WAILUKU — The builders of the Honua'ula housing development in South Maui said they are moving ahead on planning and engineering details a day after the mayor signed off on bills granting zoning for the project district, The Maui News reported.

Honua'ula Properties LLC representative Charlie Jencks on Wednesday said he hopes to have the Phase II plans prepared to submit to the Maui Planning Commission by the end of the year.

Phase II project district review will return the 1,400-unit, 670-acre development back to the public for discussion, with the developers required to present their detailed plans for roads, grading, landscaping, structures as well as water drilling and treatment.

Jencks said he was pleased with Mayor Charmaine Tavares' decision. He said the mayor did a wonderful job explaining her rationale for approving the zoning that had been challenged through more than a year of public hearings and meetings.

Tavares stated that Honua'ula's lands were designated as urban in 1994 for future residential and recreational development and the state Land Use Commission did not include conditions on protection of natural areas.

"A veto would result in a return to the existing zoning that already allows for the development of over 400 acres," she said in a statement issued Tuesday night. "In its original form dating back to 1994, the project held existing land use approvals that did not address the many concerns over traffic, environmental impact, infrastructure and community needs."

She said that with the project's latest version, which was negotiated by the County Council, the developers must comply with 30 conditions relating to infrastructure, the environment and other impacts.

If Honua'ula fends off lawsuits challenging the legality of the county approvals, the project — half of which will be affordable housing — is estimated to be worth $800 million and will bring numerous construction jobs for years to come.

Opponents, though, have complained that the price is too high in damage to natural and cultural resources, demand on stressed water systems and traffic impacts on already congested roadways.

Four council members voted against the zoning bills, saying the land mauka Piilani Highway and east of Maui Meadows subdivision is precious both in terms of cultural values and wildlife.

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