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.
===================================

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/ .

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.

The St. John's Kula Festival will be on Sept. 23rd this year from 9am to 4pm. Lots of ono food, produce, kids games, crafters, auction and live entertainment all day long. Proceeds shared with 2 local non profits. Visit the website http://stjohnsmaui.org/event/st-johns-kula-festival-3/ or call 878-1485.

The American Red Cross is recruiting disaster volunteers in Maui County in preparation for hurricane season, which starts on June 1st. “We need our communities prepared for disasters before they occur. One critical piece is to have trained volunteers on standby and ready to respond,” said Michele Liberty, Red Cross Maui County Director. “We encourage new volunteers to join the Red Cross ohana and support our mission of helping those in need.”

The Maui Red Cross is seeking volunteers to join our disaster response teams on Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

From hurricanes to house fires, the Hawaii Red Cross responds to disasters statewide every 4 days. Whether it’s one displaced family or thousands of disaster victims, Hawaii Red Cross volunteers are there to help. This is what the Red Cross is about- neighbor helping neighbor- down the street, across the nation, and around the world. All disaster training is provided free of charge.

If interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, the first step is to register online at
 
http://www.redcross.org/local/hawaii

To register, 1) click on ‘Volunteer’; and then 2) click on ‘Becoming a Volunteer’.

Once applications are completed through the Volunteer Connection system, the Red Cross will contact interested individuals about signing up for basic disaster classes.

Call the Maui Office at 808-244- 0051 with any questions, or for more information on the training.

Invitation to Attend 2nd Community Workshop on Source Water Protection for Maui County's Ag Sector - Tuesday 05/23

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) is excited to announce that, in partnership with the Hawaii Rural Water Association (HRWA), we will be hosting the second of a three part workshop series focused on source water protection for the agricultural sector in Maui County. The event is open to the public and will engage participants in discussions regarding Best Management Practices (BMPs) intended to address Potentially Contaminating Activities (PCAs) that could pose risks to source water quality, including municipal and private wellheads. The workshop will be educational and interactive, and will offer opportunities for event participants to contribute to developing community based solutions intended to address source water protection for the Maui County agricultural sector. The concepts and recommendations emerging from these community discussions will be used as a basis to explore federal, state and county financial assistance opportunities for future source wa ter protection efforts.

WHEN: 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

WHERE:

University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) Kahului Campus (In Person)
310 W. Ka’ahumanu Avenue
Ka’a’ike Building Room 105CD
Kahului, HI 96732

UHMC Molokai Education Center (Remote/Video Connection)
Molokai Room 103
375 Kamehameha V Highway
Kaunakakai, HI 96748

UHMC Lanai Education Center (Remote/Video Connection)
Lanai Conference Room
329 7th Street
Lana’i City, HI 96763

UHMC Lahaina Education Center (Remote/Video Connection)
Lahaina Conference Room
60 Kenui Street
Lahaina, HI 96761

UHMC Hana Education Center (Remote/Video Connection)
Hana Conference Room
5101 Uakea Road
Hana, HI 96713

Please direct any questions about this workshop to Alex de Roode or Robert DeRobles with the Department of Water Supply Water Resources & Planning Division by calling (808) 463-3110. We look forward to seeing you at the workshop!

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

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION AND TIME

Rat Lungworm informational session for growers, gardeners and landscapers will be held in Kula April 20, 2017 at Kula Community Center 6:00pm-7pm and in Kahului April 25, 2017 at UH Maui College Community Service Building 5:30pm-7pm.

MauiNow.com   March 31, 2017

The Maui Department of Water Supply has declared a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district of Maui, effective Sunday, April 9, 2017, due to reduced surface water flow and a lack of rain. At Stage 1, the water rates remain the same.

Due to the lower than normal water levels, customers may notice a change in water taste and/or smell; however, the State Department of Health has determined that the water from Upcountry Maui is safe to drink. On-going testing continues to show an absence of harmful bacteria and other pathogens in the water; the Department of Water Supply will continue to monitor and test the water, and provide periodic updates.

By law, the Director of Water Supply, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to declare a water shortage whenever the water supply becomes inadequate in any area in the County due to a period of drought, an infrastructure or mechanical malfunction, natural disaster, or other event causing a water shortage.

A Stage 1 water shortage exists if the Director determines that anticipated water demand in an area is projected to exceed available water supply by 1-15%.

Due to the declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage, all Upcountry water consumers are asked to conserve water and to avoid any unnecessary water use until further notice. Water conservation measures taken now could prevent the progression to a Stage 2 water shortage.

For full details please see:  MauiNow.com   March 31, 2017

Several folks have asked what was being constructed in the new sub-division just below King Kekaulike High School intersection on the Old Haleakala Highway. This is the Kualono Project. This will be a "gated community" with no "affordable houses" (apparently the county did not require it). All of the lots have already been sold.

For details please visit:   http://kualonoliving.com/

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.

Here is a notice about the Maui Regional Board (HHSC) public meeting next week. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the transition to Kaiser and get information about our plans for the future.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

5:00PM

Pukalani Pool Annex

Karey Oura Kapoi
Maui Memorial Medical Center
221 Mahalani Street
Wailuku, HI  96793

T:  (808) 442-5663
F:  (808) 442-5112
C:  (808) 633-1454
[email protected]

to discuss the Water Use + Development Plan

·  UpcountryMaui: November 30 (Wednesday): 6-9 pm, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, 91 Pukalani St, Pukalani

Agenda + Meeting materials

Maui County Preliminary Report -  November 15, 2016 (214 pages pdf)
- See more at: http://www.kulamaui.com/#sthash.DkWuiW9X.dpuf

NEXT WEEK - three upcoming meetings

to discuss the Water Use + Development Plan

· West  Maui/Lahaina:  November 28 (Monday): 6-9 pm, West Maui Senior Center, Room 115, 788 Pauoa St, Lahaina. Materials for Review

·  Central+South Maui:  November 29 (Tuesday): 6-9 pm, Velma-McWayne Santos Community Center, 395 Waena St, Wailuku

·  UpcountryMaui: November 30 (Wednesday): 6-9 pm, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, 91 Pukalani St, Pukalani

Maui County Preliminary Report -  November 15, 2016 (214 pages pdf)

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.

Benefit for Upcountry Foodbank - November 19th

2016 Harvest Festival - November 19th - 9am to 4 pm

Chris Bachaus, Principal shared this update at the KCA board meeting on 10/4/16 - Link to the Update

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.