November 19, 2012
Kaneohe Ranch: Next upgrades for Kailua to happen on a smaller scale
By Jenna Blakely
Kaneohe Ranch Management Ltd. plans to continue Kailua’s renovations on a smaller scale after bringing in national chains like Pier 1 Imports, Whole Foods Market and, soon, Target.
A decade ago, Kailua residents had to leave town to shop, but once Target (NYSE: TGT) moves in, Kaneohe Ranch President and CEO Mitchell D`Olier said residents can now find everything they need without having to leave the Windward Oahu town. Whole Foods Market (NYSE: WFM) opened its second Oahu store in Kailua in April.
But after Target opens, D`Olier isn’t planning on bringing in any more big chains.
“Whole Foods and Target are desirable to have and they enhance the community,” he said. “But for the future, we want it to be a place for smaller merchants and we’re always on the lookout for cool, new restaurants.”
Kimo Steinwascher, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said Kaneohe Ranch has at least a dozen leases that will come up within the next five years.
As more renovations occur, he anticipates that many of Kailua’s smaller merchants will upgrade to the newer locations, he said. Brokers regularly call for open space, he added, which allows the town’s major landlord to be selective in who moves in. For the past two years, they’ve had zero vacancy.
But, D’Olier pointed out that they are moving forward with caution and don’t want to put any one out of business by adding too much of the same thing.
“We have a loyalty to our merchants,” he said. “I want it to be a retail place where everyone can be successful.”
D’Olier added that when Whole Foods moved in, some local businesses were worried about lunch business being taken away. While that may have occurred in the beginning, he said it has calmed down and business has returned to normal.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
StarAdvertiser-article
October 13, 2012
Target still mum on its plans for Kailua
The project has been revised after the discovery of bones at the old Don Quijote site
By Kristen Consillio
Target Corp.'s scheduled grand opening for July has passed, and the retailer has said little since revising plans for a proposed $40 million, 130,000-square-foot store in Kailua.
The Minneapolis-based retailer said an archaeological study discovered "previously unidentified iwi kupuna," or Native Hawaiian skeletal remains, at the site of the former Don Quijote USA Co. Ltd. at 345 Hahani St., which Target purchased in January 2011 from landowner Kaneohe Ranch. Two sets of human remains were found, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Target's archaeological survey is ongoing.
The company hasn't disclosed new plans for the store, but acknowledged it has redesigned the project to minimize ground disturbances, which includes leaving the Don Quijote building foundation in place.
Target updated the Oahu Island Burial Council in August on its revised plans but also didn't give details, said council Chairwoman Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu.
"I don't believe it's going to be much different from the existing Target," she said. "They're simply elevating it up."
Company spokeswoman Mya Walters said in an email, "The Oahu Island Burial Council through a process defined by the burial laws will determine the final resting place of the discovered iwi kupuna. Out of respect for the cultural descendants and their requests during this intensely private and sensitive matter, Target does not have any additional information to share at this time."
Walters wouldn't say when construction — which takes approximately 10 months to a year — will begin or when a new store is expected to open
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
KITV-article
September 18, 2012
Residents have say in mixing recreation and business
After a new law went into effect banning some commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama Beach Parks, the city is now asking residents what kinds of businesses can operate at the hundreds of other parks around Oahu.
Hawaii's parks provide many different activities for thousands each and every day, but city planners want to know what future activities should be allowed.
"The mothers that are strolling out there with their babies, that's fine. The tennis and surfing instructors, that's fine. What's not fine is people that want to sell alcohol in front of the zoo or trinkets to tourists," said Nancy Manali-Leonardo.
Many island businesses currently rely on commercial activities at Oahu's beaches or parks.
"I'm concerned with the city permitting for commercial filming because it may directly affect my wedding business," said Susan O'Donnell, with Aloha Wedding Planners.
Not all business activities are created equal in the eyes of the city. A paid tai che class at the park is not a problem.
But tennis instructors said they cannot get a permit to teach a lesson.
"For a small business, I want to follow the rules, but I also want the rules to be fair for everyone," said O'Donnell.
"The City and County of Honolulu is losing out. They don't make a penny when they don't issue permits. With an expanded permitting process, an hourly fee, or any kind of fair system, the city can pay for maintenance for the parks. That's a win, win situation," said tennis instructor David Chang.
City planners want each community to determine just how much and what kind of commercial activity should be allowed at the nearly 300 city parks around Oahu.
"If they are okay with these activities, then we'll promulgate rules. Then it will become a standard that everyone can follow, even though it may vary from community to community," said Honolulu Park's Director Gary Cabato.
While commercial activity may be banned, the city does issue temporary concession contracts for non-profit events like festivals, which in the past have also included food or merchandise sales.
Cabato said there is concern that future activities like North Shore surf events, which have a huge impact both in and out of the water, will need environmental impact statements before they'll be issued permits.
Tuesday's public meeting will be held at Waialua District Park at 5 p.m. Wednesday's public meeting will be held at Kaneohe District Park at 5 p.m. Thursday's public meeting will be held at Waianae District Park at 5 p.m.
Residents have say in mixing recreation and business
After a new law went into effect banning some commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama Beach Parks, the city is now asking residents what kinds of businesses can operate at the hundreds of other parks around Oahu.
Hawaii's parks provide many different activities for thousands each and every day, but city planners want to know what future activities should be allowed.
"The mothers that are strolling out there with their babies, that's fine. The tennis and surfing instructors, that's fine. What's not fine is people that want to sell alcohol in front of the zoo or trinkets to tourists," said Nancy Manali-Leonardo.
Many island businesses currently rely on commercial activities at Oahu's beaches or parks.
"I'm concerned with the city permitting for commercial filming because it may directly affect my wedding business," said Susan O'Donnell, with Aloha Wedding Planners.
Not all business activities are created equal in the eyes of the city. A paid tai che class at the park is not a problem.
But tennis instructors said they cannot get a permit to teach a lesson.
"For a small business, I want to follow the rules, but I also want the rules to be fair for everyone," said O'Donnell.
"The City and County of Honolulu is losing out. They don't make a penny when they don't issue permits. With an expanded permitting process, an hourly fee, or any kind of fair system, the city can pay for maintenance for the parks. That's a win, win situation," said tennis instructor David Chang.
City planners want each community to determine just how much and what kind of commercial activity should be allowed at the nearly 300 city parks around Oahu.
"If they are okay with these activities, then we'll promulgate rules. Then it will become a standard that everyone can follow, even though it may vary from community to community," said Honolulu Park's Director Gary Cabato.
While commercial activity may be banned, the city does issue temporary concession contracts for non-profit events like festivals, which in the past have also included food or merchandise sales.
Cabato said there is concern that future activities like North Shore surf events, which have a huge impact both in and out of the water, will need environmental impact statements before they'll be issued permits.
Tuesday's public meeting will be held at Waialua District Park at 5 p.m. Wednesday's public meeting will be held at Kaneohe District Park at 5 p.m. Thursday's public meeting will be held at Waianae District Park at 5 p.m.
Friday, September 14, 2012
KITV-article
September 14, 2012
Hawaii Tourism Authority becomes player in possible Bill 11 compromise
After the City Council voted to override Mayor Peter Carlisle's veto of Bill 11 on Aug. 15, all commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks came to a grinding halt.
However, large stagecoach tour buses continue to roam the residential neighborhood, providing a boost to local businesses, but frustrating longtime locals.
"People have had to deal with safety problems with tour buses, with diesel fumes and with huge hoards hordes of people crossing streets at the same time," said Chuck Prentiss, chair of the Kailua Neighborhood Board.
Thursday morning morning, a meeting was held at HTA headquarters at the Hawaii Convention Center to discuss how large tour buses could continue to bring visitors to the popular beach parks without disturbing Kailua residents. The gathering was attended by 40 to 50 people, including several representatives from tour bus companies.
"I think we're trying to find a way to find some balance in this so that everyone can feel comfortable and feel good about what's going on out there," said McCartney. "We're looking for alternatives that minimize the impact on the community, and also provide the best guest experience possible."
Councilman Ikaika Anderson, who represents Kailua and sponsored Bill 11, told KITV4 one of the ideas being floated is to find a private, commercially zoned lot where stagecoach tour buses could park, and then ferry tourists to Kailua and Kalama beach parks in less cumbersome vehicles. Anderson was among those who attended the HTA meeting.
"I think it's a reasonable solution if we're looking at vehicles that would take tourists in decent numbers, 15 to 25 at a time, to get to where they're going," said the councilman. "I have been talking to people in my community to let them know that we do need to be mindful of our neighborhood businesses, while at the same time protecting the rights and the comfort of our Kailua residents."
Still, Prentiss doesn't believe residents who fought over a year to pass Bill 11 would be agreeable to any compromise that allows large tour buses to continue roving through Kailua streets.
"They could offload the tourists at the Pali Lookout if they want to and walk down, and it'll still be illegal," he said. "If it's part of an organized tour, then it's not legal."
But Anderson rejects any notion that Bill 11 was meant to control commercial activity outside of the two beach parks. He said all of the testimony and debate leading up to passage of the measure focused on regulating for-profit activities inside the popular areas, which had become unmanageable because of kayak rentals and other ventures.
"Anyone who tells you that the intent of the bill was to prevent commercial activity around the beach park and all over Kailua are severely misguided," said Anderson.
Kaneohe Ranch, which manages real estate owned by the family trusts of Harold K.L. Castle and Alice H. Castle, already allows stagecoach buses to park at an empty lot on Hekili Street, but visitors are forced to walk and many never make it to the beach.
Parks and Recreation Director Gary Cabato said any compromise that allows tourists to walk into the two beach parks on their own would not be a violation of Bill 11, as long as smaller vehicles that ferry visitors to the areas remain outside park boundaries.
Meanwhile, Bob Twogood, owner of Twogood Kayaks Hawaii in Kailua, said his business has dropped significantly after the commercial ban at the two beach parks began last month. Before the bill took effect, Twogood's 14 workers used to deliver kayaks to the water's edge, but no longer.
"I've laid-off over half my staff to this point, and we'll see how it goes over the next couple of months whether I have to lay off even more," he said.
Twogood said any compromise that takes the interests of businesses, tour bus operators and residents into account, is a good start.
"I think it's a really good move in the right direction," he said.
But McCartney said any solution could be weeks, or even months away.
"I think we have our work cut out for us, we still have a lot of work to do," he said.
Hawaii Tourism Authority becomes player in possible Bill 11 compromise
After the City Council voted to override Mayor Peter Carlisle's veto of Bill 11 on Aug. 15, all commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks came to a grinding halt.
However, large stagecoach tour buses continue to roam the residential neighborhood, providing a boost to local businesses, but frustrating longtime locals.
"People have had to deal with safety problems with tour buses, with diesel fumes and with huge hoards hordes of people crossing streets at the same time," said Chuck Prentiss, chair of the Kailua Neighborhood Board.
Thursday morning morning, a meeting was held at HTA headquarters at the Hawaii Convention Center to discuss how large tour buses could continue to bring visitors to the popular beach parks without disturbing Kailua residents. The gathering was attended by 40 to 50 people, including several representatives from tour bus companies.
"I think we're trying to find a way to find some balance in this so that everyone can feel comfortable and feel good about what's going on out there," said McCartney. "We're looking for alternatives that minimize the impact on the community, and also provide the best guest experience possible."
Councilman Ikaika Anderson, who represents Kailua and sponsored Bill 11, told KITV4 one of the ideas being floated is to find a private, commercially zoned lot where stagecoach tour buses could park, and then ferry tourists to Kailua and Kalama beach parks in less cumbersome vehicles. Anderson was among those who attended the HTA meeting.
"I think it's a reasonable solution if we're looking at vehicles that would take tourists in decent numbers, 15 to 25 at a time, to get to where they're going," said the councilman. "I have been talking to people in my community to let them know that we do need to be mindful of our neighborhood businesses, while at the same time protecting the rights and the comfort of our Kailua residents."
Still, Prentiss doesn't believe residents who fought over a year to pass Bill 11 would be agreeable to any compromise that allows large tour buses to continue roving through Kailua streets.
"They could offload the tourists at the Pali Lookout if they want to and walk down, and it'll still be illegal," he said. "If it's part of an organized tour, then it's not legal."
But Anderson rejects any notion that Bill 11 was meant to control commercial activity outside of the two beach parks. He said all of the testimony and debate leading up to passage of the measure focused on regulating for-profit activities inside the popular areas, which had become unmanageable because of kayak rentals and other ventures.
"Anyone who tells you that the intent of the bill was to prevent commercial activity around the beach park and all over Kailua are severely misguided," said Anderson.
Kaneohe Ranch, which manages real estate owned by the family trusts of Harold K.L. Castle and Alice H. Castle, already allows stagecoach buses to park at an empty lot on Hekili Street, but visitors are forced to walk and many never make it to the beach.
Parks and Recreation Director Gary Cabato said any compromise that allows tourists to walk into the two beach parks on their own would not be a violation of Bill 11, as long as smaller vehicles that ferry visitors to the areas remain outside park boundaries.
Meanwhile, Bob Twogood, owner of Twogood Kayaks Hawaii in Kailua, said his business has dropped significantly after the commercial ban at the two beach parks began last month. Before the bill took effect, Twogood's 14 workers used to deliver kayaks to the water's edge, but no longer.
"I've laid-off over half my staff to this point, and we'll see how it goes over the next couple of months whether I have to lay off even more," he said.
Twogood said any compromise that takes the interests of businesses, tour bus operators and residents into account, is a good start.
"I think it's a really good move in the right direction," he said.
But McCartney said any solution could be weeks, or even months away.
"I think we have our work cut out for us, we still have a lot of work to do," he said.
Friday, September 7, 2012
KITV-article
September 7, 2012
Tour buses and vans crowd Kailua Neighborhood
A new city law took effect banning tour buses from Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
Since then, the buses have inundated Kailua Beach Shopping Center, which many nearby residents say causes traffic jams and a safety hazard which has gotten exponentially worse.
"The latest incidents include buses stopping in the Kailua Beach Center and literally stopping on the roads and backing traffic up," said frustrated resident Fred Hemmings. "We want to maintain the residential neighborhood and not turn into Waikiki."
The residents say the tour buses and vans have increased traffic in a primary residential neighborhood. They say larger buses pull over on the side of the narrow road, causing drivers to go into oncoming traffic to get around them. In addition, frustrated Kailua homeowners say letting off dozens of tourists on a busy road creates a dangerous situation.
"You have buses, children walking, bikers and cars. It occurs in this one spot right now and it is too dangerous." said State representative Cynthia Thielen. "People are working together to find a solution before we have a tragedy,"
Residents hope they, along with the city and the owners of the shopping center can come to a compromise soon about the buses. In the meantime, many residents will be staging a protest Saturday morning near the beach center to get their concerns heard.
Tour buses and vans crowd Kailua Neighborhood
A new city law took effect banning tour buses from Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
Since then, the buses have inundated Kailua Beach Shopping Center, which many nearby residents say causes traffic jams and a safety hazard which has gotten exponentially worse.
"The latest incidents include buses stopping in the Kailua Beach Center and literally stopping on the roads and backing traffic up," said frustrated resident Fred Hemmings. "We want to maintain the residential neighborhood and not turn into Waikiki."
The residents say the tour buses and vans have increased traffic in a primary residential neighborhood. They say larger buses pull over on the side of the narrow road, causing drivers to go into oncoming traffic to get around them. In addition, frustrated Kailua homeowners say letting off dozens of tourists on a busy road creates a dangerous situation.
"You have buses, children walking, bikers and cars. It occurs in this one spot right now and it is too dangerous." said State representative Cynthia Thielen. "People are working together to find a solution before we have a tragedy,"
Residents hope they, along with the city and the owners of the shopping center can come to a compromise soon about the buses. In the meantime, many residents will be staging a protest Saturday morning near the beach center to get their concerns heard.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
KHON-article
August 15, 2012
Bill 11 reviewed at City Council on Wednesday
A controversial bill that has divided the Windward Oahu community will get another review at the Honolulu City Council.
Bill 11 is aimed at banning commercial activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
Mayor Peter Carlisle vetoed it last month.
Councilman Ikaika Anderson introduced Bill 11 and will look for the necessary votes to override the mayor's veto during a meeting Wednesday morning.
Six out of nine the city council members need to vote in favor of the override.
If that happens, Bill 11 will become law.
Bill 11 reviewed at City Council on Wednesday
A controversial bill that has divided the Windward Oahu community will get another review at the Honolulu City Council.
Bill 11 is aimed at banning commercial activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
Mayor Peter Carlisle vetoed it last month.
Councilman Ikaika Anderson introduced Bill 11 and will look for the necessary votes to override the mayor's veto during a meeting Wednesday morning.
Six out of nine the city council members need to vote in favor of the override.
If that happens, Bill 11 will become law.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
KITV - artlcle
August 8, 2012
Kailua Target development could be moving forward
Delay over ancient bones lifted
The Oahu Burial Council Chair says the council is back in business, for their second meeting, after a five month hiatus.
Wong-Kalu said she plans to address lawmakers this coming legislative session to try and change that requirement.
Read more: http://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii/Kailua-Target-development-could-be-moving-forward/-/8905354/16026518/-/kqfq34z/-/index.html#ixzz234a7xv9M
Kailua Target development could be moving forward
Delay over ancient bones lifted
The Oahu Burial Council Chair says the council is back in business, for their second meeting, after a five month hiatus.
The council meets over what to do about hawaiian burial sites unearthed by development.
Just a few of the big projects affected: Target in Kailua, The International Marketplace in Waikiki, and the Rail Transit project.
"It's not if they're going to be found, it's when they're going to be found," she said.
Developers had hoped Target Kailua would open by this July, but construction hasn't even started yet.
A big part of the problem: waiting for permits and clearance - including for preserving burial remains.
"We've met some excellent examples of people who are trying to be up and up," said Wong-Kalu.
She said Target Kailua developers have decided to use the original foundation from the old Don Quijote so as not to disturb iwi.
As for the parking lot:"Currently, they are working on reburying these iwi and they will be maintained in place," she said.
In another development project, the Queen Emma Land Company wants to give the entire Waikiki International Marketplace a facelift.
Developers and decendents have come up with another idea for iwi kapuna:
"It's essentially a space in their mixed use complex," said Wong-Kalu.
It would be a burial site built into the new design.
Wong-Kalu said they're still waiting to discuss rail transit.
She hopes engineers will also include a home for iwi kapuna in the initial design for each station.
"So hopefully, it wouldn't be an afterthought," she said.
Meeting a quorum, which means a fair number of large-landowners must be in attendence at burial council meetings, has been a big problem - and not just on Oahu.
Molokai's council hasn't been able to meet since April 2008.
Read more: http://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii/Kailua-Target-development-could-be-moving-forward/-/8905354/16026518/-/kqfq34z/-/index.html#ixzz234a7xv9M
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
KITV.com-article
Mayor Peter Carlisle on Wednesday vetoed Bill 11, which would have extended the weekend ban on commercial activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks to weekdays.
“Regardless of how much a total ban at Kailua and Kalama beach parks might make good sense, I am concerned that allowing this bill to become law will make it harder to refuse other neighborhoods wishing to do the same down the road,” Carlisle said. “The better approach is to work on rules island-wide and the Department of Parks and Recreation is doing this now.”
The City Council approved Bill 11 on July 11 by a vote of seven to two. Carlisle said the Council will likely override his veto based on that margin.
“I understand and in fact concur with some of the reasons Council members had for passing this bill and some of the reasons why they may not be changing their votes now,” he said. “I am concerned, however, that this may be one of those ‘be careful what you wish for’ situations where efforts to circumvent a total ban might intensify rather than resolve the problem.”
Even if the Council overrides the mayor’s veto, the administration will follow the law, Carlisle said, pledging to involve the Corporation Counsel, the Police Department, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Department of Parks and Recreation in resolving enforcement issues that arise.
Read more: http://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii/Mayor-vetoes-bill-extending-ban-on-beach-park-businesses/-/8905354/15712082/-/9i705k/-/index.html#ixzz21h7YLWDZ
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
StarAdvertiers - article
July 13, 2012
Permit woes stall Kailua Target construction
The building of Target Corp.'s Kailua store, which was originally expected to open in 2012, continues to be delayed in the state's permitting process.
Target is currently conducting field tests for an archaeological inventory survey, which requires trenching and other light earthmoving activities.
The company is working with the State Historic Preservation Division and native hawaiian cultural descendants of Kailua on the field tests and upcoming construction.
Target will evaluate its construction plans based on the results of the survey to determine whin it can open the store, said company spokeswoman Mya Walters.
Permit woes stall Kailua Target construction
The building of Target Corp.'s Kailua store, which was originally expected to open in 2012, continues to be delayed in the state's permitting process.
Target is currently conducting field tests for an archaeological inventory survey, which requires trenching and other light earthmoving activities.
The company is working with the State Historic Preservation Division and native hawaiian cultural descendants of Kailua on the field tests and upcoming construction.
Target will evaluate its construction plans based on the results of the survey to determine whin it can open the store, said company spokeswoman Mya Walters.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Bill 11 - info
SAVE KAILUA AND
KALAMA BEACH PARKS FROM COMMERCIALIZATION BY CALLING, E-MAILING, AND TESTIFYING IN SUPPORT OF BILL 11 CD1 BEFORE THE FINAL VOTE @ THE CITY COUNCIL ON JULY 11! Do your part and pass this message forward!
Bill 11 CD1 will ban commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks by preventing the City from issuing vendor permits (making kayak dropoffs illegal) and preventing tour buses from dropping off tourist in our beach parks. Please find 8 arguments in support of Bill 11 CD1
and allow them to help you when drafting an e-mail or communicating to our councilmembers (their contact info is listed at bottom of message).
You may use a few or all arguments or draft your own points in support of this bill. The main thing is you get your message out to them before the City Council hearing on July 11th.
1. The City and County of Honolulu will be in violation of HRS § 343 if they issue permits allowing commercial uses at Kailua Beach Park. According to the Final Environmental Assessment for the Revised Master Plan for Kailua Beach Park conducted in 1996, windsurfing was the only commercial use considered.
2. The City Council needs to pass a law stopping all commercial uses at Kailua Beach Park to ensure compliance with HRS 343 and avoid costly litigation against the City.
3. When Camp Kailua was condemned for purposes of expanding Kailua Beach Park, the City and County of Honolulu promised in writing that they would not allow tour buses in the beach park.
4. An overwhelming majority of Kailua residents and the Kailua Neighborhood Board has testified, petitioned, and communicated via e-mail and phone their support for Bill 11 CD1 to the City Council.
5. Kailua and Kalama beach parks lack the infrastructure necessary to handle businesses and tour bus drop-offs at the parks, which pose serious health and safety issues. For instance, Kailua Beach Park was never designed to accommodate tour buses and commercial activity. If such activities are allowed, emergency vehicles will have difficulty entering and exiting our beach parks in a timely manner.
6. Passage of Bill 11 CD1 would ensure that all Kailua's businesses are treated fairly by requiring them to operate in Kailua Town. A few businesses should not be allowed to profit off of Kailua's natural resources and beach parks while others cannot do the same. Let’s support legal businesses!
7. Kailua needs to preserve and protect its limited amount of open space. Kailua is home to over 38,000 residents and receives many visitors with only one very small beach park (Kalama Beach Park) and one medium size beach park (Kailua Beach Park). If commercial activities are allowed at any of these beach parks, Kailua residents and its visitors will not have the open space needed for recreational activities and family gatherings.
8. Passage of Bill 11 CD1 would set good precedent for Oahu's communities: All communities are unique with unique problems or challenges calling for unique solutions. A community should have a say in how its parks are used since taxpayer dollars pay for them.
Please E-MAIL AND CALL ALL COUNCILMEMBERS asking them to support Bill 11 CD1 before July 11th. AND Please testify on July 11th @ 10 a.m. at the Honolulu Hale in support of Bill 11 CD1.
Bill 11 CD1 will ban commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks by preventing the City from issuing vendor permits (making kayak dropoffs illegal) and preventing tour buses from dropping off tourist in our beach parks. Please find 8 arguments in support of Bill 11 CD1
and allow them to help you when drafting an e-mail or communicating to our councilmembers (their contact info is listed at bottom of message).
You may use a few or all arguments or draft your own points in support of this bill. The main thing is you get your message out to them before the City Council hearing on July 11th.
1. The City and County of Honolulu will be in violation of HRS § 343 if they issue permits allowing commercial uses at Kailua Beach Park. According to the Final Environmental Assessment for the Revised Master Plan for Kailua Beach Park conducted in 1996, windsurfing was the only commercial use considered.
2. The City Council needs to pass a law stopping all commercial uses at Kailua Beach Park to ensure compliance with HRS 343 and avoid costly litigation against the City.
3. When Camp Kailua was condemned for purposes of expanding Kailua Beach Park, the City and County of Honolulu promised in writing that they would not allow tour buses in the beach park.
4. An overwhelming majority of Kailua residents and the Kailua Neighborhood Board has testified, petitioned, and communicated via e-mail and phone their support for Bill 11 CD1 to the City Council.
5. Kailua and Kalama beach parks lack the infrastructure necessary to handle businesses and tour bus drop-offs at the parks, which pose serious health and safety issues. For instance, Kailua Beach Park was never designed to accommodate tour buses and commercial activity. If such activities are allowed, emergency vehicles will have difficulty entering and exiting our beach parks in a timely manner.
6. Passage of Bill 11 CD1 would ensure that all Kailua's businesses are treated fairly by requiring them to operate in Kailua Town. A few businesses should not be allowed to profit off of Kailua's natural resources and beach parks while others cannot do the same. Let’s support legal businesses!
7. Kailua needs to preserve and protect its limited amount of open space. Kailua is home to over 38,000 residents and receives many visitors with only one very small beach park (Kalama Beach Park) and one medium size beach park (Kailua Beach Park). If commercial activities are allowed at any of these beach parks, Kailua residents and its visitors will not have the open space needed for recreational activities and family gatherings.
8. Passage of Bill 11 CD1 would set good precedent for Oahu's communities: All communities are unique with unique problems or challenges calling for unique solutions. A community should have a say in how its parks are used since taxpayer dollars pay for them.
Please E-MAIL AND CALL ALL COUNCILMEMBERS asking them to support Bill 11 CD1 before July 11th. AND Please testify on July 11th @ 10 a.m. at the Honolulu Hale in support of Bill 11 CD1.
Change.org
LET'S DO THIS FOR KAILUA! Final reading of Bill 11, CD1 is on Wednesday,
July 11, 2012.
Bill 11, CD1 will prohibit the Department of Parks and Recreation from issuing any permits for commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks. This will ensure that our beach parks will always be commercial free.
Please E-MAIL AND CALL ALL COUNCILMEMBERS BELOW asking them to ban commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park by supporting Bill 11 CD1 before July 11th. AND Please testify on July 11th @ 10 a.m. at the Honolulu Hale in support of Bill 11 CD1:
Nestor Garcia (808) 768-5009 AND ngarcia@honolulu.gov.
Stanley Chang (808) 768-5004 AND ccldistrict4@honolulu.gov;
Ernest Martin (808) 768-5002 AND emartin@honolulu.gov;
Ann Kobayashi (808) 768-5005 AND akobayashi@honolulu.gov;
Tom Berg (808) 768-5001 AND tberg@honolulu.gov;
Tulsi Gabbard (808) 768-5006 AND tgabbard@honolulu.gov;
FINAL PUSH, KAILUA! Commercial interests that stand to lose profits from exploitation of our public resources will be there in full force. The City Council needs to see how important this bill is to all residents of Oahu, as well as for the health of our environment and our natural resources. We can do this for the betterment of our community and the future of our public resources.
KŪ PAʻA KAILUA! Stand firm, Kailua!
Bill 11, CD1 will prohibit the Department of Parks and Recreation from issuing any permits for commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks. This will ensure that our beach parks will always be commercial free.
Please E-MAIL AND CALL ALL COUNCILMEMBERS BELOW asking them to ban commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park by supporting Bill 11 CD1 before July 11th. AND Please testify on July 11th @ 10 a.m. at the Honolulu Hale in support of Bill 11 CD1:
Nestor Garcia (808) 768-5009 AND ngarcia@honolulu.gov.
Stanley Chang (808) 768-5004 AND ccldistrict4@honolulu.gov;
Ernest Martin (808) 768-5002 AND emartin@honolulu.gov;
Ann Kobayashi (808) 768-5005 AND akobayashi@honolulu.gov;
Tom Berg (808) 768-5001 AND tberg@honolulu.gov;
Tulsi Gabbard (808) 768-5006 AND tgabbard@honolulu.gov;
FINAL PUSH, KAILUA! Commercial interests that stand to lose profits from exploitation of our public resources will be there in full force. The City Council needs to see how important this bill is to all residents of Oahu, as well as for the health of our environment and our natural resources. We can do this for the betterment of our community and the future of our public resources.
KŪ PAʻA KAILUA! Stand firm, Kailua!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Hawaii Business - article
July 2012
It’s a hot Thursday and state Rep. Chris Lee is sitting in traffic trying to get out of Lanikai, his home neighborhood in Kailua. It’s 2:30 p.m., and Kailua and Lanikai beaches are still full of people, but cars trying to leave the area are already backed up way past Buzz’s restaurant.
Lee is supposed to be at a meeting in Honolulu in half an hour, but he’s not going to make it on time.
“I don’t think we can limit the number of people coming into Kailua,” he says, “but I think you can manage how those people come into the community and where they’re going to be, to mitigate the impact on any one neighborhood.
“We’re a welcoming town, and our challenge is to make sure that the needs of our residents continue to be met and aren’t overlooked because of an increasing focus on tourism. Finding that balance is key.”
Balance is the word many people use these days in response to the tourism and development boom as visitors and Oahu residents flock to Kailua, a once sleepy suburb by the sea. The problem is: Different people have different visions of balance.
Stores, tour operators and rental businesses are flourishing and hiring more people, but many long-time residents see their laid-back lifestyle dying, with some saying tensions are close to a “boiling point.”
At peak time on a busy weekend, it can take an hour or more to drive the two miles out of Lanikai. Judy Bishop, who runs a recruiting and staffing agency, says she tries not to go to the beach or even leave her Lanikai house on weekends because of the crowds and traffic.
“The sheer volume of local people and tourists is overwhelming the infrastructure of Kailua,” Bishop says. “We love to have visitors, tourists, people from Aiea or Pearl City or Kahaluu, come to our beaches because these are very popular with residents. … But we can’t fit a busload of tourists in there. We’re being overwhelmed. The parking area, the little bridge, the narrow roads, it wasn’t designed for tour buses.”
There are other friction points:
“There’s no one who will tell you Kailua isn’t prettier, with the new storefronts, the shady median and the upgraded shops like Whole Foods,” says one resident. “But some wonder: ‘At what price?’ ”
Mitch D’Olier says one person is largely responsible for bringing all those extra tourists to Kailua. “I am absolutely convinced it’s the Obama effect,” says D’Olier, president and CEO of Kaneohe Ranch, which has recently redeveloped 15 of the 40 acres it owns in the heart of Kailua.
“The tour bus people say, ‘We’re no longer selling a Haleiwa tour, we’re selling a Kailua tour. It’s closer (to Waikiki), and the second thing is Obama-san,’” D’Olier says.
“This is where the president comes when he comes home. They want to eat shave ice where he eats shave ice, and they want to walk on the beach where they’ve seen him walking with his daughters. He’s an iconic figure who has been very good for Kailua at exactly the time we needed something. We were heading for recession and I was worried we were going to lose merchants.
“But,” he continues, “we need to manage the traffic better and we need to manage the recreational places better. And we need to enforce whatever rules are there. When people can’t get out of Lanikai, when traffic doesn’t work, no, that’s not what we see for Kailua.”
Bus companies wanted to drop off tourists at the district park, he says, but he told them that would be a “nightmare” and create a community backlash. Instead, Kaneohe Ranch provided space on Hekili Street for tour buses and opened up the 135 stalls on the second floor of the parking garage beside Longs Drugs, for extra cars drawn by the opening of Whole Foods.
Many smaller businesses that cater to both tourists and locals are thriving: Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen has a constant lineup for breakfast and lunch; Pablo Gonzalez gets an overflow crowd daily at Lanikai Juice; and James Kodama’s Island Snow may be the biggest single beneficiary of the Obama effect. The president and the first family have bought Kodama’s shave ice during every Christmas vacation for the past four years, and that translates into national and international media coverage for Island Snow.
“The Obama thing for Kailua has definitely made a difference for all businesses in Kailua,” says Kodama, who owns the Island Snow shop, but has turned operations over to his son, Brockton.
When he was growing up in Kailua, Kodama says, “Stores really couldn’t survive here.” He welcomes the changes to what he remembers as a dull and sluggish town where he had trouble finding even part-time work as a teenager.
“It’s been a hidden jewel, but it’s no longer hidden,” he says. “When the Japanese people come in, they’re appreciating exactly what you and I appreciate.”
But Chuck Prentiss says the balance has been lost. Prentiss is president of the Kailua Neighborhood Board, which supports a more tranquil windward lifestyle and wants kayak rentals banned from Kailua beaches.
“Kailua and Kalama beach parks are public recreational properties, not commercial shopping centers,” he told the City Council in a hearing on Bill 11, CD1, which would prohibit commercial activities at those beach parks. “In fact, they are zoned P-2 Preservation. Furthermore they are located in an area that you have designated as a residential community on the Oahu General Plan and the Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan. … The General Plan designates other parts of the island as resort destinations where regulated commercial beach activities are permitted. … Let’s not make a mockery out of our strategic planning process.”
Prentiss said passage of the bill would not force anyone out of business. “Anyone can have a kayak rental business that is conducted from a commercial property in Kailua, which rents to locals or visitors, who can take the kayak to the beach. But for them to use scarce beach space for constant delivery and pickup of hundreds of kayaks every day, conduct lessons for kite boards, paddle boards, surfboards, etc., is totally incompatible and inappropriate outside of designated resort-destination areas.”
A vote on the bill was delayed when the city’s attorney advised the City Council that it was overstepping its powers by regulating commercial activities at the parks. Meanwhile, city Parks and Recreation director Gary Cabato says he is drafting park rules that may include a limited number of permits for rentals.
That’s what Bob Twogood hopes for. Twogood, who has spent three decades renting kayaks, says a complete ban would put at least three companies in Kailua out of business. He suggests a “reasonable permitting” system that allows the four store-based rental companies now operating to deliver kayaks next to Kaelepulu Stream, next to the bridge and across from Buzz’s.
“That keeps our delivery vehicles out of the beach parks,” he says, “and that gives the new kayakers a nice, safe place to learn to control the boat.” Then, he says, they can paddle to the mouth of the stream, drag the kayak across the sand and launch in the ocean.
Twogood says the city recently banned commercial activity in the beach parks from 1 p.m. Saturdays to 6 a.m. Mondays. So, the state will require businesses to buy permits for their kayaks, so that the companies pay $5 each time one of their kayaks lands on an offshore wildlife sanctuary like Mokulua, the twin islands off Lanikai that are nicknamed the Mokes. Lee says the money will be used to protect endangered species and the fragile ecosystems.
Mainlanders, Japanese and other foreigners are not the only visitors to Kailua. Many residents from other parts of Oahu are driving over the Pali or along H-3 to try the restaurants, browse in the shops or hold a family picnic at the beach. But, for many Kailua storeowners, it’s the tourists who keep the lights on.
At Elvin’s Bakery, Richard Wong has watched his sister’s business grow during its six years in operation. “Kailua is a nice town,” Wong says. He especially enjoys the growing number of Japanese tourists, who are particularly fond of the bakery’s blueberry scones.
“Kailua is really becoming a shopping destination,” agrees Kerrie Inouye, manager of the Fighting Eel boutique, which opened in December. “It’s amazing, the rate of growth and the number of people who are shopping. … I’m in absolute heaven here. We have a very loyal clientele, plus the Japanese magazines have a straight Kailua section. And the Japanese tourists want omiyage, so there is a lot of shopping.”
Fighting Eel, a locally owned women’s clothing company, moved into a building fronted by Whole Foods as part of Kaneohe Ranch’s pedestrian-friendly redevelopment of Kailua. The new shops are built with attractive storefronts next to the street, and parking is in the rear.
“It provides another place for our community to be healthy,” D’Olier says.
When the Target store opens next year, he says, Kaneohe Ranch and Target will do more traffic studies. D’Olier envisions a traffic signal at the corner of Hekili and Hahani streets, at Target’s main entrance, coordinated with nearby stoplights to create a smooth traffic flow in and out. He’d also like a traffic solution next to Kalapawai Market that eases left turns for people leaving the beach park and Lanikai area, and thereby reduces backups.
“It’s in nobody’s interests for traffic to come to a grinding halt,” he says. “If it comes to a grinding halt, it’s bad for all our merchants.”
Some long-time residents say the boost to Kailua’s economy is worth the extra bodies, while acknowledging that locals have to make accommodations, such as getting to the beach early and knowing when to leave.
“It doesn’t really bother us,” says landscaper Brandon Roper.
“Living in Kailua, we know what a beautiful place we live in,” says his friend, fellow landscaper Chris Canario. “We cannot be selfish. We gotta share.”
Still, there are limits and they both say they don’t want their hometown to ever look like Waikiki. “One time I counted 150 kayaks on the Mokes,” Roper recalls with exasperation.
Kailua seeks balance
Businesses and jobs vs. preserving a residential community
By Beverly Creamer
Lee is supposed to be at a meeting in Honolulu in half an hour, but he’s not going to make it on time.
“I don’t think we can limit the number of people coming into Kailua,” he says, “but I think you can manage how those people come into the community and where they’re going to be, to mitigate the impact on any one neighborhood.
“We’re a welcoming town, and our challenge is to make sure that the needs of our residents continue to be met and aren’t overlooked because of an increasing focus on tourism. Finding that balance is key.”
Balance is the word many people use these days in response to the tourism and development boom as visitors and Oahu residents flock to Kailua, a once sleepy suburb by the sea. The problem is: Different people have different visions of balance.
Stores, tour operators and rental businesses are flourishing and hiring more people, but many long-time residents see their laid-back lifestyle dying, with some saying tensions are close to a “boiling point.”
“The sheer volume of local people and tourists is overwhelming the infrastructure of Kailua,” Bishop says. “We love to have visitors, tourists, people from Aiea or Pearl City or Kahaluu, come to our beaches because these are very popular with residents. … But we can’t fit a busload of tourists in there. We’re being overwhelmed. The parking area, the little bridge, the narrow roads, it wasn’t designed for tour buses.”
There are other friction points:
- The long-standing dispute over illegal bed-and-breakfast facilities and short-term home rentals that cater to tourists eager to see “the real Hawaii,” and upset neighbors and unsettle communities of long-time residents.
- The construction of big-box stores, Whole Foods Market, which opened in April, and Target, scheduled to open next year.
- D.R. Horton-Schuler’s development of 153 condominiums in six four-story complexes on Kailua Road, which eliminated rundown but affordable apartments for low-income people.
- The emotional debate over state Senate Bill 2927, which would have eliminated planning, zoning, height and environmental oversight around rail and bus-transit stations around Oahu, including Kailua. The bill died in the Legislature, but it may be revived next session;
- The proliferation of rented kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft on the beaches, in the water and on the offshore islands that serve as bird sanctuaries.
- For years, private landowners allowed hikers to cross their property to reach the trail to the World War II pillboxes above Lanikai, but the owners now chafe as the number of climbers has grown exponentially, seriously increasing erosion.
“There’s no one who will tell you Kailua isn’t prettier, with the new storefronts, the shady median and the upgraded shops like Whole Foods,” says one resident. “But some wonder: ‘At what price?’ ”
Mitch D’Olier says one person is largely responsible for bringing all those extra tourists to Kailua. “I am absolutely convinced it’s the Obama effect,” says D’Olier, president and CEO of Kaneohe Ranch, which has recently redeveloped 15 of the 40 acres it owns in the heart of Kailua.
“The tour bus people say, ‘We’re no longer selling a Haleiwa tour, we’re selling a Kailua tour. It’s closer (to Waikiki), and the second thing is Obama-san,’” D’Olier says.
“This is where the president comes when he comes home. They want to eat shave ice where he eats shave ice, and they want to walk on the beach where they’ve seen him walking with his daughters. He’s an iconic figure who has been very good for Kailua at exactly the time we needed something. We were heading for recession and I was worried we were going to lose merchants.
“But,” he continues, “we need to manage the traffic better and we need to manage the recreational places better. And we need to enforce whatever rules are there. When people can’t get out of Lanikai, when traffic doesn’t work, no, that’s not what we see for Kailua.”
Bus companies wanted to drop off tourists at the district park, he says, but he told them that would be a “nightmare” and create a community backlash. Instead, Kaneohe Ranch provided space on Hekili Street for tour buses and opened up the 135 stalls on the second floor of the parking garage beside Longs Drugs, for extra cars drawn by the opening of Whole Foods.
Many smaller businesses that cater to both tourists and locals are thriving: Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen has a constant lineup for breakfast and lunch; Pablo Gonzalez gets an overflow crowd daily at Lanikai Juice; and James Kodama’s Island Snow may be the biggest single beneficiary of the Obama effect. The president and the first family have bought Kodama’s shave ice during every Christmas vacation for the past four years, and that translates into national and international media coverage for Island Snow.
“The Obama thing for Kailua has definitely made a difference for all businesses in Kailua,” says Kodama, who owns the Island Snow shop, but has turned operations over to his son, Brockton.
When he was growing up in Kailua, Kodama says, “Stores really couldn’t survive here.” He welcomes the changes to what he remembers as a dull and sluggish town where he had trouble finding even part-time work as a teenager.
“It’s been a hidden jewel, but it’s no longer hidden,” he says. “When the Japanese people come in, they’re appreciating exactly what you and I appreciate.”
But Chuck Prentiss says the balance has been lost. Prentiss is president of the Kailua Neighborhood Board, which supports a more tranquil windward lifestyle and wants kayak rentals banned from Kailua beaches.
“Kailua and Kalama beach parks are public recreational properties, not commercial shopping centers,” he told the City Council in a hearing on Bill 11, CD1, which would prohibit commercial activities at those beach parks. “In fact, they are zoned P-2 Preservation. Furthermore they are located in an area that you have designated as a residential community on the Oahu General Plan and the Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan. … The General Plan designates other parts of the island as resort destinations where regulated commercial beach activities are permitted. … Let’s not make a mockery out of our strategic planning process.”
Prentiss said passage of the bill would not force anyone out of business. “Anyone can have a kayak rental business that is conducted from a commercial property in Kailua, which rents to locals or visitors, who can take the kayak to the beach. But for them to use scarce beach space for constant delivery and pickup of hundreds of kayaks every day, conduct lessons for kite boards, paddle boards, surfboards, etc., is totally incompatible and inappropriate outside of designated resort-destination areas.”
A vote on the bill was delayed when the city’s attorney advised the City Council that it was overstepping its powers by regulating commercial activities at the parks. Meanwhile, city Parks and Recreation director Gary Cabato says he is drafting park rules that may include a limited number of permits for rentals.
That’s what Bob Twogood hopes for. Twogood, who has spent three decades renting kayaks, says a complete ban would put at least three companies in Kailua out of business. He suggests a “reasonable permitting” system that allows the four store-based rental companies now operating to deliver kayaks next to Kaelepulu Stream, next to the bridge and across from Buzz’s.
“That keeps our delivery vehicles out of the beach parks,” he says, “and that gives the new kayakers a nice, safe place to learn to control the boat.” Then, he says, they can paddle to the mouth of the stream, drag the kayak across the sand and launch in the ocean.
Mainlanders, Japanese and other foreigners are not the only visitors to Kailua. Many residents from other parts of Oahu are driving over the Pali or along H-3 to try the restaurants, browse in the shops or hold a family picnic at the beach. But, for many Kailua storeowners, it’s the tourists who keep the lights on.
At Elvin’s Bakery, Richard Wong has watched his sister’s business grow during its six years in operation. “Kailua is a nice town,” Wong says. He especially enjoys the growing number of Japanese tourists, who are particularly fond of the bakery’s blueberry scones.
“Kailua is really becoming a shopping destination,” agrees Kerrie Inouye, manager of the Fighting Eel boutique, which opened in December. “It’s amazing, the rate of growth and the number of people who are shopping. … I’m in absolute heaven here. We have a very loyal clientele, plus the Japanese magazines have a straight Kailua section. And the Japanese tourists want omiyage, so there is a lot of shopping.”
Fighting Eel, a locally owned women’s clothing company, moved into a building fronted by Whole Foods as part of Kaneohe Ranch’s pedestrian-friendly redevelopment of Kailua. The new shops are built with attractive storefronts next to the street, and parking is in the rear.
Kaneohe Ranch also plans to extend the pedestrian-friendly district by selling to the state a 6-acre-hillside parcel parallel to Hamakua Drive. The area, which would be called the Hamakua Nature Walk, would be zoned conservation in perpetuity, include pedestrian walkways on each side of Hamakua Marsh and feature a walkway to the hilltop.
When the Target store opens next year, he says, Kaneohe Ranch and Target will do more traffic studies. D’Olier envisions a traffic signal at the corner of Hekili and Hahani streets, at Target’s main entrance, coordinated with nearby stoplights to create a smooth traffic flow in and out. He’d also like a traffic solution next to Kalapawai Market that eases left turns for people leaving the beach park and Lanikai area, and thereby reduces backups.
“It’s in nobody’s interests for traffic to come to a grinding halt,” he says. “If it comes to a grinding halt, it’s bad for all our merchants.”
Some long-time residents say the boost to Kailua’s economy is worth the extra bodies, while acknowledging that locals have to make accommodations, such as getting to the beach early and knowing when to leave.
“It doesn’t really bother us,” says landscaper Brandon Roper.
“Living in Kailua, we know what a beautiful place we live in,” says his friend, fellow landscaper Chris Canario. “We cannot be selfish. We gotta share.”
Still, there are limits and they both say they don’t want their hometown to ever look like Waikiki. “One time I counted 150 kayaks on the Mokes,” Roper recalls with exasperation.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Building Industry Magazine-article
May 2012
Hawaii Developers
Deep roots, Deep Commitment
By Lee Schaller
(click image to view larger)
Hawaii Developers
Deep roots, Deep Commitment
By Lee Schaller
(click image to view larger)
Please tell us how scupltures, mosaics, fountains and "living walls" are "Hawaiian sense of place". These features sure sound like something you can easily find in the mainland if you ask us!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Why Buy Local?
Another reason why Big Box Stores and/or mainland stores are not the answer for our Kailua Town, or Hawai'i in general.
PLEASE support all our LOCAL businesses!
(click to view larger)
Monday, April 23, 2012
KITV - article
April 23, 2012
Kailua Residence Oppose Transit Bill
by KITV-TV
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
Friday, April 20, 2012
Hawaii News Now - article
April 20, 2012
Committee Recommends Site in Kailua for Next Landfill
by Rich Meiers
A landfill selection committee has recommended a site for Oahu's next landfill. Mayor Peter Carlisle's Advisory committee on Landfill Site Selection recommended the Kailua Ameron Quarry Site.
Committee Recommends Site in Kailua for Next Landfill
by Rich Meiers
A landfill selection committee has recommended a site for Oahu's next landfill. Mayor Peter Carlisle's Advisory committee on Landfill Site Selection recommended the Kailua Ameron Quarry Site.
Currently, Oahu has two landfills: the City-owned Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill (WGSL) and the privately-owned PVT landfill. The WGSL is Oahu's only municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill.
The selection committee was given strict orders not to consider the current landfill site at Waimanalo Gulch.
The committee met for the first time on January 20, 2011.
The nine member committee came up with a list of 20 different criteria. Things like proximity to homes, schools and tourist attractions as well has rainfall, impact on endangered species and cost.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
StarAdvertiser - article
April 19, 2012
Business ban sought for beaches
Keep commercial activity off our sand, residents tell Council regarding Kailua
by Gordon Y.K. Pang
by Gordon Y.K. Pang
Members of a City Council committee voted unanimously Wednesday night to support a bill that would impose a blanket ban of all commercial activity at the popular Kailua and Kalama beach parks.
The vote came after a majority of an estimated 200 people at a meeting at Kailua High School the Council Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee that they support such a ban.
Everything from water sports instructional classes to recreational stops by commercial tourist companies would be prohibited by the ban. The only exception would be commercial filming activities.
The vote was 5-0, although committee members Romy Cachola and Breene Harimoto voted "with reservations." The bill now goes to the full Council on May 9 for the second of three required votes.
Enchanted Lake resident Lisa Cates, a lifelong Kailua resident, told the Council's Parks and Cultural Affairs Committee that the influx of commercial activity at Kailua Beach Park has reached a tipping point. "The vendors and tour bus activity are incompatible with our infrastructure, our neighborhoods and the true character of our village community," she said.
Many people feel a spiritual connection with Kailua Beach, Cates said. "To see it exploited for monetary gain is hurtful, it's degrading, and it's pushed everybody together to unite and ask for this legislation."
Lanikai resident Laurie Lindsay said, "I love tourists." However, she said, "There's a place for them. It's called Waikiki."
Chris Delaunay, a Kailua attorney, said that nearly 1,000 people have put their names to an online petition supporting an outright ban on all commercial activity at the two beaches.
"The beaches are for recreation, not for profit," Delaunay said.
Not everyone was for a complete ban at Kailua Beach. People who rely on the beach for their jobs said they think there's room for some business.
Bob Twogood, owner of Twogood Kayaks, said an outright ban would destroy his business, which operates out of Hamakua Drive in Kailua but drops off kayaks and visitors at a parking lot next to the main portion of Kailua Beach.
What's needed is better regulation of existing laws as it pertains to water sports activities on the beach and permits for a few businesses, Twogood said, adding that he also supports banning commercial buses from entering the parking lot.
A complete ban is just the latest attempt at curtailing commercial activity at the two beach parks.
In February, the Council passed Bill 5 (2011) prohibiting commercial activity at the two beach parks from 1 p.m. Saturdays until 6:30 a.m. on Mondays. Mayor Peter Carlisle signed that bill into law on March 1.
The strong community response to Bill 5 prompted Councilman Ikaika Anderson, the Windward representative, to introduce the original language in Bill 11 (2012), which further limited what was allowed for commercial watercraft and tour bus activities.
Specifically, it calls for:
» A limit of two commercial activities each permitted at Kailua and Kalama. There are currently three commercial permits issued, but only for windsurfing and kite-surfing activities, and none at Kalama, according to Anderson's staff. There are no limits now on how many permits the city can issue at each facility.
» Curtailing the types of commercial watercraft activities allowed at each park to storing, setting up and launching in areas designated by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
» Restricting recreational stops by tour buses, vans and other vehicles to a turnaround area next to the main restroom facility in the Kailua Beach Park parking lot.
Anderson said the reaction from the community to Bill 11 has been a call for a complete ban on all activity.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Hawaii News Now - article
April 18, 2012
Kailua Shoppers enjoy Whole Foods, wonder about Target
by Brooks Baehr
KAILUA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Thousands of shoppers crowded into Whole Foods Market for its grand opening in Kailua Wednesday. And while they enjoyed the vast selection of natural and organic products, some expressed interested in an update from Target Corporation about its planned Kailua store.
The Kailua Target was originally scheduled to open in July of this year (2012) but construction has not begun.
Hawaii News Now called and wrote Target asking for a project update, but Target has not answered.
David Tanoue, Director of the city's Department of Planning and Permitting, told Hawaii News Now Target is still in the process of acquiring needed permits.
"They are going through their grading permit process and pretty much the last thing they need to resolve is working with the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) in ensuring that they can address all the concerns with the possibility of uncovering any kind of archaeological finds or iwi (bones) on the site," Tanoue said.
SHPD is a division of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
A SHPD review is triggered by any permitting activity by the city or state. In this case the SHPD review was triggered by the request for a grading permit.
SHPD asked Target for an archaeological inventory survey plan which Target submitted. SHPD then asked for additional subsurface test trenching based on a review of old maps provided in the survey plan.
In response to an inquiry about SHPD's work with Target, the DLNR wrote, "Kailua was inhabited for centuries before Captain Cook "discovered" Hawaii and there is subsurface evidence of their lives all over Kailua. The archaeological inventory survey may find burials, but that is not its primary purpose. The purpose is to adequately document any historical or cultural sites," the DLNR wrote.
"We have asked Target to revise their survey plan, and are waiting for the revision," the DLNR concluded.
There is no new "official" target date for opening Target's Kailua store. But it will not open any time soon. Target still needs to resolve its business with SHPD. Once that it finished it needs to secure the grading permit. It also needs a building permit. To secure a building permit Target must satisfy the city's concerns about traffic. And Target's web site puts estimated construction time at 10 to 12 months.
It now looks like Target will not open until the summer of 2013 at the earliest.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Pacific Business News - article
February 16, 2012
Whole Foods Market to open third Hawaii store April 18
Whole Foods Market has set April 18 as the opening date for its thrid Hawaii location in Kailua, and plans to hire about 140 people to staff the 32, 000 square-foot store.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports landlord Kaneohe Ranch spent about $12 million developing the kailua Town Center site for the new store, demolishing a collection of smaller buildings and building one large retailer center on Kailua Road anchored by Whole Foods market (NYSE: WFM), and that includes tenants Executive Chef and Fighting Eel.
The newspaper notes that Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) awaits building permits to break ground on a 130,000 square-foot store several blocks from Whole Foods on the site of the former Don Quijote store and hopes to open later this year.
Whole Foods Market's other Hawaii stores are in Honolulu at Kahala mall and on Maui.
Whole Foods Market to open third Hawaii store April 18
Whole Foods Market has set April 18 as the opening date for its thrid Hawaii location in Kailua, and plans to hire about 140 people to staff the 32, 000 square-foot store.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports landlord Kaneohe Ranch spent about $12 million developing the kailua Town Center site for the new store, demolishing a collection of smaller buildings and building one large retailer center on Kailua Road anchored by Whole Foods market (NYSE: WFM), and that includes tenants Executive Chef and Fighting Eel.
The newspaper notes that Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) awaits building permits to break ground on a 130,000 square-foot store several blocks from Whole Foods on the site of the former Don Quijote store and hopes to open later this year.
Whole Foods Market's other Hawaii stores are in Honolulu at Kahala mall and on Maui.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Star Advertiser - Kokua Line
January 17, 2012
Kokua Line
Question: Where are we on the construction of the new Target in Kailua? There is no activity going on behind the screening.
Answer: Last September we were told the retail chain was going through the permitting process and looked "forward to bringing Target to Kailua residents in 2012."
We checked again last week, and a spokeswoman told us, "Unfortunately, I do not have anything new to share. We continue to move through the permitting process and look forward to bringing Target to Kailua."
Asked whether a 2012 opening was still on the books, she repeated that she had no other details. Kaneohe Ranch sold the 311,000-square-foot former Don Quijote site to Target last year.
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