Former Maui County Planning Director Christopher Hart has died at age of 71, according to his family.

Hart died in the early morning hours of Nov. 12.  He was a County Planner betweeen 1970 and 1984.  He was Planning Director between 1986 and 1991.  Those who knew him say Hart played a big role in the recent passage of the Maui Island Plan and was the reason why Maui has the Country Town Planning Designation, which saved the historic character of Wailuku, Paia, Makawao and Lahaina.

Hart founded Chris Hart & Partners in 1992.

"Chris has always been very, very thoughtful.  He was looking out for the betterment of the community," said Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa.  "He was a really nice guy. We're really going to miss him."

Hart is survived by four sons and his wife Maria.