Oct 20 Meeting

There was an awesome turn out with many articulate speakers as Glen Soma of Oahu Division of Harbors presented the DOT's plans. Several hundred concerned Maui residents showed up and it was filmed by Akaku.

Joe Souki, head of the Transportation Committee of the Legislature told the crowd and Harbors that he would "not look kindly" on appropriating any money for the harbor expansion if they don't come up with a plan that doesn't impacted the paddling, surfing and boating. He suggested that they move their expansion to the sewage treatment plant side.

Candidate Lance Holter, Kika Bukowski and several others indicated that they would oppose funding for Pier 2C and for Pier 5.

Harbors agreed to remove references to Pier 5 (the one in the surf spot) and assured the crowd that they had dropped Pier 5. It was pointed out that it was still in the Master Plan, but Glen Soma told the concerned boaters and surfers that it was not going to be built.

Many speakers demanded a State and Federal Environmental Impact Study. Next step is for Harbors to either issue an amended DEA based on the comments or to begin an EIS. It is possible that they may do the EIS since engaging in a legal suit will delay their project more than just doing the EIS.