development could delay the completion of the park.

"The concepts for the needs keep changing ... We are not going to get it off the block," she said.

Facilities already in the park plans may be used for youth center programs, she added. She said she would be concerned that other park uses would be displaced if a youth center is added to the project.

But Horcajo agreed to consider designating space for a youth center after Starr reworded his proposed conditions and planning consultant Michael Summers said a center could work in one section of the 45 acres.

Planning Commissioner Kent Hiranaga, who admitted he doesn't know much about youth centers, wanted to be sure the county was comfortable with the proposed condition.

"If you are uncomfortable, I'm uncomfortable," he said.

Horcajo responded that she was comfortable with a youth center requirement. "It's a very appropriate use," she said.

Another condition imposed on a motion by Starr was also expected to add to the cost of development, although Starr said the capital costs would be offset by lower costs of operations.

The condition will have the county comply with standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, aimed at improving energy efficiency of the park facilities. Starr said the county should comply with LEED standards where applicable for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Matsui said he's not sure if the county could get LEED certification "because it costs money," but the county could comply with the baseline standards of LEED.

Starr said government buildings on O'ahu and Maui developer Everett Dowling's projects are being LEED-certified.

Summers, with Chris Hart & Partners planning consultants, said the park idea has been in the works since the early '80s.

The first phase will include a 1,096-seat gymnasium with three activity rooms, a multipurpose room, arts and crafts room and county PALS office and lockers. Phase 1 plans also include a soccer and a softball field, storage area and 317 parking stalls.

Phase 2 will include two soccer fields, a softball field, a baseball field, public restroom building, pavilion/amphitheater and 200 parking stalls.

Phase 3 is expected to include a tennis center, public restroom and 17 parking stalls.

A preservation plan for a possible cultural site at the Keokea Gulch area has been accepted by the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division. The plan includes having a sign erected at the site to deter damage as well as other prohibited construction work on the site. Road improvements will be coordinated with the state Highways Division, which is expected to include an extension to Liloa Drive.

Matsui told The Maui News yesterday he is still speaking with engineers but he believes the current funding of $4.8 million will allow grading at the site. That would not provide "usable" park features.

Additional funding will be required in future county budgets.