Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura has announced a Resource Fair to be held from 1:00 - 7:00 pm at the Kula Community Center.

FEMA and other agency representatives will be available to answer questions and provide assistance. 

Amended Upper Kula Unsafe Water Advisory 9-12-2023
(use this LINK for the full Advisory)

Effective September 12, 2023, the Department of Water Supply announces that the Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula has been amended to remove Zone 1 from the affected area. Water serving homes and buildings in Zone 1 has been determined to be safe for unrestricted use. To determine if your address is in a specific zone, please refer to the interactive map at the following link:  Zone Map

The latest test results for Upcountry Water Testing have been posted on the Maui County Water Department website.  https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=12755
The Kula Community Association will continue to follow progress on water testing and other issues impacting our residents. 

​Please follow our FB page!  https://www.facebook.com/kulacommunityassociation/

​(This update is from Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura summarizing the information provided at the upcountry meeting held on 8/24.)
 
Thank you to Akakū for airing the meeting last night. For those who missed it, here is a link to the meeting video.
 
Mahalo to Water Director John Stufflebean, as well as Melvin Tokuda and Dennis Lopez from the State Department of Health's Safe Drinking Water Branch for answering questions related to water. We are also very grateful for the participation of Prof. Andy Whelton of Purdue University.
 
RECAP OF INFORMATION SHARED LAST NIGHT

• What was done in response to the fire:
• The system was isolated and secured
• The system was re-pressurized for fire control
• Determined the water advisory and affected areas as is standard practice following a wildfire
• Water samples were collected for testing
• It takes about one week from collection of samples to receiving results
• What is ongoing:
• Samples are still being collected for testing, with more testing to be done in the coming weeks
• None of the samples tested so far exceed health standards
• What is next:
• Sampling/testing will continue over the coming weeks to ensure that the water is safe
• It will likely be a couple of weeks before areas are removed from the advisory
• A definitive timeline was not given because it depends on test results
• If your address is located in the advisory area, follow all guidelines
• If your address is not located in the advisory area, your water is fine
• Increased communication from the Department of Water Supply

 
QUESTIONS

• My office is working on consolidating the questions that were not addressed in last night's meeting so we can get the appropriate and accurate responses.

 
GUIDANCE

• Check the advisory map to see if you are located in the affected area. Addresses are searchable on the top left.
• Follow the guidance put forward by the water department. This information, along with other resources, can be found on mauinuistrong.info.
• Lab results for Upper Kula water systems can be viewed here.

 

The Department of Water Supply has provided an updated interactive map that highlights the areas in Upcountry and Lahaina affected by the unsafe water advisory.

Use this LINK for the interactive map.

Aloha Upcountry Residents - Councilmember Yukilei Sugimura will host an upcountry community meeting about our water situation this Thursday, 8/24 at the Kula Community Center. The following information comes from correspondence with the office of Councilmember Sugimura. 
 
The meeting will focus on the current water situation in Kula. More information will be provided soon.

Attending this meeting will be John Stufflebean - County Director of Water Supply - as well as representatives from the State Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency. 

Please share this information with any friends or family that you feel may benefit from the information provided.  My (Councilmember Sugimura) office and I continue to request more information be provided to our Upcountry residents by relevant departments and agencies.

A new Community Information Hub, by the University of Hawaii Water Resources Research Center, on the status of Maui water safety is now up and running.  You will find updates and relevant links to answer your questions on water testing and safety.

​Click this LINK for more details.

The Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula is still in effect. The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure due to the unknown impacts of the wildfires in the area. The advisory will be updated as test results are analyzed.
​
Use this LINK for the full Advisory.

Update from Maui County website:

The Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula is still in effect. The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure due to the unknown impacts of the wildfires in the area. The advisory will be updated as test results are analyzed.

The preliminary findings are encouraging, of the tested samples all reported non-detectable, with one (1) exception, trace amounts of xylene were detected, however, well below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) determined by the EPA.

Use this LINK for the full report.

​Failure to follow this advisory could result in illness.
COUNTY PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023   10:17pm

Unsafe water advisory for Upper Kula and Lahaina areas includes new maps

For residents in Lahaina and Upper Kula areas, maps of affected areas in Upcountry and in Lahaina were recently released on the county Department of Water Supply website.

The advisory remains in effect for certain areas until further notice and states that residents should not drink and/or boil water.
Bottled water should be used for all drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation until further notice. Residents are unable to treat the water in any way to make it safe.

Water buffalo tankers (one per site) with drinkable water are stationed at the following Upcountry locations: Crater Road, Copp Road, Kula Fire Station, Rice Park, Kula Community Center and Keokea. The West Maui locations include: Puamana Street, Kahoma Village, Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center and Honokohau. One tanker is at each site, with the exception of Lahaina Gateway, which has two.

In Lahaina, the advisory applies to all areas except Kaniau Road and all areas north of Kaniau Road, including Villages of Leialiʻ i.
In Kula, the unsafe water advisory is in place for the following areas:

Lower Kimo Road, Ainakula Road, Kukia Place, Malanani Drive, Kaalele Place, Uau Place, Malapua Road, Huina Place, Kulamanu Circle, Paliuli Place, Kulalani Drive, Kulalani Circle, Kualono Place, Kekaulike Avenue, Anuenue Place, Haleakala Highway, Upper Kimo Drive, Alanuilili Place, Meakoho Place, Upu Place, Keai Dha, Nana Pono Place, Kaui Place, Kuilalani Drive, Kulalani Circle Ainakula Road, Kukia Place, Nana Pono Place, Copp Road, Holomakani Drive, Kamila Street, Kamehameiki Road, Pulehuiki Road, Kolohala Drive, Ihe Place, Kahoea Place, Kamila Place, Mauna Place, Wahelani Road, Wahelani Street, Loio Place, Hoihoi Place, Waiakoa Road, Kuulani Place, Waiakoa Place, Kekaulike Avenue, Cooke Road, Johnson Road, Alae Road, Foster Place, Kepa Road, Puakea Place, Crater Road, Hapapa Road, Napoko Place, Puanani Place, Aolewa Place, Ponimoi Place, Kula Hwy at Keokea, Thompson Road, Ulupalakua, Kanaio, Polipoli Road, Kulanani Place, Koheo Road, Monden Drive, Pilikino Place, Area of Kula Hwy between Lepelepe Place and Malamahale Place, Lepelepe Place, Malia Uli Place, Malamahale Place, Naalae Road, Section of Lower Kula Road between Naalae and Waipoli roads, Waipoli Road, Kawehi Place, Oluolu Place and Kaolu Place.

Customers are advised to:

• Limit the use of hot water
• Limit shower and bathing time and use lukewarm water and ventilated area
• Use a dishwasher and the air-dry setting to wash dishes
• Wash clothing in cold water and avoid using clothes dryer
• Not use hot tubs or swimming pools
• Not use ice from icemakers
• Use proper ventilation when using water indoors

For maps of the affected areas, visit mauicounty.gov/water. For more information, call the department at (808) 270-7344.

​The Kula Community Association will have an Upcountry community meeting at 7pm on Wednesday June 14 in the Kula Community Center.  All residents are welcome to attend. Come early from 6:30pm and join your neighbors for light refreshments.

The theme of the evening will be the “Status and Future of UpCountry Agriculture.” Speakers will include the managers of two major upcountry ranches Haleakala Ranch and Kaunuolu Ranch. These ranches own thousands of acres from the Haleakala summit, through lower Kula, and down to South Maui. Their activities will impact Upcountry’s rural ambience and economic well-being. 

Their viability affects the whole up country region. We hope to hear of their problems and plans for the future. 

Also speaking will be Kupa’a Farms’ owner Gerry Ross. He will describe the issues being faced by many small farmers.  Michael Reyes, Maui Environmental Consulting’s Senior Ecologist will discuss the County’s developing efforts to better control drainage problems on Haleakala’s slopes that lead to Kula roads being damaged and South Maui flooding.

​We will also hear from organizations which help residents harvest their fruit trees and deliver food directly to people’s upcountry homes.
 
Following speaker comments we will open the floor for audience questions. This should be an excellent opportunity for Upcountry residents to get an insight into a major economic component of our community.  For more information: 808-878-1874.

After 3 years the Kula Community Association will again have an Upcountry community meeting at 7pm on Wednesday March 22 in the Kula Community Center. All residents are welcome to attend. Come early from 6:30pm and join your neighbors for light refreshments.

The featured speaker will be our new mayor, Richard Bissen. He will let us know about some of his administration’s concerns and plans with regard to the Upcountry area. Following his comments we will open the floor for audience questions. This should be an excellent opportunity for Upcountry residents to get a direct link to our county government.

The mayor will be bringing along our new County Water Department Director John Stufflebean to discuss Upcountry water issues and the status of improvements to the water system. Also of interest will be the establishment of a new County Water Authority which will manage East Maui water that is delivered to the Upcountry area.

Two members of the State Department of Transportation will discuss the installation of the much needed traffic light at the intersection of Kula Highway and Omaopio Road. 

Election of the 2023 KCA officers and board members will be conducted at the beginning of the meeting. For more information: 808-283-4376.

CONTACT: Dick Mayer   cell 808-283-4376   dickmayer@earthlink.net

​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.

In 2018 this will be a very costly and controversial issue faced by Upcountry homeowners. Costs will average about $20,000 per household, plus the digging up of existing gardens and landscaping.   NOTE: You may wish to forward to other upcountry Maui residents.
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MauiNow.com   December 19, 2017
http://mauinow.com/2017/12/19/upcountry-maui-is-a-priority-area-for-cesspool-upgrades/
https://health.hawaii.gov/news/files/2017/12/17-106-Cesspool-Priority-Report.pdf
 
Upcountry Maui is one of 14 priority areas where cesspool upgrades are critically needed to protect public health and the environment, the Hawai‘i State Department of Health cited in a report filed today with the Legislature.
 
The report indicates about 43,000 cesspools – half of Hawai‘i’s total 88,000 cesspools – are located in the 14 priority areas in all counties and need urgent action.
 
“The report findings are troubling and show wastewater from cesspools is beginning to impact drinking water in some parts of upcountry Maui,” said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. “The water in these areas is still safe to drink, with no evidence of bacterial contamination; however, there are early warning signs that tell us we must act now to protect the future of our drinking water and the environment.”
 
According to the DOH, cesspools provide no treatment and inject about 53 million gallons of raw sewage into Hawai‘i’s groundwater every day, potentially spreading disease and harming the quality of drinking water supplies and recreational waters. Hawai‘i gets over 90% of its drinking water from groundwater.
 
“In areas, such as Kahulu‘u on O‘ahu and Kapoho and Puako on Hawai‘i Island, cesspools harm recreational waters and precious coral reefs,” said Keith Kawaoka, DOH deputy director of the Environmental Health Administration. “All cesspools pose a serious threat to our natural environment, and the 14 priority areas are our greatest concern as we are seeing the start of potential impacts to Hawai‘i’s shoreline and drinking water resources.”
 
The DOH report was ordered by the Legislature earlier this year in Act 125 of 2017. The 14 priority areas with maps of cesspool locations are: Upcountry Maui; Kahalu‘u, Diamond Head, Waimanalo, Waialua and Ewa on O‘ahu; Kapoho, Kea‘au, Puako, Hilo Bay and Kailua/Kona coastal areas on Hawai‘i Island; and Kapa‘a/Wailua, Poʻipū/Koloa, and Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi.
 
In 2016, Governor Ige signed Wastewater System rules that banned all new cesspools statewide. Prior to the ban, there were approximately 800 new cesspools per year.
 
The rules also provided tax credits under Act 120. The Act provides a temporary income tax credit for the cost of upgrading or converting a qualified cesspool to a septic tank system or an aerobic treatment system, or connecting to a sewer system. A taxpayer may apply for a tax credit of up to $10,000 for cesspools upgraded to a sewer or septic system during the next five years. The program is limited to a total of $5 million or about 500 cesspool upgrades per year. Under the law, owners of cesspools located within 500 feet of the ocean, streams or marsh areas, or near drinking water sources can qualify for the tax credit. To date, about 50 taxpayers have used the program.
 
“The state began taking action last year, and today’s report clearly highlights the need for greater measures to tackle this impending threat to our drinking and recreational waters,” said Kawaoka. “With 88,000 systems currently affecting our environment, it will take a concerted effort by our entire community to convert existing systems to safer alternatives.”
 
The DOH says the cost to upgrade all of the state’s roughly 88,000 cesspools is estimated at $1.75 billion.
 
State law currently requires the elimination of cesspools in Hawai‘i by year 2050. The DOH presented its report on cesspools and prioritization for replacement to legislators and will begin community meetings in impacted areas of the state in January 2018, beginning with Makawao on Tuesday Jan 9, 2018.

Attached is the cesspool report that will be the basis for the Tuesday, January 9, 2018  Makawao meeting.

https://health.hawaii.gov/opppd/files/2017/12/Act-125-HB1244-HD1-SD3-CD1-29th-Legislature-Cesspool-Report.pdf

For more information on cesspools in Hawai‘i and the Tax Credit Program for Qualifying Cesspools click here  and  http://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/ .