KHON-article

May 8, 2013

Iwi stalls construction plans for Kailua Target

 

By Manolo Morales

Construction on a new Target store in Kailua started nearly two years ago.
So why is it still far from being built?
Part of the problem deals with iwi discovered at the site.
Two sets of remains were found last year and since then, construction has stopped.
The property that was once occupied by the Don Quijote Store remains fenced in and covered with black tarp. Construction began in July 2011 and some Windward Oahu residents have been wondering when the store will open its doors.
“It’s a lot nicer than looking at the eyesore that’s there right now so yeah I welcome that,” says Waimanalo resident Sandee Phillips.
There had been some opposition when the project was proposed, occupying 130,000 square feet.
“There’s a traffic concern, obviously, you bring more traffic in this area and this already sometimes gets a little inconvenient,” says Waimanalo resident Robert Mueller.
That wasn’t enough to stop it. Instead iwi discovered during trenching work now has Target working with Native Hawaiians to work out a burial plan.That burial plan will have to be approved by the State Historic Preservation Division and by the Oahu Island Burial Council before construction can resume.
“We’re hopeful to open the store in October 2014, but again we’re going to be extremely sensitive to the iwi that is in place and make sure that is treated appropriately,” said Target’s Brian Treber.
Treber says the company and the group of descendants have agreed on a plan which was supposed to be presented to the Burial Council Wednesday, but the hearing was delayed. He says there’s been no problems coming to an agreement.
“None whatsoever. It has gone extremely well and we found them to be very wise descendant group with very good recommendations,” he says.
Treber says there’s also no more digging planned for the project, so now it’s a just a matter of getting approval from the state agencies.

TheMauiNews-Article

April 11, 1013

Target coming to Kahului
The Maui News

National retailer Target will be opening up shop in the soon-to-be built Puunene Shopping Center.

Property Development Centers, a wholly owned real estate subsidiary of Safeway Inc., announced that it has reached an agreement with Alexander & Baldwin to purchase a 24.45 acre site at the corner of Puunene Avenue and Hookele Street, near Zippy's Restaurant.

PDC said that it will in turn sell about 12 acres to Target, which will serve as the center's anchor retailer.

Terms were not released.

The shopping center with the new Target is expected to be completed by March 2015, according Russell Pang, spokesman for PDC.

Target has stores in Hilo and Kailua Kona on the Big Island and Honolulu and Kapolei on Oahu, according to its website.

For the shopping center, PDC is looking at leases with a mix of national and local companies, including mid-box retailers, specialty shops, restaurants, service providers and other businesses, the news release said.

Pang said that Safeway will not be opening up a supermarket in the shopping center.

The shopping center is just off the main artery from the airport to South and West Maui resorts but also within close proximity to the Kahului residential areas. Pang said that the new shopping center will likely serve both the tourist and residential markets.

When completed, the shopping center will add about 275,000 square feet of retail space to the Kahului area. There also will be about 1,425 parking stalls.

The project is expected to generate an estimated 250 construction jobs and to bring in as many as 300 jobs to the shopping center when completed.

"This new retail center in the heart of Kahului's retail district is part of our ongoing commitment to provide new lifestyle shopping options for the Hawaii community," said David Zylstra, chief operating officer of PDC.

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/571652/Target-coming-to-Kahului.html?nav=10

KITV - article

Februrary 25, 2013

 

Group aims to revive Kailua 4th of July fireworks show

 

$70,000 needed to have the show in 2013

 

KAILUA, Hawaii —Community volunteers in Kailua have formed a new organization and are committed to bringing the Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration back to the area this year.

Kailua Fireworks is a non-profit organization incorporated in 2012 for the sole purpose of raising funds for and putting on an annual firework display on Kailua Bay.

"For 65 years we’ve celebrated Independence Day with a 4th of July fireworks show here in Kailua," explains Brook Gramann, who spearheaded fundraising efforts in past years. "In 2008, Kailua businesses and residents joined forces to continue the tradition after we learned the Kailua Chamber of Commerce would be discontinuing sponsorship of the event."

The 4th of July Fireworks celebration did not take place in 2012.

“The disappointment in the community led to the formation of the new group of volunteers to ensure that the cherished tradition will continue, beginning with July 4, 2013,” says Jody Sakaba, committee member and spokesperson for the group. “Kailua Fireworks will have all of the permits in place and is in the process of raising money.

“To really kick off the summer, our community counts on the 4th of July parade and the 4th of July fireworks. It's up to the community -- the businesses where we shop every day and the residents themselves ---to raise the money for the fireworks." Sakaba explains.

Seventy-thousand dollars must be raised to put the show on. This includes funds for the fireworks, signage, road blocks and off duty police officers.

Business sponsors are being contacted now for donations. Individuals who would like to donate can donate online at www.kailuafireworks.com or by mail --checks can be sent to Kailua Fireworks, 600 Kailua Road, No. 119, Kailua, Hawaii 96734. Checks should be made out to Kailua Fireworks

StarAdvertiser-article

January 7, 2013

 

Kawainui Marsh restoration will be completed in weeks

 

By Leila Fujimori

 

A restoration is under way of nearly 40 acres of wildlife habitat within the 830-acre Kawainui Marsh, the largest remaining wetland in Hawaii.

Honolulu-bound motorists on Kalanianaole Highway between Castle Medical Center and Kapaa Quarry Road may have noticed beyond the brush that acres of the once-thick overgrowth of tall grasses and trees have been undergoing a dramatic transformation.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Land and Natural Resources broke ground June 28 for the construction of the Kawainui Marsh Environmental Restoration Project, which is nearing completion, possibly by the end of January or early February.

After six months nearly 40 acres of the overgrown, degraded marsh has been excavated and graded, and alien weeds have been removed to create landscaping for 11 ponds, earthen berms and a drainage channel.

The ponds cover less than 30 acres, and each is about 1 to 2.5 acres. Once filled with water, they will create a native habitat for four endangered Hawaiian waterfowl: the aeo (Hawaiian stilt), alae ula (Hawaiian moorhen), alae keokeo (Hawaiian coot) and koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck).

The shallow ponds, now just bare dirt, are separated by grassed earthen berms, which will provide access for maintenance vehicles.

The project calls for drilling several wells and seeding the berms with grass, now about half done, the corps said.

Olomana resident Sue Brown said she's seen the clearing, large machinery and the drilling as she drives by.

"I'm definitely glad it's not a development," Brown said. "I'm really glad they're expanding the marsh. I hope they have a walkway so people can view it up close."

DLNR Director William Aila said at the start of the project that the restoration of the habitat "is expected to increase populations of endangered waterfowl, create more scenic open space and reduce upland runoff to coastal reefs and remove invasive weeds from the marsh."

The project, designed by Oceanit and built by Performance Systems Inc., is projected to cost $6.4 million and is 75 percent federally funded. The DLNR's share is projected to be $1.3 million, or 25 percent of the total. Final costs will be available when the work is done.

The new ponds will eventually be filled with groundwater by 11 wells at varied depths, according to the Army Corps.

Two solar-powered well pumps will be used to supply the water.

"Water will drain out on the Castle Hospital side of the pond into a drainage channel that will convey water to the next pond," the Army Corps said in a written response to questions from the Star-Advertiser. "As an example, think of a taro loi style, where ponds are gravity fed. No water from the wells will empty into the marsh. Water will either go into the ground or evaporate."

DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife will adjust the depth of water as needed to attract the water birds, the Army Corps said.

The corps, responsible for the design and construction, will turn the project over to the state to operate, maintain and repair. DLNR has worked with the Kailua community and the corps for more than 15 years to develop a habitat restoration project, DLNR said.

The project administers portions of the 1994 Kawainui Marsh Master and Hawaii Endangered Waterbird Recovery plans, the department said.

PacificNewsBusiness-article

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.

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

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.

Some want the current rules to be updated so it is not just businesses making money, but also the city.

"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.

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.

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.

HawaiiNewNow-article

August 15, 2012

Ban on commercial activities at Kailua Beach Park is now law

By Ben Gutierrez

KAILUA (HawaiiNewsNow) -

A ban on nearly all commercial activity at Kailua and Kalama beach parks is now in effect after the Honolulu City Council voted to override Mayor Peter Carlisle's veto of Bill 11.

The council needed six votes to override the veto; the final vote was 7-2.

The measure was aimed at tour buses and kayakers. But there were concerns raised by people who kite board or windsurf at Kailua Beach Park. At least one person who testified before the vote told the council that a modification of the law to allow instructional permits would ensure that the two water sports would be accessible, even to locals who wish to learn them.

Council member Ikaika Anderson, who represents Kailua, authored the bill after receiving numerous complaints about the proliferation of commercial ventures at Kailua Beach Park. He noted that the beach parks are in a residential community. "They do not have the carrying capacity for that amount of traffic. They don't have the carrying capacity for that amount of tour bus activity, either," he said.

"They're still going to have the traffic mess that they complain about," said council member Breene Harimoto, who voted against the override. "They're still going to have all the tour buses coming. The tourists won't stop coming. They will find a way."

"You are going to send the wrong signal to our visitors. It will compromise our number industry," said Romy Cachola, who voted with Harimoto.

Mayor Carlisle vetoed the measure last month saying the bill was too broad and would set a bad precedent.

Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks has been in business right across the street from Kailua Beach Park. It had already voluntarily stopped rentals on Sundays. The store reported that business during the peak summer months was down -- 20 percent in June, and 27 percent in July -- as a result.

"We are actually actively working with the community on adjusting our total numbers, so we've reduced the number of kayaks. That's why our business was down in June and the month of July," said store owner Egmar Klemmer.

A Kailua resident said the bill would hurt those who rely on the beach for their livelihoods. "What are they supposed to do? In the same take, we don't want the beaches overrun with tourists, bad parking situations, mayhem," said Rob Hagin.

Anderson said there's a chance some activities could be allowed again at the parks. "I'm open to that discussion if the community wants to have it. But that's going to be the community's call. That's not going to be my call, or the city council's call, or even the mayor's call."