A survey of the site of the proposed Wailea 670 Development by the Hawaiian Native plant Society uncovered a number of rare and endangered plant species. The area is noted to be one of the last intact Hawaiian dryland forest areas on the island of Maui. While the area has been subject to previous environmental studies, many of the rare plants present were overlooked until reviewed by local botanists. The original environmental assesments led to plans to mitigate against disturbing some areas known to be home to some rare plant species. This latest survey has shown that the area with rare plants is much larger in breadth. At this time, it is too early to say how these discoveries will impact the future of the project. For more information on Wailea 670 and the new plant discoveries, check out today’s edition of the Maui News.

Pete Jalbert