KULA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 417 - Kula, HI 96790 - http://kulamaui.com
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General Meeting Minutes
May 20, 2004
D-R-A-F-T # 1
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President, Karolyn Mossman at 7:15 pm at the Kula Community Center.
Attendees
Approximately 50 people were present at 7:30 pm.
Secretary�s Report
The minutes of the February 26, 2004 General Meeting were circulated. There were no corrections. Elliott Krash moved for acceptance, seconded by Dick Mayer, and the minutes were approved as submitted by Secretary Verna Nahulu.
Treasurer�s Report
In the absence of Treasurer, John Wilson, the treasurer�s report was tabled until the next regularly scheduled General Meeting.
KCA Committee Reports
Water Rates
Elliott Krash reported that a Water Rates Stakeholders Committee has been formed to study whether a water rate increase is needed and, if so, to make recommendations on how much it needs to be and how to structure the increase. There will be no rate increases this year. A Water Rate Study survey was distributed for members to provide their opinions on various aspects of water rates.
Water Additives
Linda Simon of the citizens group, Maui Coalition for Safe Water reported on recent activities.
� People with sensitive or weakened immune systems report being affected by the water.
� Over 150 people attended the community meeting held May 18 at the Pukalani Elementary School. Representatives of the Regional EPA Office and the State Department of Health attended, in addition to the Mayor and staff of the local Department of Health and Maui Department and Board of Water Supply.
� Official listened intently to citizens concerns, responded to questions, and agreed to follow through on the citizens� request to stop adding the phosphates to the water.
Members of the KCA audience with questions and concerns were told to contact the MCSW, DoH, or DWS.�
Legislation
Kika Bukoski reported:
� The state legislature approved $3 million for the agricultural, dual waterline.
� Funding for the expansion of the Makawao Library passed but has not yet been released by the Governor.
� The 24-hour Kula ambulance is closer to reality, with some details to be worked out.
Kalani English reported:
� The funding for construction of the Kulamalu long-term care facility was approved.
� Funds were appropriated for the permanent Paia Bypass.
� Numerous environmental issues were addressed by the legislature.
Program: �Making a Living in Upcountry Maui�
Alan Kaufman - Veterinarian and Goat Farmer
1) Background: Moved to Maui 20 years ago to make a living in ranching. It was an experience in �How to Go Broke in Ten Easy Lessons�!.
2) Beneficial Uses of Goats on Upcountry Lands
a) They are selective eaters; they avoid grasses and eat fireweed and other weeds, thereby controlling invasive species and allowing grasses to thrive. This makes the pastures safer and more productive for grazing herds, cattle and horses.
b) Goats are more resilient to diseases and injury than other animals.
c) They can be sold for meat, milk, weed control, or pets.
Ron Sakugawa - Independent, Family Ranch Business
1) Background: Lives on Omaopio Road, has a few goats and also pigs and cattle on his own and leased lands.
2) Making a Living Ranching
a) Ron maintains approximately 600 head of cattle and markets about 6 a month when they reach a weight of 4-600 pounds.
b) He shared the challenges for himself and his family of making a living in ranching - long hours, competition, unforeseen emergencies, and ranching in an increasingly suburban area. He explained how he counseled his son to receive college education to prepare for all aspects of the work - business, regulatory, animal husbandry, marketing, etc.
Buzz Stluka - Haleakala Ranch Manager - Sustaining a Large Ranch Operation
1) Background: The Ranch is the largest privately owned land in Maui and the owners are committed to keeping the land�s open spaces. It is family owned and sells shares to stockholders who benefit from dividends.
2) Conservation Projects the Ranch is Undertaking
a) Fencing to keep out feral animals
b) Partnerships such as the East Maui Watershed koa forest restoration project
c) Aggressive weed control projects at a cost of $2 million annually.
3) Support of Agriculture and Ranching Business and History
a) Providing easements across Ranch lands for the agricultural water line.
b) Forming the Maui Cattle Company to process cattle on-island - a less expensive alternative to shipping them to mainland processing plants. The meat is marketed to local restaurants. The goal is to expand the operation so other ranchers� cattle can also be processed locally.
c) Creation of a Paniolo Museum and a Ranch Information Center (at the Activity Center on Crater Road)
4) Diversification
a) Sales of specific parcels of land (e.g. parcels that are less productive, adjacent to development).
b) Development of an activity/visitor center on Crater Road.
Warren Watanabe - President Maui County Farm Bureau - Challenges for Local Ag
1) Public support is needed on such issues as:
a) Water storage and ag water lines
b) Invasive species
c) Purchase of local products
d) Education for careers in agriculture
2) Challenges include:
a) No state funding for local agriculture
b) Transport to market (the �super ferry� is expected to help reduce costs and expedite shipments)
c) Competition with world market
d) Inadequate screening of planes, cruise ships etc. for invasive species
e) Incursion of development into ag areas
f) High fixed costs for labor, water, and land
John Summers Planner, Maui Planning Department - Laws on Ag Land & Vacation Rentals
1) Challenges of Regulating and Managing Ag Lands
a) 240,000 acres of ag classified land in Maui
b) Demand for land for housing endangers ag lands
c) Three sets of overlapping rules for ag land
2) Challenges of Ag Subdivisions
a) Monitoring compliance with ag requirements impossible without sufficient staff
b) Redefining ag subdivisions as rural or residential ag needs to be decided
c) Preventing sprawl by setting urban boundaries and/or establishing new small towns
3) Appropriate Uses of Ag Residential Properties
a) Many properties are being used for B&B, vacation rentals, home businesses.
b) Different ordinances govern different uses and some are in process of revision.
c) There is widespread non-compliance and many do not have permits.
Everett Dowling - President Dowling Co. - Proposed New Activities at Kulamalu
1) Kamehameha Schools, Maui is a $240 million campus with state of the art sports facilities and other facilities.
2) The Advanced Astronomy Center is scheduled for completion in November.
3) The park and parking lots will be completed by early 2005
4) The Kulamalu Town is planned as a pedestrian-friendly town, like Makawao or Lahaina.
5) The legislature funded construction of the Long Term Care/Senior Center facility and release of funds is pending Governor Lingle�s approval.
6) There are 12 more residential lots to be sold.
7) A traffic light is planned for the intersection of Kula Highway and A�apueo.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Verna Nahulu, Secretary
Karolyn Mossman, President���������