Aloha It’s the time of year to count our blessings and make plans for a new year. We consider you one of our greatest blessings as your continued support makes our efforts possible!

As we begin 2012’s End of the Year Fundraising Campaign we thank you for your generous gifts over the years and humbly ask for your continued support by making a tax-deductible contribution of any size. Your donations continue a legacy of caring for our beloved aina and the waters that surround us.  

Me ka ‘oia‘i‘o, Irene Bowie Executive Director

Below is a snapshot of Maui Tomorrow’s priorities in 2012. We hope you agree that Maui Tomorrow continues to be your voice in planning Maui’s Future.

Advocacy

Support Community’s Voice in the Maui Island Plan. Maui Tomorrow has been the main source of public information about emerging issues in Maui Island Plan (MIP) rallying Over100 people attended a MIP April support for strong forum in Kihei to learn about the issues. policies and respect for local community preferences. We produced community access television presentations on South and West Maui growth plans.

Educational Component: Presented three community forums on the MIP process as well as issuing regular updates to civic groups, service clubs and presentations to UH- Maui College classes.

Protect Existing Agricultural Lands and Communities. Maui Tomorrow and allies were successful in keeping over one thousand acres in Agricultural designation despite efforts by developers to reclassify these lands to a potentially higher density Rural designation.

Native Forest Protection in Wailea 670: Maui Tomorrow held two presentations at the UH-Maui College promoting a 130 acre native forest preserve inside the proposed Wailea 670 project Two of Maui’s precious native Wiliwili trees in South Maui. The presentations supported a US Fish & Wildlife Service effort and educated the public on how to submit comments in support of an expanded critical habitat designation for the area.

Educational Component: Developed a Wiliwili Warriors information booth at Kihei’s Annual Whale Day event and a float in event’s parade; also held the 5th annual Save Makena skim board contest, engaging the next generation on the need for natural resource preservation. Educational Component: Held three public events on timely topics – storm water run-off impacts; changing rainfall patterns in the Hawaiian Islands; and the County of Maui’s updated Maui Water Use & Development Plan process, as well as presentations throughout the 2012 to policymakers and the Hawaii Community Foundation. Developed YouTube video of Ukumehame situation.

Northshore Preservation: Convened multiple organizations to support coastal land preservation along Maui’s northshore. “Trees Please” clean up group Held three community presentations, community access television program and “Trees Please” clean up and tree replanting event at Baldwin Beach in Paia.

Restore Stream Flow and Recharge Aquifers: Maui’s best aquifers have a better chance of getting the recharge they need as an historic Hawaii As the world watches: June 6, 2012. Earthjustice and OHA Supreme Court decision Attorneys await their turn to present oral arguments to Hawaii in August favors Maui Supreme Court on returning stream flows to Na Wai Eha. Tomorrow and allies. Justices unanimously agree that not enough stream flow was restored by a 2010 Commission on Water Resource Management decision.

Save “Water Accountability” Ordinance: Maui Tomorrow worked closely with the Maui County Council to keep clear language in the County’s “Show Me the Water” ordinance, prevailing over developers who pushed for repeal.  

Stop Sediment at Ukumehame from Over-Running Endangered Coral Reefs: Maui Tomorrow led a network of local organizations in demanding that polluting runoff from a Department of Transportation roadway hardening project along the shore be halted at Ukumehame in West Maui. The state administration listened and mitigations were put in place along with regular monitoring of conditions.  

Educational Component: Held three public events on timely topics – storm water run-off impacts; changing rainfall patterns in the Hawaiian Islands; and the County of Maui’s updated Maui Water Use & Development Plan process, as well as presentations throughout the 2012 to policymakers and the Hawaii Community Foundation. Developed YouTube video of Ukumehame situation.  

Better Air Quality Monitoring and Enforcement: Maui Tomorrow is working towards greater enforcement by the state Department of Health over HC&S’s cane burning permit HC&S’s Puunene Mill raises concerns over air quality requirements to ensure that Maui residents have improved air quality; we are asking that more air quality monitors be installed on Maui; asking for review of coal-burning permits at Puunene Mill; and ask the state Department of Agriculture to review HC&S’s exemption from any Best Management Practices for fugitive dust.  

Accountability

Stand for Maluaka Park Expansion: Maui Tomorrow provided information and support to County Council- members to finalize the promised expansion of popular Maluaka Beach Park in Makena, despite landowner’s attempt to change agreed-upon conditions.  

Ask Piilani Promenade Developers to Follow the Law: Led South Maui efforts to petition the state Land Use Commission to enforce conditions on the proposed mega mall project in South Maui and address the real impacts of traffic, drainage, and economics as the project changed dramatically from a light industrial park approved seventeen years ago.  

Track Makena State Park Master Plan: Maui Tomorrow continues to lead the Oneloa Coalition in working with the state Department of Land & Natural Resources, Maui County Council, community organizations, individuals and Makena Resort in ensuring that Maui’s favorite beach park retain its wilderness profile as planned development and a growing population threaten its natural and cultural resources.