RAM GAD POD - Notes from the GAD for August 20, 2019

Hello Friends,

This episode is a brief update, a book recommendation, and some rambling about the Lahaina injection well case all rolled into one. If you don't have the time or inclination to give it a listen, my book recommendation was Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, and the updates are mostly as follows:

•  West Maui Community Plan: The Community Plan Advisory Committee has two meetings going on this week. The first meeting is on Tuesday, August 20th, at the Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria, and the second meeting is Thursday, August 22nd, at Lahaina Civic Center’s Social Hall. Both meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will focus on Section 2, and Goals 2.1 and 2.2 of the Draft West Maui Community Plan. For more information, and for video recordings of past meetings, check out WeAreMaui.org. 

• Baldwin Beach: The Department of Parks and Recreation is holding an open house to present the Baldwin Beach Park Master Plan on Thursday, August 22, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Paia Community Center.

•  Affordable Rental Housing: Hale Mahaolu will be accepting applications for Kahului Lani Phase 1, a beautiful 82 unit low income rental housing complex for seniors aged 55 and above located at 65 School Street, Kahului. Applications available for pick up at the Hale Mahaolu Central Office from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, from August 12th through August 30th. Applicants must be 55 or older, and target move in date is February 1st, 2020. 

•  First-Time Home Buyers Program: County of Maui is now accepting applications for its First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program. Completed applications and credit pre-approval letters must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30th, 2019.  Lottery drawing is scheduled for 9 a.m., Saturday, September 7th, 2019.  For more info, search online or call Jessica Crouse at 270-1741. 

• HUD Released FHA Condo Rules: On August 14th, 2019, HUD released long-awaited final FHA condo rules. The new rules contain several elements that will enable more buyers to be able to use FHA-insured financing to purchase a condo. Highlights include: The return of single unit approval, also known as spot loans, for units in non-FHA approved properties; Increased certification period from two to three years, plus a six month grace period to submit re-certification materials;  Increased acceptable commercial space to 35% of total area; and Reduced requirements for owner-occupancy percentage exceptions. 

• REALTOR Action Day: Volunteers needed on Saturday, September 14th! REALTORS across Hawaii will be working on projects to support our schools. If you are interested in helping, you can contact Erin Clapper at (808)330-8338, or email erinc@bettermauivip.com. Participants can paint encouraging sayings at Lahaina Intermediate, Paint at Maui High School, paint or garden at Pomaika’i Elementary, or relocating the garden at Waihe’e Elementary.  

• RAM GAD POD: Tell your friends about the RAM GAD POD! It is now available on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Breaker, and Pocket Casts. This Thursday I’ll be uploading a really lovely interview with Lori Tsuhako, the Director of Maui County’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns.