The Project Located in Kihei on the Maui coastline, Makena may not be as well known to televised golf fans as its professional Tour stop neighbors Kapalua, Kaanapali and Wailea, but it is second to none of them in its proactive and comprehensive environmental preservation program. And the Maui Prince Resort’s two Robert Trent Jones Jr.- designed courses, owned by the Dowling Company and Morgan Stanley, hold their own for scenery, challenge and overall quality as well.
Judges were unanimously impressed with the scope of Makena’s environmental sustainability campaign. Makena’s efforts encompass everything from plant and wildlife preservation to water management to technologically advanced energy-saving solutions and green building practices on their new clubhouse. While some of those strategies are still in the developmental stage, the efforts still received a Certification in Environmental Planning this year from Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
What they did Environmental preservation efforts at Makena included use of integrated pest management techniques, maintaining food and cover for wildlife and incorporating native plantings. Water conservation and management programs involved introduction of Seashore Paspalum turf that thrives on water generated by a privately owned wastewater treatment plant and brackish water and an upgraded, more efficient irrigation system.
The payoff On the energy front, a 200-kilowatt photovoltaic system is being installed on the water treatment plant to create a net zero cost for energy needed to treat and pump the wastewater. The facility is also installing a $75,000 wind turbine for further energy conservation. The planned new clubhouse is being designed to become the first golf clubhouse in the country to receive LEED Platinum certification.