I just came across this Segment by Tayfun King on BBC News which profiles Hawaii, and Maui in particular. Mr. King covers the concern that over-development can hurt the islands. As an example, a development in Makena, which has since been placed on hold, is featured.
As someone who grew up here on Maui, I naturally have mixed feelings about development. I personally wish that our state would embrace a more responsible development, providing the necessary infrastructure (roadways, sidewalks, hospitals, beach parks, recycling) and consider preserving more of our open space. In addition, I question why the county has allowed larger time-share developments, yet has put up roadblocks for affordable housing.
I remember the days of going to Makena, when it took hours to get there, bouncing along the old dirt road. But when you arrived at Big Beach, chances were, you'd be one of only a handful of people on that magnificent stretch of white sand that extends nearly a mile.
One of my earliest childhood memories involves Kapalua, and the old Cliff House, which is perched on the edge of Namalu Bay. Long before the Bay Hotel and the new Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences which will take the hotel's place, this small house was utilized by the Plantation. My father, who owned a nursery, took me there for a meeting with the Maui Nurseryman's Association.
Coming from Upcountry Maui, it felt like we drove forever, finally going through a dusty pineapple field to an old shack on the water's edge. I fidgeted while he attended his meeting, trying to be patient, knowing that when he was done we would swim in the bay below. I had never seen so many fish. I vividly remember being surrounded by a school of yellow tang, in bright blue waters, with the black background of the lava rock cliff. Each time, I walk by the Cliff House on the trail system, I am flooded with fond memories of that day.
So I was pleasantly surprised to see a bright spotlight on the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua as a positive example of responsible tourism. The recent renovation is covered, as is the Ritz-Carlton's attempts to embrace local culture-something that breaks the mold of a typical hotelier. Interviews with Clifford Nae'ole, the hotel's Hawaiian Cultural adviser, and his brother, Iokepa, are featured as well.
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