Letter from Rep. Chris Lee

From: "Rep. Chris Kalani Lee" repclee@capitol.hawaii.gov
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 3:42 PM

Aloha,

Thank you for taking the time to write about the proposed Target store in Kailua. I want to bring you up to date. Throughout the last year, I have heard widespread community opposition to Kaneohe Ranch's plans for a Target Store in Kailua. Hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls from residents have been received by myself and other area officials. Residents and local small businesses have been organizing in opposition, and the Kailua Neighborhood Board has passed a motion opposing the project.

Representative Cynthia Thielen, Councilman Ikaika Anderson and myself have continued to meet with Target and speak with Kaneohe Ranch about their plans. It has been frustrating that despite our previous requests, the community has not been made a real part of the process, and a real discussion about many of the issues has not yet been had. I will continue to push for an open dialogue between Kaneohe Ranch, Target, and our community. Until the community is brought on board, and until our local small businesses' concerns can be met, I remain opposed to the opening of a Target in Kailua.

Building a large big-box retailer in Kailua ignores the spirit and purpose of our planning guidelines that the community worked hard to create. The Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan, "intended to help guide public policy, investment, and decision-making through the 2020 planning horizon," is specifically "oriented toward maintaining and enhancing the region's ability to sustain its unique character and lifestyle."
The plan explains that any future planning and development "should prevent the introduction of "big box" retail stores," because "development of a "big box" store or discount center would be inconsistent with the vision for Koolaupoko's future."

Concerns about the negative impact on our community from a new Target store are not limited to development. Traffic congestion in Kailua is worse now than it was six years ago, when a 2004 community survey of 2,932 Kailua residents found that "An overwhelming 86% of respondents agreed that there were traffic congestion problems in Kailua." Five community forums sponsored by Kaneohe Ranch in 2004, and a study prepared for Kaneohe Ranch in 2005, recommended that "community desires for a small town sense of place can be enhanced by pedestrian-scale development," where a parent "would feel comfortable letting a child walk ahead of them with minimal supervision."  However, all Target traffic would flow directly through the recommended pedestrian friendly district, and add to the existing congestion in Kailua.

The largest concerns are about the loss to the small businesses that have been dedicated to our community for decades. Making Target a "one stop shop" would mean that there is little reason for customers to go anywhere else. It has been difficult for many businesses to voice their concerns because Kaneohe Ranch is their landlord. Many that have contacted us feel they must choose between either losing their business once Target comes to Kailua, or losing their lease if they speak in opposition. Kailua's success and distinction is owed to the iconic small businesses that have come to define it.

Following the Kailua Neighborhood Board's motion opposing Target, Kaneohe Ranch asked the board to rescind its motion and informed the board that Kaneohe Ranch could pursue legal action for "compensation and damages" related to their opposition to Target. Our neighborhood board is elected by our community to speak on behalf of the people of Kailua, and I have attached a letter responding to Kaneohe Ranch's threat of legal action.

Other elected officials and I are continuing to meet with Kaneohe Ranch and Target officials on behalf of the residents and small businesses of Kailua, and I will continue to push to make sure any concerns are heard and addressed. As we await the next steps by Kaneohe Ranch and Target, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Mahalo,


Representative Chris Lee
51st House District
State Capitol, Room 313
415 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813
Ph: (808)586-9450 Fax: (808)586-9456
repclee@capitol.hawaii.gov