La`au Point development draft EIS now available

It’s an early Christmas for those who’ve been waiting to analyze an 835-page study on foreseen impacts of Molokai Ranch’s planned development at La`au Point.

 The draft environmental impact statement, which includes studies on possible water, environment, social, cultural and archaeological impacts, has been officially submitted to the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. A notice on the request for public comments won’t be published by the state until Dec. 23 triggering a 45-day public comment period. The ranch is sending copies of the study to people who met the deadline to be considered consulting parties. Copies also will be available at the Molokai Public Library in Kaunakakai and at the ranch office in Maunaloa and via the Molokai Dispatch website at: www.themolokaidispatch.com/laau_deis.pdf 

The public comment period will end on Feb. 6, 2007.