Kailua Residence Oppose Transit Bill
by KITV-TV
Even though the rail's route does not stop in their backyard, Kailua residents fear Senate bill 2927 would give special privileges to developers building near public transportation centers and open the door to high-rise buildings.
"They could build a hotel or a skyscraper or large buildings within small local communities," said Kailua resident Chris Delaunay.
Opponents of the bill passed out fliers at the "I Love Kailua" block party Sunday, asking the public to speak out against the legislation.
Residents said the bill includes development around bus stations and if one of the proposed Kailua sites is picked, it would impact the windward community.
"Basically it will allow for landowners to ignore existing county zoning laws within a quarter mile radius around bus transit centers," said Delaunay.
Area representative Chris Lee voted against the bill, though he believes the statewide legislation could benefit leeward and downtown neighborhoods.
"Its intention is to look at transit oriented development downtown and really push for it with smart growth and urban redevelopment in that area. But what we don't want to see on the windward side is that to have an impact here," said Lee.
"The difficulty is working with the majority that does not oppose the bill yet and having to convince them and point out to them what is wrong with the bill," said Ryan.
Ryan said in no way is she in favor of turning Kailua into Waikiki. Instead she said she is planning to ask lawmakers to remove Kailua from the list.
"A group in Kailua has been saying that I want a hotel in Kailua and I just want the public to know that is absolutely false," said Ryan.
The bill heads to conference committee Tuesday, which is open to the public, before it gets a final vote. If the bill passes, it does not go into effect until 2050
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