September 19 Meeting Focuses on Sustainability Plan for East Honolulu

Last Tuesday at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting the Department of Planning and Permitting presented a short overview on the process and draft review of the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan.

There were big maps to view and documents handed out as well as a ‘contact me’ form to complete so they could keep you updated on the progress of finalizing this very important Plan.

Once this draft Plan moves to the Planning Commission and City Council there will be little we and the DPP can do to influence keeping the Plan as we have been revising it and for some, prefer to keep it.

As this is a “sustainable plan” (not a development plan) there should not be anything too major presented nor should we be looking to shift our community growth boundary to accommodate more growth—Growth for O’ahu is planned for Ewa.

That being said, there are pocket areas entitled or inquired about for ‘something’. 

For example, did you know there is 11-acres of land (1492 Honokahua Street) zoned “R5 (residential)” already entitled for residential development?

Did you know the Kalama Valley Shopping Center will be redeveloped and probably be a mixed use or residential subdivision?

And did you know that there are condos/homes already entitled to build on the slice of land behind the Kalama Valley Shopping Center (intersect of Hawaii Kai Drive & Kealahou Street)?

Plus Koko Villas has an empty parcel on Kealaho which is not entitled but the landowner had previously expressed interest in building more homes there.

What else?  Is there more?  What about the cabins on Ka Iwi?

This communication is not to alarm you but rather inspire you to take advantage of some easy access tools to self educate and participate in the current community process.

This is not a controversial process– it is a collaborative process where you read, listen, learn, question and share your ideas and community wants and needs.

This is community planning and you really should find time to step up and weigh in as to how YOUR community continues to take shape.

After all this is where YOU live, play and for some, work. This is where YOUR home is and where YOU raise YOUR family.

Nothing ventured. Nothing gained.

Please download the current EHSC Plan and Draft Review and read it.  It is easy!  It is informative! Check out the maps!  Next, express your thoughts or ask questions —Write to us or directly to Mr. Bob Stanfield (bstanfield@honolulu.gov) who is an expert on the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan.

Plus plan to attend a public workshop for East O’ahu communities:  Niu Valley Middle School on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.   Sign-in/talk story starts at 6:30 pm)

Again, the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan is currently under review— get connected and voice your opinion.  For example, do you think we need another shopping center at the entrance to Hawaii Kai across from Maunalua Bay?  Do you think we should change the preservation land across from Costco for a super gas station like the one in the industrial Costco area downtown?  This Plan also covers the need to protect important cultural and natural resources.  Should we include the Keawawa Wetlands, Hawea Heiau Complex and known historic fishponds to this plan?  What do you think?

This community message is sponsored by:

www.hawaiikaihui.org