Jun3 29, 2014
Master plan for Kailua marsh draws criticism from agencies
The proposal is a "land grab" that will alter the character of the area, some say
The deadline for comments on the Kawainui-Hamakua master plan is Monday, and environmental and neighborhood groups are joining forces over concern that the proposed development will damage the natural resources and character of Kailua.
The draft describes the construction of 37 buildings, nine maintenance access roads, 11 parking lots, eight pavilions and a boardwalk. Nonprofit organizations would work with the Department of Land and Natural Resources on habitat restoration, stewardship and educational efforts.
"It proposes a land grab that will forever change the character of Windward Oahu," said Linda Paul, president of the Hawaii Audubon Society. "The state has no business even considering awarding land leases to private organizations, nonprofit or not, in Kawainui Marsh."
The department released a draft plan for management of the Kawainui-Hamakua Complex in May, initiating a 30-day comment period to seek public input.
The department also plans to prepare an environmental impact statement.
"The plan is intended to help DLNR meet its objectives to support restoration and habitat enhancement of this resource, provide public access, create educational and stewardship opportunities, support Native Hawaiian cultural practices, and provide outdoor recreational opportunities," DLNR Director William Aila Jr. wrote in a Honolulu Star-Advertiser commentary." Much of the plan is centered on restoration, habitat enhancement, stewardship and education, which is accomplished in partnership with nonprofit organizations to assist DLNR's resource management efforts."
The Audubon Society, Hawaii's Thousand Friends and the Kailua Neighborhood Board issued statements critical of the plan on Thursday.
Charles "Chuck" Prentiss, chairman of the Kailua Neighborhood Board, said the building of causeways -- including a boardwalk at the wetlands -- may alter the flow and hydrology of the marsh.
He said the boardwalks would also bring people through archaeological sites where artifacts are still being found.
Prentiss said in an email that vandalism and theft are an "ongoing issue."
Prentiss said the neighborhood board is worried about the impact of developing trails near residences at Enchanted Lake and Kailua High School, and the increase in law enforcement needed with allowing more access to residential areas.
Comments on the draft master plan can be emailed to kawainui@hhf.com. A copy of the plan can be found at www.hhf.com/kawainui/index.html.
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