After more than a decade’s worth of futility, plans for a station in Haiku (HI) have started up again, reports mauinews.com.
Four sites within a five-mile radius of Haiku’s busiest concentration of calls are being considered: Site A near Hana Highway and Nahele Road; Site B near Hana Highway and East Kuiaha Road; Site C on East Kuiaha Road; and Site D at North/South Holokai Road.
Site B, the original proposed site which stalled after community concerns, remains the most feasible site for a potential station, according to a study commissioned by the county.
In 2007, the county purchased the approximately six-acre Hana Highway and East Kuiaha Road parcel to build on. However, plans stalled after community members voiced concerns about the location and some of the project features, including wind turbines, a helipad, and a storage structure, according to officials.
If the county moves forward with Site B, the cost has already increased from about $11 million in the mid-2000s to about $17.5 million due to rising construction prices and other changes, according to officials. Site B would require a few years to complete if selected, consultants said. If other sites are chosen it would take even longer.