More on the Maalaea Community Garden

Yesterday, May 19th , a meeting was held in the Maalaea Garden with Pastor Aga, 4 members of the Vet Assoc., and Jason from A & B. The following was reported to be what transpired as a result of this meeting:

• The Vet's are the "boss" and have final say in all decisions
• all garden plots at the rear of the garden are to be removed
• other structures in this area are to be removed as well
• the Pastor is to remove his "church" sign from the entrance of the garden. (This is a brand new sign that was recently installed)
• the Pastor is to remove the cross and other religious items from his "church" area
• the "Maalaea Community Garden" sign will be removed
• the Vets will be using the church halle for whatever functions they choose
• we are welcome to stay and tend to the front part of the garden - watering, raking, pruning of trees. In other words, keeping the front in a state of beauty etc. Frankly, given their actions , we are not prepared to do this. This requires time and money and frankly we are not their hired gardeners . The Pastor who has done so much to beautify the area and keep order and quiet, is himself planning to leave, under these conditions - who can blame him.

I guess the letters and protests from the community has fallen on "deaf" ears. The fact that Jason ( whose job includes looking after some of these leased properties) is a very close friend to one of the Vets, does not lend itself to an impartial  and fair meeting. Mr. Grant Chun , Jason's boss, has left this resolution in Jason's hands, so I guess this leaves us all, the community, at a dead end. As a side note, let me remind everyone, that the Vets did express that they plan to have functions in the "church" area till , as late as 10PM. There were no promises that alcohol and smoking would not occur in this area. Heaven help us - between the extra cars, motorcycles, and "parties" that are likely to occur the peacefulness of this area will be a thing of the past.