​The recorded meeting is at this link:   KCA Zoom Meeting 2/23/22
                                                                              Passcode: ?c?FUY0=

We welcome you to our Upcountry VIRTUAL Community Meeting on our ZOOM LINK

7PM – 8:30PM  Community Meeting should be of great interest to UpCountry residents. There will be several presentations followed by your questions sent to the Zoom Chat site. For more information about the meeting: 808-283-4376

MEETING AGENDA 

Introducing our new Police – Chief John Pelletier

Problems with axis deer – Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura

County Downhill Bicycle Ordnance – Council Member Michael Molina

Potential East Maui “County Water Authority” – Council Member Shane Sinenci

“Kona-Low” Storm Water problems + Communications to the residents – County Managing Director Sandy Baz + Emergency Management Director Herman Andaya

Safe Drinking Water - Dept. of Health Maui Director – Dr. Lorrin Pang

*********************************************************

UPCOUNTRY ISSUES

Kula Water Situation

Kula was hit particularly hard by the “Kona-Low” storm in early December.  Water came rushing down some of the gullies and broke the Upper Kula water line. This resulted in many days of uncertainty for residents who were told that it was not safe to drink the water.  The problem was compounded by inadequate, changing, and confusing information coming from the County on the pipeline’s status and the need to boil water because E. Coli was in the system.
      After the December 5th Kona-low storm and the challenges residents faced with the broken water-line and the need to boil water, the KCA Board formed a Water Task Force to help the County and the Water Dept. find ways to communicate water quality situations more effectively, and to find long-term solutions that will prevent future breaks in this critical infrastructure.
     The KCA Water Task Force sent a letter to the mayor’s office, the Water Dept., the State Dept. of Health, as well as to all our Council Members. It addressed the lack of communication regarding the status of contaminates, the changing necessity to boil water, and all the problems related to the “Kona Low”.  Only Water Dept. Director Jeff Pearson sent a response.

Main KCA Water Task Force Concerns:

• The reasons that there was so much damage from the heavy rains.  The waterways and gulches were able to handle this water, but certainly NOT the huge trees and debris that came with it
• The ancient design of our Upcountry system and what might be done to correct and improve it.  We hope that simple replacement will not be the norm. 
• How this system actually is designed and constructed (including maps and diagrams) would be beneficial to residents. 
• Explanation as to reasons we use chloramines vs chlorine in our upper Kula pipeline system.  If switch to chlorine took care of E. Coli, why isn’t it used all the time, as it is for the Piiholo Lower Kula System?
• The importance and status of HRS 46-11.5.  (Regarding the responsibilities of landowners to clear gulches to allow the free flow of water,)  What it says and relates to and the possibilities of this law, if actually enforced, might correct future problems and resulting damages due to neglect by landowners of gulches and other waterways.  If we have this law on the books, it was obviously discussed extensively and was passed through the legislature.
• Discussion with Senator Lynn DeCoite to make her aware of our concerns, and the importance of reviewing and following up on the State law regarding waterways etc.  

 
Axis Deer

Axis deer are our most persistent and annoying feral animal, impacting gardens and crops and causing traffic concerns.  The County is proposing to spend a large amount of money to begin addressing this issue. First steps are being taken to fence in the Kula Ag Park.   

Kula Ag Park $2.8 million, fencing and control axis deer- feral animal

Big mahalo to Representative Kyle Yamashita, Senator Lynn DeCoite and State Legislators, for appropriating $2.8 million and Governor David Ige for releasing the funding for plans, design, construction and equipment for watershed protection and ungulate fencing for the Kula Agriculture Park.  DLNR is working with Mayor to coordinate these improvements which will provide relief from axis deer devastation.

A night harvest by the Kula Hunting Club.​

​Downhill Bicycle Tours

Downhill Bicycle Tours have been a nuisance and safety concern for upcountry residents for several decades. There's a feeling that new regulatory legislation will be needed to make this activity safer. KCA has made recommendations on how to better manage the downhill bike industry and the Council is drafting a revised bike ordinance. 
    An alternative bicycle ordinance might be a total prohibition on commercial bicycle tours because they seriously endanger traffic safety and the County has already settled financially with a person who suffered injuries during a bike tour. In response and to address resident concerns the commercial bike companies have recently proposed some measures to self-manage their industry. 

Kula Community Association – 2021 Report - KCA Pres. Heather Mueller

Your KCA Board met regularly because Michael Williams facilitated KCA’s Board meetings via ZOOM, giving us the ability to include up to 500 participants. Because of this new outreach, we look forward to seeing you at our community-wide meeting at 7:00pm, this Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
    An energized, faithful group called the “Pulehu Posse” has been cleaning Pulehu Road regularly; more posse volunteers are welcome.
    Maui’s COVID pandemic has affected all of us, and Ipo Mossman from the   Mayor’s office kept us informed.
    Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura shared county issues and took our Kula input to the County Council, especially the devastating effects on our farms and households from the axis deer over-population.  Hopefully, solutions will be developed.
    KCA held a community-wide meeting on September 29 via Akaku and Facebook. It focused on three important topics: the challenges related to bicycle tours; Water Director Jeff Pearson presented information on water; and the over population of deer.
    There will be a large solar electric PV development just below and across the road from the Kula Agriculture Park. The KCA Board met with the developer and discussed potential problems, particularly the danger of wildfires. We urged the developer to take all the necessary measures to limit the threat.
    We let the Council know our community’s priorities for their upcoming budget sessions: deer control, waterline improvements, pull-outs for bicycles, and traffic at two intersections (Pulehu Rd and Hansen Rd, plus Omaopio Rd and Kula Hwy). 
    We have two new board members: Indie Brassingram and Barbara Fernandez We are looking for others who would like to serve on the KCA Board. (Contact me, if you would like to join the Board: Heather Mueller at 808-430-0120 or 808-446-3545.

Thank you for your KCA membership and purchase of the Kula Caps

 If you are not already on our email list you may subscribe to it by using the Contact Us form.

To Join KCA, pay your dues, or renew your membership use this link:  Join-Pay Dues-Renew.

We welcome you to our meeting

on Akaku 54  +  on Facebook  +  on ZOOM

7pm to 8:30pm this coming Wednesday, October 20.

NOTE:  You may view our virtual meeting live on AKAKU Channel 54, or by registering your name on ZOOM. This site will then send you a meeting web-link, and on Facebook (but only if you have a Facebook account).

During the meeting questions can be submitted via ZOOM‘s “chat” function.

For more information about the meeting: 808-283-4376

7PM AGENDA should be of great interest to UpCountry residents. There will be several presentations followed by questions sent to the Zoom Chat site. The moderators will be KCA Board Member Dick Mayer and Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura.

Our new Fire Chief Bradford Ventura will be introduced and encouraged to outline his general plans for the department. 
 
Downhill bicycle tours have been a nuisance and safety concern for upcountry residents for several decades. There's a feeling that new regulatory legislation will be needed to make this activity safer. KCA has put together a draft County ordinance. We would like to get feedback from residents on language that should be added or changed in the draft ordinance. This draft legislation may be reviewed here: Draft Bicycle Ordinance.

An alternative bicycle ordinance might be a total prohibition on commercial bicycle tours because they seriously endanger traffic safety. 

Axis deer are our most persistent and annoying feral animal, impacting gardens and crops and causing traffic concerns.  Various groups are trying to formulate a plan to reduce this problem. We will learn about plans from Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura and Maui County Farm Bureau Board President Dr. Kyle Caires.

Water has generally received more interest than any other upcountry issue.  Department of Water Supply Director Jeff Pearson will describe the present situation with the hope of receiving some excellent questions regarding upcountry water.  We are asking him to talk about the future water situation, matching existing and potential water supplies with the large and growing demand for water for both residences and farmers. Will we always be short of water?  Where should we be making changes?      

County Budget  If you have some upcountry items that should be going into the 2022-23 budget, please send them to dickmayer@earthlink.net and/ or yukilei.sugimura@mauicounty.us by Nov 1. The KCA Board will prepare a recommended priority list to be submitted to the Mayor and County Council.

Meeting Ends at 8:30pm.

The Kula Community Association welcomes all Maui residents to our community meeting in the Kula Community Center from 7pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, February 19.  Come early and join your neighbors from 6:30pm for refreshments.

We will have an exciting and very informative evening with speakers covering topics of wide community interest to Upcountry and all of the County.

One of the most important issues facing Maui generally, and Upcountry Maui in particular, is what will be happening to the large amounts of water previously delivered to HC&S sugar fields from East Maui.

The State's Department of Land and Natural Resources will soon be auctioning off their four East Maui watershed lease areas. How will that auction be conducted?  What will be the conditions for those waters imposed on the auction bid winner?  The answers will greatly affect agricultural operations in Central Maui as well our Upcountry’s domestic and agricultural water supply.

Ian Hirokawa from the Department of Land and Natural Resources will describe the state's intentions with regard to the upcoming auction. Michael Williams, Kula Community Association board member, will summarize the recommendations made by a County Water Board committee regarding potential alternative models for the ownership and management of the East Maui water system.

Maui Electric’s desires to increase renewable energy has prompted AEP Company to propose more windmills near the existing wind farm on Ulupalakua Ranch land. Richard Chandler will describe the proposal to build seven new 500 foot wind turbines capable of producing 34 megawatts of electricity.

Maui Alzheimer's Association’s Christine Spencer will describe Alzheimer’s disease early signs

Finally, we will hear the big effort to get people counted in the 2020 census.

For more information: 283-4376

 
The following are links to the public schools’ “School Quality Survey" for Kula children.
School Year 2018-2019
  Kula Elementary
 
  Kalama Intermediate
 
  King Kekaulike HS
 
For comparisons, here is
the STATE Summary report.
​​

The Kula Community Association welcomes all Maui residents to our community meeting in the Kula Community Center from 7pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, November 13.  Come early and join your neighbors from 6:30pm for refreshments.

Speakers and Topics:
We will have an exciting and informative evening with speakers covering topics of wide community interest to Upcountry and all of the County.

• County Real Property Tax Administrator Marcy Martin will explain County Council proposals now being considered to create a tiered rate structure. This would allow the county to have higher property tax rates for very expensive homes.
• To promote a more resilient island Maui Electric Company will explain how their company copes with major storms, and how homeowners can make their own homes more resilient to damaging storms.
• Maui District Health Officer Dr. Lorrin Pang will present some novel ideas on how families may protect themselves against rat lungworm disease.
• Simon Russell will describe issues that have arisen as Maui transitions from a sugar plantation agriculture to diversified agriculture. He will examine water politics and the recruitment of young farmers with affordable housing.
• Lauren Armstrong will give us an update on the Maui Island Long-range Transportation Plan. This plan will prioritize highways and other modes of transportation.

The meeting begins with the election of 2020 KCA Board members.
For more information: 283-4376

Community Announcements - November 2019
Kula Elementary School will hold its 32nd HARVEST FESTIVAL from 9am-4pm on Saturday, November 23 at the school.  This is a great, free-admission event with your neighbors.  There will be a petting zoo, Kula produce for sale, representatives from several organizations helping our community, and much more.  A family event!​

Mail in membership form.

The Kula Community Association welcomes all Maui residents to our community meeting in the Kula Community Center from 7pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, September 11.  Join your neighbors from 6:30pm for refreshments. We will have an exciting and informative evening with several speakers covering topics of wide community interest.

Speakers and Topics:
  
Wildfires have become a real concern on Maui. Maui Fire Department’s Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ventura, Darren Strand from Mahi Pono and Maui Electric Company’s Mahina Martin will speak on this significant threat.

Council member Alice Lee will discuss two proposed County ordinances now before the Maui County Council’s Water and Infrastructure Committee.  She is seeking feedback from upcountry residents.

• The first ordinance regards reimbursements for waterline improvements in the County right-of-ways. It would limit subdivision water main extension reimbursements to $100,000, provide a consistent 50 percent reimbursement rate, and allow sub-dividers five years to complete the subdivision water system improvements. Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, Director of Public Works, will assist with answering any technical questions relating to the proposed bill.
• The second proposal regards two-lot subdivision improvement deferrals which would require improvements to existing streets for subdivisions creating two developable lots, except for an applicant on the priority Upcountry water meter list who qualifies for the exemption from fire protection mainline infrastructure improvements. Wendy Taomoto, Engineering Program Manager, Department of Water Supply will answer any technical questions relating to this water main extension bill. 

For more information: 283-4376

Community Announcements - September 2019

State Department of Transportation officials announced that cameras currently have been placed at many intersections, including the following which may be of special interest to Upcountry residents:

• Haleakala Highway and Hana Highway.
• Airport Access Road and Hana Highway.
• Hana Highway and Baldwin Avenue in Paia.
• Haleakala Highway and Kula Highway near King Kaulike High School.

Maui 20 Year Transportation Plan Review
 
On September 27 the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board will review a draft 20 year transportation plan for the county. The draft plan includes 84 specific projects that are spread over the entire island as well as 12 island-wide capital projects. The plan includes:  Capacity projects focusing on resiliency and opportunities to encourage infill development; maintenance and preservation projects to address critical infrastructure needs; safety projects to address high-crash areas, complete streets project to provide travel options and promote health (think bikeways and walking paths); and transit projects to support affordability. The draft plan also includes some cost estimates as well as an attempt to identify funding sources, besides taxes. 
       The meeting starts at 09:00 hrs in Kalana Pakui Planning Conference Room at 250 S. High Street, Wailuku.  All are welcome to attend or submit testimony online:  https://mauimpo.org/public-testimony-form.  A summary of the plan should be available at https://mauimpo.org/hele-mai-maui-2040 a few days prior to the September 27 meeting. 
       In October there will be an online survey about the draft Plan. Directions for accessing the survey will be provided when available.
 
There will also be a pop-up planning booth at the following events. 

• 10/4    Wailuku Town Friday
• 10/11  Lahaina Town Friday
• 10/19  Upcountry Farmers' Market
• 10/25  Kihei Town Friday
• 10/26  Kahului Community Park Vision Zero Launch

​Mail in membership form.

Upcountry Water: The future water supply for upcountry residents and farmers
      Jeff Pearson,  Director, Maui County Department of Water Supply
     Albert Perez,  Executive Director, Maui Tomorrow

Michele McLean, Planning Department Director will discuss: new farm rules; what is allowed on properties with Agricultural Zoning; information regarding agricultural structures and businesses; home businesses; and her plans for the Department in the coming year.

Yuki Lei Sugimura, Upcountry Council member, will provide an update on the 2019/2020 County Budget; the Council’s Multi-modal Transportation committee; and her upcoming legislative plans.

Michael DuPont, Deputy Director, Maui Dept. of Transportation, will give a bus service update.

Robin Shishido, from the State’s Highways Division, will discuss highway safety and future plans for Kula & Kekaulike Highways.  Will there a new traffic light at the intersection of Omaopio and Kula Highway intersection and bicycle pull-offs?

For more information: 283-4376​
​
If you haven't joined or renewed, use the form at the link below to join or renew your membership.

Mail in membership form.

The Kula Community Association welcomes all Maui residents to our community meeting in the Kula Community Center from 7pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, February 20. Join your neighbors from 6:30pm for refreshments, as well as a display of the proposed new Kula Park playground structure presented by Michael Silva, VP of Fukumoto Engineering.

Paraphrasing the old nursery rhyme, “Jack and Jill are coming up the Hill”, not to fetch a pail of water, but to help residents learn many things about Upcountry Maui’s history. Dr. “Jack” Lewin and “Jill” Engledow will provide us with interesting history lessons of the Upcountry area. 

Dr. Lewin was for many years the Kula Hospital doctor before becoming Hawaii’s Director of Health. Jill Engledow has written numerous books about Maui, including Historic Upcountry and Haleakala, a History of the Maui Mountain.  Utilizing a PowerPoint format, Jill will be telling the story of Haleakala and its history.
   
Pastor Heather Mueller, a founding member of the Kula Community Association, will describe the early history of the Association as it struggled with controversies over the future direction of Kula Hospital.

At the meeting, there will be an opportunity for Kula residents to make suggestions for the upcoming County budget, as it relates to Kula’s needs. The KCA Board is seeking this community input, as it prepares its testimony on our community’s priorities for the County Council’s Budget Committee.   For more information: 283-4376


If you haven't joined or renewed, use the form at the link below to join or renew your membership.

Mail in membership form.

The Kula Community Association welcomes all Maui residents to our community meeting in the Kula Community Center from 7pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, November 14. Join your neighbors from 6:30pm for refreshments, as well as displays of the proposed solar farm. The meeting will begin with the election of Kula Community Association 2019 officers and board members.

Residents will learn many things about upcoming activities that will affect them in Upcountry Maui. Julia Mancinelli representing Innergex will describe a large solar farm proposed for the lands between Kula and Wailea. This innovative project seeks community input for items that should be reviewed in their environmental analysis.

Public Works Director David Goode will give an update on potential solutions to various existing traffic concerns.  While Lauren Armstrong, Director of the Maui Planning Organization will outline preparations for Maui’s long-range transportation plan.

Kula Elementary School Principal Chris Bachaus will describe the school's new farm operation in Keokea, a program to get young children involved in agriculture.

Maui Planner Annalise Kehler will explain steps to manage and protect our historical and cultural sites.  For more information: 283-4376

   --------------------------------

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.Kula School Harvest Fest, Saturday, Nov 17 

2. Pukalani Christmas event, December 15 (see flyer below) 

3. Donation needed: Kula School Ag Program needs a riding lawnmower. 

4. County Parks Department consultants will hold a meeting about Kula Park replacement of playground equipment.. If interested please contact KCA President Gina Flammer: flammerfamily@aol.com or 250-6589.

For those who  like the lively “action” of a political event, all Maui residents are strongly encouraged to come to the candidate forum sponsored by the Kula Community Association in the Kula Community Center from 5:30pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, October 3 to hear the candidates live and to meet them in person.

With two Councilmembers stepping down to run for Mayor and two other councilmembers deciding not to run, Maui County can look forward to an exciting election season with several new candidates seeking to join a revamped County Council.

This forum will include the following non-partisan races: Maui Mayor and all nine of the County council races. Especially interesting will be the four races with no incumbent: the Makawao-Haiku-Paia Council seat being vacated by Mike White; the West Maui seat now held by Elle Cochran; the Kahului seat being vacated by Don Guzman; and the East Maui seat now held by Robert Carroll.  

In the other five council races (Kula-Pukalani, Lanai, Molokai, South Maui, and Wailuku) there will be a challenger seeking to replace the incumbent. The forum will have separate panels for each council race and the mayoral race.  The audience will be able to compare the candidates for each race. This is important because voters can vote in all nine council races, no matter where they live in the County.

Maui’s most important race will be the contest for a four-year term as our next mayor. Two candidates with considerable council experience will be facing off against one another, Elle Cochran and Michael Victorino.

This will be an opportunity for residents to be part of the action at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 5pm the usual light refreshments will be available.  For more information: 283-4376

Will be rebroadcast on AKAKU TV Channel 54 beginning Thursday 6/28 8 pm

For those who like the lively “action” of a political event, all Maui residents are strongly encouraged to come to the candidate forum sponsored by the Kula Community Association in the Kula Community Center from 5:30pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, June 27 to hear the candidates live and to meet them in person.

Maui residents will also be able to watch the candidate forum on their home televisions.  AKAKU will cablecast this forum on cable channel 54 beginning Thursday 6/28 at 8pm. The broadcast will be repeated until the August 11th Primary Election.
 
With two Councilmembers stepping down to run for Mayor and two other councilmembers deciding not to run, Maui County can look forward to an exciting election season with several new candidates seeking to join the new County Council.  

The most “crowded” race will be the contest to be Maui’s next mayor.  Three candidates with considerable council experience will be facing off against one another and with four other residents to get one of the two November general election ballot positions.

 This forum will include the following non-partisan races: Maui Mayor, the Makawao-Haiku-Paia Council seat being vacated by Mike White; the West Maui seat now held by Elle Cochran; the Kahului seat being vacated by Don Guzman; and the Molokai seat now held by Stacy Crivello.
 
Furthermore, the forum will also have two state legislature races: the Upcountry seat where Representative Kyle Yamashita is again challenged by Tiare Lawrence; and the Senate seat where Senator Kalani English will run against Gayla Haliniak and Michael Tengan.  Both of these Democratic Party races will be settled in the primary election because there is no Republican opposition. Voters will decide in the August primary, rather than in the November general election.  

This will be an opportunity for residents to sit back and watch a live event in the comfort of their home, or to be part of the action at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 5pm the usual light refreshments will be available.  For more information:  633-3079

All upcountry residents are welcome at the Kula Community Association’s 7pm meeting this Wednesday, February 21 at the Kula Community Center.  Three issues that greatly affect upcountry life will be discussed: Cesspools, Glycine Weed, and County Manager.

CESSPOOLS:  The State Department of Health has designated Upcountry Maui’s 7,400 cesspools as a #1 Priority Area. Priority #1 means: “Where cesspools present a Significant Risk of Human Impacts, Drinking Water Impacts, or Draining to Sensitive Waters.”  The #1 designation follows their “Draft Upcountry Maui Groundwater Nitrate Investigation Report”.

Web-link to Power-Point Presentation
     Upcountry Maui Groundwater Nitrate Investigation

Web-links to Department of Health Upcountry Maui Cesspools Documents

#1   September 2014 Report on Cesspool Problems on the Neighbor Islands
Human Health and Environmental Risk Ranking of On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems for the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii
     NOTE: Oahu’s problems were reported in 2009

#2  December 2017 Report to the  2018 State of Hawai‘i  Legislature (36 Pages) Relating to Cesspools and Prioritization for Replacement.  This report lists the statewide prioritization of cesspool problems.

#3  February 2018 DRAFT Report on Upcountry Maui Water Wells and the Nitrate Problem.
       Upcountry Maui Groundwater Nitrate Investigation Report. Appendices to the report.

State Dept. of Health presenters:  Sina Pruder, Chief, Wastewater Branch, Joanna Seto, Chief, Safe Drinking Water Branch, and Robert Whittier, Wastewater, Hydrogeologist will describe their health concerns, discuss possible solutions, and answer audience questions.

They will use a PowerPoint presentation to describe federal EPA requirements; highlighting their specific Upcountry concerns; contrasting private vs. public water sources; and discussing potential alternative solutions and a timeline. Almost all Upcountry property owners may be affected by this potentially costly issue.

GLYCINE:  Barbara Fernandez from Green and Beautiful will discuss glycine weed which is spreading rapidly throughout our Upcountry community. What can residents, landowners, and public agencies do to control this weed?

COUNTY MANAGER: Mark Hyde will discuss a revised ballot initiative which would allow residents to vote on whether they wish to have a County government structure that retains our present “Elected Strong Mayoral” form, or have a “Professional County Manager plus Strong Mayor” form.

Useful links for County Manager topic:
        Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee (minutes)
        Special Committee on County Governance
          July 5, 2016
          June 29, 2015
          June 27, 2016

The Wednesday meeting will be both an educational and pleasant evening with your neighbors! The usual great refreshments will be served from 6:30pm. Phone 283-4376 for information.

Agenda - Wed Evening, Nov 15, 2017

6:30pm     Thanksgiving Pupus   +   Chat-Time with your Neighbors    
                                
7:05pm     Gina Flammer, President, Kula Community Association
                    Treasurer’s Report;   Committee Reports;   Announcements

7:10pm      Nomination and Election of 2018 KCA Officers and Directors

7:15pm      Candy Laham,  AMR Ambulance, Kula Emergency Responders  

7:30pm     Troy Tendo, Maui Prevention Bureau, Fire Safety                       

7:55 pm    Annual “MALAMA KULA” Award
                   The award recognizes acts or contributions that reflect the KCA vision and/or purpose.
                   Presented by Vinnie Linares and Dick Mayer     

8:10pm     Sara Routley,  Health Dept. Community Educator, Rat Lungworm Disease Update

8:15pm     Josh Black, Emergency Management Dept.  Response to All Hazards

9:00pm    Closing Comments – KCA President, Gina Flammer

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! !

2 0 1 8   N O M I N A T I O N S

KCA Officers:
    Gina Flammer, President
    John Wilson, Treasurer
    Dick Mayer, Vice-President
    Doreen "Pua" Canto, Secretary
KCA Board of Directors:
    James Caldwell
    Chuck Carletta
    Patricia Chevalier
    Pam Eaton
    Andy Ho
    Vinnie Linares
    Shelley Maddigan
    Bobbie Patnode
    Doug Sheehan
    Sean Wilson
    Debbie von Tempsky
KCA Advisory Committee
    Jim Crowe
    Fred Rawe
    Mitch Silver
    David Jenkins

Exploring issues that affect upcountry life will be the subject of the Kula Community Association’s meeting at 7pm this Wednesday, September 13 at the Kula Community Center.

Five upcountry school principals will discuss changes at their schools: curriculum, traffic, and help they may need from the community. Schools included are Kula Elementary, Haleakala Waldorf, Kalama Intermediate, King Kekaulike and Carden Academy.

Kula Hospital’s new senior director Kim Fuson will describe changes that may be taking place now that Kaiser has taken over the hospital’s management.  The meeting will also provide a forum for recommendations from upcountry residents. Kula Hospital is a critical access hospital offering urgent and limited rural emergency care.  In addition to serving long-term care patients, it offers a range of outpatient services, including a family medicine clinic.

The County’s Real Property Tax Assessments Division Assistant Administrator Gery Madriaga will explain how agriculture-use parcels are assessed and reviewed for tax purposes.

Beginning at 6:30pm the usual great refreshments will be available with an opportunity to meet with your neighbors. All members of the Maui community are welcome at this informative meeting.  Phone 283-4376 for information.

How will Kaiser’s take-over of Maui Memorial and Kula Hospital affect your medical care?
Introducing MAUI  HEALTH  SYSTEM – starting July 1, 2017

Ray Hahn, Senior V-P and Hospital Administrator, and David Ulin, MD, Associate Medical Director, Operations, Pacific Permanente Group will discuss changes to Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula Hospital and Clinic which will officially be operated and managed by Maui Health System, a Kaiser Foundation Hospitals LLC.
   After their presentation they will attempt to answer questions prepared in advance and audience questions about medical procedures, the transition to new management, hospital access for your doctor, costs, insurance, etc.
         
HALE MAKUA  Director, Mr. Wesley Lo, will describe Hale Makua services both within their
2 long-term care facilities and in providing home-health care for many residents of our community.
      
RAT LUNGWORM   Lissa Strohecker Maui Invasive Species Committee
How can we protect our gardens and community from the introduction of a Rat Lungworm infestation?

Closing Comments – KCA Vice-President Dick Mayer

2/15/2017

    Understanding some of the significant changes that are taking place on Maui will be the subject of our Kula Community Association’s meeting at 7pm this Wednesday, February 15 at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 6:30pm the usual great refreshments will be available.
 
    The Kula Community Association has asked Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa to discuss a number of issues that will be of interest to residents:
- a) potential control and uses of the East Maui Irrigation System which is the water source for much of the upcountry area;
- b) county plans to purchase the West Maui (Na Wai Eha) Water System;
- c) the status of the long-delayed Maui Island “Water Use and Development Plan”; and
- d) the status of the required update of Maui Island’s six community plans which the Mayor several months ago asked to be put on hold.
 
    Upcountry’s new Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura will discuss the priority issues on which she will be focused at the Maui County Council.
 
    Planner Jen Maydan from the Long-Range Division of the Maui Planning Department will update plans to amend our old community plans.  An important component will be getting resident input that will be respected by the County Council when the Council finally adopts our community plans.
 
    All members of the Upcountry community are welcome at this community meeting. Phone 283-4376 for information.

November 16, 2016

Understanding some of the significant changes that are taking place upcountry will be the main subject of our Kula Community Association’s meeting at 7pm this Wednesday, November 16 at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 6:30pm. "In the spirit of Thanksgiving we will be sharing the usual great refreshments."  Desserts are welcome.
 
    Maui has an emerging new industry: the legal production and sale of cannabis for medical use.  Teri Freitas Gorman, Director of Community Relations & Patient Affairs for Maui Grown Therapies (one of Maui’s two state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries), will discuss the opening of Maui’s new cannabis businesses. Ms. Gorman will explain the Stateʻs new medical marijuana dispensary laws and how this new therapy can be used. . Gorman is a fifth generation Maui girl who has more than two decades of executive experience in community relations and marketing.
 
    After the Kula Community Association elects its 2017 officers and directors, the annual Malama Kula award will be awarded to a person who has contributed so much to the betterment of our community.  For his lifetime contributions the award was presented last year to Mayor Elmer Cravalho who recently passed away.
 
    We will also hear from Haleakala National Park chief of interpretation Polly Angelakis regarding upcoming changes at the national park including the status of new commercial operations. Angelakis grew up near Boston and hiked Haleakala when she was an exchange student at UH Manoa in 1985. The experience inspired her to become a park ranger. Her background is in environmental education, volunteerism, and interpretation. She has worked in 11 national parks and at the National Capital Region.  
 
    Since there is a State mandate to become 100% renewable by 2045, Maui Electric President Sharon Suzuki will share MECO’s plans for making the transition from relying on fossil fuels to expanding the use of renewable energy resources.  Maui Electric is now able to chart its future course since the PUC decided not to allow Nextera to take over the company.
 
    All members of the Upcountry community are welcome at the meeting. Beginning at 6:30 pm, and "In the spirit of Thanksgiving we will be sharing the usual great refreshments."  Desserts are welcome.   Phone 283-4376 for information.

September 7, 2016

Mr. Dave Taylor, Director, Maui County Water Department
will give our upcountry community an update on important  water issues: a) the new rules on residential water-fixture  counts; b) the status of the proposed Maui Island Water Use  and Development Plan; and c) the ongoing efforts to issue  Upcountry water meters.

Dr. James Leary, Invasive Weed Management Specialist, Maui Agriculture Research Center
will discuss the very invasive  Glycine plant and what is or is not being done to fight it. Then he would like to hear from audience members regarding other  invasive species issues which they are most worried about  and need to be addressed.

Mr. Erik McLellan, G. M., Skyline Eco-Adventures
will cover the company history and operations (off Crater Road),  its community involvement in an upcoming Zip for Trees event,  and its application for a Haleakala Nat’l Park commercial permit.

This Wednesday’s meeting will be both an educational and pleasant evening with your neighbors!  All Maui residents are welcome!  KCA membership is NOT required to attend meetings but encouraged. For information: 283-4376.

May 18, 2016
Listen in Person: Kula Community Center  6:30pm
Or Listen LIVE on Maui’s AKAKU TV Channel 55

With two Councilmembers stepping down after completing their five terms, several new candidates are seeking to join the Council. In other races new challengers are attempting to replace incumbents. How can voters decide?
       For those who  like the lively “action” of a political event, all residents are strongly encouraged to come to the candidate forum sponsored by the Kula Community Association to hear the candidates live and to meet them in person.
       Maui residents will also be able to watch LIVE on their home televisions.  AKAKU will broadcast this candidate forum live from 6:30pm to 9pm this coming Wednesday, May 18 on cable channel 55.
       The top two vote-getters in each County Council non-partisan primary will square off in November’s general election.

Our Four Candidate Panels

• There are five challengers for Mike Victorino’s Wailuku-Waikapu residency area.  Some candidates bring previous government experience and others have been involved in their community. They are: Alika Atay, Joseph Blackburn, Dain Kane, Keith Regan, and Hana Steel.
• Gladys Baisa’s Kula-Pukalani residency seat will have four candidates who bring considerable community experience and/or work with non-profit organizations. The four candidates are: Napua Greig-Nakasone, Eric Molina, Stacey Moniz, and Yuki Lei Sugimura.
• The Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat has two challengers to incumbent Council Chair Mike White: Trinette Furtado and Alan Kaufman.
• A forth candidate panel will have new-comer Tiare Lawrence challenging long-time incumbent Kyle Yamashita for the State Legislature’s Upcountry representative seat. This is a Democratic Party primary that could be the final election if there is no candidate from another party.

“While some candidates will tout their achievements, others will critique the way things have been done in the past and suggest ways to improve county operations. The forum should be interesting; it certainly will not be dull.”
       This will be an opportunity for residents to sit back and watch a live event in the comfort of their home, or to be part of the action at the Kula Community Center.

February 24, 2016

Our Maui County departments operate to serve resident and community needs.  Heading some of those departments are four newly appointed directors.  The community meeting will have these directors clarify their plans and respond to questions from our upcountry residents.  This will be an opportunity to express your concerns and hear those of your neighbors.
 
Director Kaʻala Buenconsejo, (Dept. of Parks and Recreation)
Director Don Medeiros, (Dept. of Transportation)
Director Carol Reimann, (Dept. of Housing and Human Concerns)
Director Stewart Stant, (Dept. of Environmental Management)
 
Agricultural Land Property Tax: 
Also on the agenda will be a presentation from the Agriculture Working Group on the related issues and impact of proposed changes in the County’s property taxation of agricultural lands.  The bill, BF-70, would eliminate our current “agriculture-use value” assessment, changing all agricultural lands to a “market value” assessment.  The bill is expected to be on the agenda of the Budget and Finance Committee on Monday, Feb. 29th, at 1:30.
more on BF-70 and KCA position (includes transcript of this presentation)

November 18, 2015

Election – Kula Community Association
2016 KCA Officers and Boardmembers will be elected at this general meeting.
       Nominations for 2016 KCA Officers and Board:
              Pres. Doreen "Pua" Canto, Vice-Pres. Bobbie Patnode, Treas. Shelley Maddigan, Secty. Paul Mikolay.
              Board Members:  Chuck Carletta, David Jenkins, Vinnie Linares, Dick Mayer, Gina Flammer, Victor Reyes,
                     John Wilson, Debbie von Tempksy
              Advisory Committee:  Jim Crowe, Alan Kaufman, Mitch Silver, David Jenkins

Kula Elementary School
Principal Chris Bachus will describe the school’s efforts to initiate an agriculture program and let our community know about the upcoming Harvest Festival.

"Malama Kula" Award will be presented by the Kula Community Association to Maui Mayor (Retired) Elmer Cravalho and Kula School Principal Chris Bachaus
This award recognizes acts or contributions that reflect the KCA purpose and/or vision.
The Vision of the Kula Community  Association is to preserve open space, support agriculture, maintain a rural residential atmosphere, and to work together as a community.
The Specific Purpose of this association is to improve the quality of life for the residents of Kula, to promote civic welfare, and generally to benefit the community of Kula.

Maui County Governance
Dale Bonar will explain Maui County Council’s effort to examine the governance of our county’s operations and to make possible recommendations to improve the governance structure. These efforts may lead to a Charter amendment on the 2016 election ballot.

Father Damien
Kula resident and KCA Board  member Vinnie Linares will perform selected parts of  the one man play, Father Damien, - a play he has performed since 2000 in Hawaii, on the mainland, and in Europe . While performing specific and important parts of the play, Vinnie will also  entertain questions about Damien, leprosy,  and relate Damien's historical significance to Hawaiian history .

September 9, 2015

Preparing for a disaster, new programs at King Kekaulike High School, and Haleakala’s solar telescope will be the topics at 7pm this Wednesday, September 9 at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 6:30pm the usual great refreshments will be available. Officials from Maui Electric Company and Maui County’s Civil Defense Office will discuss what residents can do to protect themselves before and during a disaster.  In our upcountry region this could be a major storm, a wildfire, an earthquake, or an influx of coastal residents fleeing a tsunami.  Are we ready?
       King Kekaulike High School’s new principal Mark Elliott will describe programs and changes at the high school.  With the construction of the school’s new $30 million theater will there be greater opportunities for the community to consider the campus as its upcountry cultural center?
       The solar telescope on Haleakala’s summit has resulted in considerable controversy.  Proponents feel that the advances resulting from the telescope’s operations will provide major scientific benefits. Concurrently, there are those that are strongly opposed to locating the telescope on the summit.  Both sides have been invited to present their case to the community, but only those who oppose the construction have accepted the invitation. Kilakila ‘O Haleakalā’s Kiope Raymond will describe the telescope’s history and the legal issues that are still being argued in court.  Kānaka activist Trinette Furtado will explain the rationale and goals of those who recently have protested the telescope by attempting to prevent the delivery of materials to the summit.

May 20, 2015

Mr. Wes Lo, Maui regional Hospital Director
Dr. Nicole Apoliona, Clinic Medical Director, Kula Hospital
Dr. Lui Hokoana, Chancellor, University of Hawaii Maui College

Significant changes in both Maui’s health care and higher education are happening.  Upcountry residents can learn about them at the Kula Community Association’s meeting at 7pm this Wednesday, May 20 at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 6:30pm the usual great refreshments will be available.
       Maui Regional Director Wes Lo and Dr. Nicole Apoliona, Kula Hospital and Clinic Medical Director, will clarify the recent legislation authorizing Maui Memorial Medical Center and Kula Hospital to transition their operations and facilities into a public-private partnership. Mr. Lo will provide: a rationale for why the conversion is needed; the likely time frame/schedule; and the potential new private partners.  Of special importance will be the medical changes -- for better or worse -- that we might expect at both Kula Hospital and Maui Memorial.
       Dr. Apoliona will discuss changes that might occur at Kula Hospital from a public-private partnership and the special challenges for the hospital given its unique mission as both a long-term care provider and as an emergency and clinic facility.
       New University of Hawaii Maui College Chancellor and Kula resident Lui Hokoana will speak on the transition of Maui Community College into a four-year institution.  Will there be new degree offerings, an expanded faculty, and continuation of the two-year vocational/technical programs?  Of interest to upcountry residents is the relationship of the college to the expanding telescope operations on Haleakala’s summit.

February 18, 2015

Upcountry residents can learn about the potential for upcountry Maui to become much safer and healthier at the Kula Community Association 7pm meeting on Wednesday, February 18 at the Kula Community Center.  Beginning at 6:30pm the usual great refreshments will be available. 
       Our new Maui County Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu, a 29 year police veteran, will address ways in which his department can better communicate with the public and how to reduce the level of fear in the community.  Chief will address traffic issues, bike safety, and police presence in the upcountry areas.
        Dr. Nicole Apoliona, Medical Director, Kula Hospital and Clinic, will share the latest legislative efforts to authorize Kula Hospital and Maui Memorial Medical Center to enter into an agreement with a private entity to transition its facilities and operations into a new private, non-profit Hawaii entity.
          Charnan Carroll, Program Manager, Community Emergency Preparedness (CERT) Team, will speak on how to prepare ourselves and family members to best respond to emergency situations. CERT training prepares everyone to stay calm and useful in a natural disaster, to be helpful to your family and neighbors. CERT training is fun and interesting as residents learn how fire, police, first aid, radio communications and weather reports work to keep us safe.