For Immediate Release: 1/20/2012
Contact: Lance Holter, 283-1056 

Event Date: February 4th

Northshore Maui, 2012 and Beyond

Bikeways, Bypass, Projects, Parks: Event invites residents to Help Shape Long Range Plans for a Healthy Community, Economy and Environment

Pa’ia: Maui Sierra Club announces its annual meeting Saturday, February 4th 11am to 3pm at Kaunoa Senior Center, 401 Alakapa Place in Spreckelsville. The meeting is free and open to the public and includes a picnic-style potluck lunch with main dish and beverages provided. Hawaii public officials and political candidates have been invited to share their expertise.

Updates on various projects shaping the future of Maui’s North Shore lands will be presented. The meeting also gives residents an opportunity to get informed where future growth is proposed for the North Shore area. Central Maui Growth Boundaries will be discussed by the Council’s General Plan Committee in February and March. Maps of the proposed growth areas, parks, bikeways and protected areas will be on display.

During lunch, a short slideshow on the North Shore’s rich heritage will be presented, followed by a panel discussion updating attendees on exciting ideas being discussed for the North Shore’s future: bikeways, community based fishery management, North Shore Heritage Park and expansion of Paia’s business area. Panelists include  David Spee, Sandi McGuiness, Walter Enomoto, Councilmember Mike White, Maile Carpio, and Tom Pierce. After the panel, attendees may join a facilitated group to contribute their ideas about efforts to plan the Northshore’s future.

At 11:30am the Maui Sierra Club will present annual awards. The Club will bestow the Onipa’a award to three people who have worked for years to improve Maui’s environment: wildlife biologist, Fern Duvall; ecology teacher and curriculum developer, Franny Coopersmith; environmental advocate  and Maui Tomorrow director, Irene Bowie. Cheryl King of the Hawaii Wildlife Fund Hawksbill Turtle Recovery project will receive the Malama Kahakai award. John & Rose Marie Duey, taro farmers who work to restore Olowalu and create a plant preserve will receive the Malama Ka ‘Aina award. Angie Hoffman will be named “Volunteer of the Year” for her tireless work on Save Makena.

For more information on upcoming Sierra Club activities on Maui go to MauiSierraClub.org