After Two long County Council Days for the Makena Resort last week, this past Friday, December 19, 2008, was another long, long day with a historic late night decision.

The Maui News published “The Makena Resort Redevelopment” on December 20 with a follow up article and further explanations today, Sunday, December 21, 2008. Please also read “Luxury Resort for Makena” published in today’s edition of the same newspaper.

For or against: Fact is, it’s done. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am amazed with the determination of this application and how smooth this went through compared to what has happened over the years with Wailea 670, Honuaula. Makena Resort came at the right time, and, in my believe was very well presented by Everett Dowling. When I arrived on Maui first almost 20 years ago, there was talk of 4,400 units for the Makena Resort. What an accomplishment to settle for 800 units!

AND, to do that now! Much better then having to put 10,000 units up in the Makena Resort when someone in exchange would be able to build a bridge to Honolulu some 20 or 30 years in the future. I believe that we will not be able to stop growth. But it is good to control it by today’s standards rather then letting it sit for future decisions when the human race has easily doubled.

Today’s Maui Photo was taken while good friends took me for a shoreline cruise just a few days ago. This is actually the view of Makena Resort from the ocean, featuing the homes of Black Sand Beach, the construction site of Maluaka at Makena with the Makena South Course and Maluaka Beach to left in front of the Maui Prince Hotel. A beautiful morning where Haleakala sure does not appear to be over 10,000 feet high from this perspective. Mahalo Kelley and Dan for taking me. I loved our outing and hope we do it again very soon.

The Realtor’s Caravan for Maui Real Estate is scheduled for different island locations, always on the same weekday. The South Maui Caravan is every Tuesday morning at 9:00AM. The rotating schedule covers Wailea, including Makena and Maui Meadows, South Kihei up until Lipoa Street, and the rest is North Kihei and Maalea. There are basically three areas, meaning each area comes up every third week. Tomorrow is the Wailea Caravan.

Our meeting usually lasts about 45 minutes and we will then get to see new or newer listings. The meeting is an additional chance to communicate with fellow agents and price reductions, pocket listings or properties that will be available for sale very soon. It is a great networking opportunity for all agents and a great way to show off new listings. It is a good idea for Sellers to time a listing for a great introduction during a Realtor’s Caravan for the respective area. Easy to get valuable feedback.

If you are around and would like to join me any time, please let me know and I will take you as my guest. If you are interested in Maui Real Estate, you will enjoy meeting the people and properties. The night before, we receive an email with the next day’s schedule. And here is what to expect tomorrow (click to extend the view):

Today’s photo from South Maui is a beautiful location across from Na Hale O Makena, right on the water. To the right are a few homes visible from the ocean front residential area of Makena Place. The Makena Condo Complex further down is Makena Surf. These are some of the most beautiful locations and pretty much everything around there is built or will stay protected. Other then the ocean, there is nothing much to hear. An excellent quiet spot to relax and recharge. Maui is the Best!

Yesterday was another long day for the members of Maui’s County Council. The proposed density of the Makena Resort proposal was reduced from 1,000 to now 800 luxury units. Be sure to read “New Demands for Makena Resort” in the Maui News and don’t skip the ‘Fact Box’ on the right side within the article.

For years I have been attending the meetings for Wailea 670, now called Honuaula. It is amazing for me to see how fast similar situations at different times can be handled. At this point not in print, but published on the Maui News website this afternoon are the

Breaking News from today: “Council approves Makena Zoning on First Reading“. The second reading has been scheduled for next week, Friday, December 19.

Also read this Maui News article added on December 12, 2008: “Makena Decision weighs heavily“.

Today’s Maui Photo was taken on a recent helicopter flight over South Maui including the Makena Resort. This actually is not my photo. Credits go to a great friend of mine: it was his first time flying without the doors. It is a killer experience if you haven’t done so.