HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-21 Marty Merh Opposition Testimony
Subject: Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit Application (PL-SMA-2026-000087) (Amend SMA 07-000019)
Applicant: DHL Mahi Site M LLC & DHL Mahi PropCo LLC Tax Map Keys: (3) 6-8-001:050, 052, 054 and (3) 6-8-
022:010
From: Marty Meth
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 10:13:20 AM
April 21, 2026
Aloha
Ladies and gentlemen,
My wife and I own unit 708 in The Villages at the Mauna Lani Resort. It is our home and is never used as a rental
property. We had visited the resort, renting a unit at Mauna Lani Point , for 30 years prior to purchasing our home
during 2020.
I am not fundamentally opposed to new residential developments in the resort provided they take into account the
current environmental conditions, water, sewage, vehicular traffic and quality of life issues that exist today. Studies,
permits and regulations that were in effect 30-40 years ago when this 3,000 plus acre lava field was masterplanned
and subsequently developed are largely irrelevant to conditions as they exist today. This board, at a minimum,
should require the developer to assess the existing aforementioned conditions and present their findings to both the
board and the Mauna Lani Resort Association before an extension is granted.
Relying on decades old studies and opinions provided by a developer versus current research and opinions of
independent unrelated parties is fundamentally wrong.
In my experienced opinion, as a former real estate developer, long term infrastructure improvements designed and
constructed,some 30-40 years ago for this entire built out resort, would have been determined to be too expensive at
that juncture. Thoughtful planning and cost effectiveness at that time, would have concluded that future anticipated
projects might never come to fruition. Certainly, in 2026 and in the future all of the necessary infrastructure costs
should be the responsibility of the developers. Not the current property owners of Mauna Lani.
Amenities such as the Beach Club, Foodland, the golf courses, tennis and health club are at capacity most of the
year. Fire and evacuation routes currently appear to be stressed. These are the result of the number of vehicles,
residential occupants, hotel guests and convention attendees likely exceeding the legal requirements that were in
place some 30 plus years ago.
In conclusion my wife and I would like to see the extension requested by the developer denied.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Marty Merh