WAILUKU, Maui — Two Maui developers have announced plans to build a traditional, mixed-use town on 600 acres at Olowalu, once home to a plantation village.

Bill Frampton and Dave Ward, developers and founders of Olowalu Town LLC, plan to hold community meetings this month to present their proposals and include the public in the planning process.

The project would be on the leeward slopes of the West Maui Mountains, between Ma'alaea and Lahaina. Olowalu Elua Associates bought large tracts of land there from Amfac when the plantation stopped sugar cane production in the mid-1990s. Frampton and Ward have a development agreement with Olowalu Elua Associates to build the proposed master-planned community, with an option to purchase the land. Most of the property is designated for agriculture.

The estimated build-out time is 15 to 20 years.

Frampton and Ward said their concept "is to re-establish a livable and sustainable community, not a hotel or resort community." Possible uses include affordable and senior housing, small businesses, camping, surfing and fishing sites, medical and public safety facilities, schools and a civic center.

The area currently is occupied by a general store, a restaurant, a small private campsite, a large private cultural reserve along Olowalu Stream, and homes. The community is served by a private water system.

The developers will face a number of challenges, including the county's update of its general plan to reassess appropriate land uses.

The meetings will be held at the King Kamehameha Clubhouse in Waikapu. For a schedule and more information, see www.olowalu.net.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com.