If there is only one issue or news that the residents of Maui should be paying attention to with regards to the Maui Real Estate and Development, it would be the County Council’s review of the General plan which covers the Countywide Policy Plan and the Maui Island Plan. I believe that Maui’s future (or at least a big portion of it) lies on the final result of these plans.

The County of Maui is currently updating its General Plan, consistent with the requirements of the Maui County Charter and Maui County Code.  The process of General Plan update has many components, so it is best try to understand each one separately, and then consolidate. 

This coming week, January 9 to 15, 2010, two components of General Plan update will be discussed in public.  It is to be heard separately at different times and locations. Both these meetings are open to the public.

On Monday, Jan. 11, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will conduct the first of a series of community public meetings on the Maui Island Plan, convening at 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center. The Maui Island Plan is a regional planning tool, covering Maui’s six community plan areas, and is a new component of the General Plan update process that was established by the Council in 2004.  This Maui Island plan is actually a second element of the General Plan update is the Maui Island Plan. The first component is the Countrywide Policy Plan which is scheduled on Friday.

On Friday, Jan. 15, the Maui County Council will conduct a public hearing on the Countywide Policy Plan at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, County of Maui building.  The Countywide Policy Plan will establish the County’s long-term goals.

I am planning to attend the Friday meeting at the Council Chamber.  As for the meeting in Lahaina, I think will wait for them to come to Kihei.  I will be posting the full schedule of the Maui Island Plan review shortly.