With concerns by North Shore residents and increasing concerns in mind by Oahu residents at large, Defend Oahu Coalition has organized a Labor Day rally to voice against the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion. Caravans will start at 9:30 am from Temple Valley (Ahuimanu) and Haleiwa Surf Center (Haleiwa). The two caravans will converge and meet at the entrance to the Turtle Bay Resort. The rally will run from 10:00 am - 12 noon.
The rally is the result of the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion. Expansion plans call for an additional 3,500 hotel/condo units on the surrounding property.
Rally organizers are stressing safety for the participants as well as pedestrians and other motor vehicles on the journey.
For more information, consult the Defend Oahu Coalition website.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Keeping the Country Country
Carol Philips, Candidate State House 46
One of the most important issues now facing our community is the 3,500 new hotel rooms being proposed by the Turtle Bay Corporation for Kewela Bay. I first learned of this in December of 2005 and I’m very concerned about its potential impact. Whatever the arguments by those in favor, common sense suggests that we simply don’t have the infrastructure to support such a mammoth project. Traffic is already unbearable; often near gridlock, and property taxes are already too high. I say enough already! Lets Keep the Country Country!
Although stopping a multi-billion dollar corporation from turning the North Shore into the next Waikiki may seem impossible, we have a lot of support. Rep. Colleen Meyer and I introduced a resolution at the State Republican Convention requesting that the project be re-evaluated and the reso passed because of the strong, personal support of Governor Linda Lingle. Many local organizations and individuals have taken formal positions against the project and there are several law suits pending as well. Re-examining and re-evaluating this huge project is the only reasonable course of action for our community. It is vital that we all stick together and not allow ourselves to be divided as some are working to see happen.
The North Shore as it exists today, and the general welfare of our residents are far too valuable to allow another mainland developer to exploit us; take the money and run. I support carefully-considered development and job creation, but I am strongly against a project of this magnitude that could destroy our country lifestyle in one fatal swoop.
One of the most important issues now facing our community is the 3,500 new hotel rooms being proposed by the Turtle Bay Corporation for Kewela Bay. I first learned of this in December of 2005 and I’m very concerned about its potential impact. Whatever the arguments by those in favor, common sense suggests that we simply don’t have the infrastructure to support such a mammoth project. Traffic is already unbearable; often near gridlock, and property taxes are already too high. I say enough already! Lets Keep the Country Country!
Although stopping a multi-billion dollar corporation from turning the North Shore into the next Waikiki may seem impossible, we have a lot of support. Rep. Colleen Meyer and I introduced a resolution at the State Republican Convention requesting that the project be re-evaluated and the reso passed because of the strong, personal support of Governor Linda Lingle. Many local organizations and individuals have taken formal positions against the project and there are several law suits pending as well. Re-examining and re-evaluating this huge project is the only reasonable course of action for our community. It is vital that we all stick together and not allow ourselves to be divided as some are working to see happen.
The North Shore as it exists today, and the general welfare of our residents are far too valuable to allow another mainland developer to exploit us; take the money and run. I support carefully-considered development and job creation, but I am strongly against a project of this magnitude that could destroy our country lifestyle in one fatal swoop.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Turtle Bay expansion is an islandwide issue
Honolulu Advertiser
Lynda Arakawa's article last week alluded to the fact that since the labor dispute has been resolved with Local 5 and Turtle Bay the discussions involving Turtle Bay's expansion plans would be softened.
This is wrong. These are two entirely different arguments. Congratulations to Eric Gill and Local 5 for finally getting what they deserved. But now that they have their contracts they are in no way, shape or form in support of the expansion.
You, as well as Advertiser reporter Mary Vorsino, state that "some residents and others" are opposed to the project. That is a gross understatement. This is not a North Shore issue but an islandwide issue. We can't even figure out what to do with our current level of garbage. How can we create more?
We need our mayor and our council members to speak up and represent their constituents. The public needs to know the facts and the severity of this proposal — not a watered-down version.
Katherine Killebrew
Honolulu
Lynda Arakawa's article last week alluded to the fact that since the labor dispute has been resolved with Local 5 and Turtle Bay the discussions involving Turtle Bay's expansion plans would be softened.
This is wrong. These are two entirely different arguments. Congratulations to Eric Gill and Local 5 for finally getting what they deserved. But now that they have their contracts they are in no way, shape or form in support of the expansion.
You, as well as Advertiser reporter Mary Vorsino, state that "some residents and others" are opposed to the project. That is a gross understatement. This is not a North Shore issue but an islandwide issue. We can't even figure out what to do with our current level of garbage. How can we create more?
We need our mayor and our council members to speak up and represent their constituents. The public needs to know the facts and the severity of this proposal — not a watered-down version.
Katherine Killebrew
Honolulu
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Turtle Bay contract signed
Local 5 of the Unite-Here hotel workers union and Benchmark Hospitality, which manages Turtle Bay Resort, signed their new four-year contract Tuesday.
"Our members are happy with the new contract and it is great to celebrate with them," said Eric Gill, secretary treasurer of Local 5. "I believe Local 5 and the resort now have a deeper respect for each other, and there is a much greater sense of trust so that we can move forward together." [more]
"Our members are happy with the new contract and it is great to celebrate with them," said Eric Gill, secretary treasurer of Local 5. "I believe Local 5 and the resort now have a deeper respect for each other, and there is a much greater sense of trust so that we can move forward together." [more]
Monday, July 31, 2006
Don’t let development kill North Shore paradise
Karl Scott
As an Australian who has grown up on the world-renowned Gold Coast, I have seen firsthand what rampant development and pro-developer local authorities can do to devastate a beautiful area, stretch infrastructure to the breaking point and, despite all precautions and attempts at protection, environmentally wreck an area and burden, not benefit, local residents with poorly controlled growth.
I was a resident of Surfers Paradise for 15 years from 1973, and my mother and many friends still live there. Brisbane is only 45 minutes by car north of the Gold Coast, and I still go there frequently for weekends and holidays. At 35 years of age, I am far from a crotchety old fart who yearns for some long-forgotten ideal age that can never be reclaimed. I am a young father of three who has seen the spread of tourism and unit developments eat up the beauty of the Gold Coast from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta.
The North Shore of Oahu is a truly amazing place, and I say this as someone who was warned that Hawaii would just feel like Surfers Paradise to me. Waikiki does to a certain degree, but the North Shore is truly unique. Despite its world fame, it is a place that is totally unimpressed with itself, still true in its core to the surfers who made it famous. [more]
As an Australian who has grown up on the world-renowned Gold Coast, I have seen firsthand what rampant development and pro-developer local authorities can do to devastate a beautiful area, stretch infrastructure to the breaking point and, despite all precautions and attempts at protection, environmentally wreck an area and burden, not benefit, local residents with poorly controlled growth.
I was a resident of Surfers Paradise for 15 years from 1973, and my mother and many friends still live there. Brisbane is only 45 minutes by car north of the Gold Coast, and I still go there frequently for weekends and holidays. At 35 years of age, I am far from a crotchety old fart who yearns for some long-forgotten ideal age that can never be reclaimed. I am a young father of three who has seen the spread of tourism and unit developments eat up the beauty of the Gold Coast from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta.
The North Shore of Oahu is a truly amazing place, and I say this as someone who was warned that Hawaii would just feel like Surfers Paradise to me. Waikiki does to a certain degree, but the North Shore is truly unique. Despite its world fame, it is a place that is totally unimpressed with itself, still true in its core to the surfers who made it famous. [more]
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Turtle Bay accord can spark progress
The long-awaited settlement of a festering labor dispute at the Turtle Bay Resort is a welcome end in itself and an even more hopeful development if it signals a break in the impasse over the North Shore development's expansion plan. [More]
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
'Era of openness' for Turtle Bay Resort
The company planning to build five hotels at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore said resolving a years-old labor dispute with hotel employees last week should help smooth discussions on the expansion plans. [more]
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Turtle Bay contract ratified
Honolulu Advertiser
Nearly 400 Turtle Bay Resort employees voted unanimously yesterday to approve a new contract after years of bitter negotiations, gaining a wage increase, better medical benefits and workload standards for housekeepers.
Nearly 400 Turtle Bay Resort employees voted unanimously yesterday to approve a new contract after years of bitter negotiations, gaining a wage increase, better medical benefits and workload standards for housekeepers.
Turtle Bay labor battle may be over
Honolulu Advertiser
The long, bitter labor dispute between Turtle Bay Resort management and the union representing its employees appears to be over, with both sides announcing a tentative agreement yesterday.
The long, bitter labor dispute between Turtle Bay Resort management and the union representing its employees appears to be over, with both sides announcing a tentative agreement yesterday.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Turtle Bay development presented to Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board
Turtle Bay Development Presentation: Keith Kurahashi and Ralph Makiau presented the following Turtle Bay Resort Master Plan:
In 1998 developer Bill Mills and affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management Company bought Kuilima Resort Company the entity that owned Turtle Bay Resort. In 2001 affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management LLC, acquired full control of the Kuilima Resort Company and Turtle Bay Resort.
The following completed improvements were part of the proposed development approved in 1986 by the Zone Change and Special Management Area Permit at the Turtle Bay Resort: a) Construction of the links at Kuilima Golf Course (Palmer Course). b) Punahoolapa Wildlife Preserve. c) Wastewater Treatment Plant. d) Sewer force main along Kuilima Drive (connecting the Estates East and West to the Treatment Plant). e) Phase 1, Opana Well Facility. f) A 12-inch water transmission line along Kamehameha Highway, from Kuilima Drive to Marconi Road completed and accepted by the Board of Water Supply (1991). g) Nine Hole Fazio Course improved to an 18-hole golf course. Planned in the 1985 Environmental Impact Statement, approved in 1986 zone change and Special Management Area Use Permit. h) 2003, a golf course maintenance facility was built for the Palmer Course. i) Development at the project site, in accordance with approved permits, continued from 1986 through 1991 and restarted in 2001 and has continued to date with Kuilima Resort Company working with the State and City to receive approval of traffic improvements at the proposed West Kuilima Drive and Kamehameha Highway intersection. A meeting was recently held with the State Department of Transportation to discuss timing and participation of proposed improvements at the existing intersection mentioned above.
1) A subdivision request is in the process to allow subdivision of three proposed park sites (Kawela Bay Park already subdivided) and creation of three of the five proposed access easements (two already created) and the 100-foot wide public access use easement along the shoreline.
2) The Turtle Bay Resort Development will offer the following community benefits: a) Two public parks and two private parks open to the public. b) Shoreline access through 100-foot easement for public use along the shoreline, including a pathway extending from Kawela Park to Kahuku Park that breaks around the existing Turtle Bay Hotel parking lot and returns to the shoreline on the Kahuku side of the existing hotel development. c) Five easements containing parking for 20 stalls and pedestrian access to the shoreline. d) Resort related jobs for the North Shore Region. e) Affordable Housing. f) Additional improvements at Punahoolapa Marsh. g) Childcare, dedication of 0.5 acre of land.
3) There will be new Hotel Units - 2,500 and Resort Condo Units - 1,000; Two City Parks – Five-acre Park planned at Kawela Bay and a 33-acre park is planned for Kahuku Point;
Kawela Park 1 with 22 parking stalls and comfort station; and Kahuku Point Park will be developed with 30 parking stalls and comfort station; Shoreline Walkway; Public ocean access; Roadway Access; Approved landscape master plan; and Fazio Renovation
4) The Kuilima Resort Company has been working with the City to ensure that all conditions of approval are met in a timely manner. The City has been requiring updates to the approved wastewater, water and drainage master plans to reflect current Development Plans. A traffic impact analysis report update for the proposed Turtle Bay Resort Master Plan has been prepared in response to a City requirement.
5) The development of an employment center in the resort development would allow employee traffic to flow toward the resort rather than into town in the peak travel direction. Approximately 85% of the existing employees come from the Koolauloa/North Shore communities.
Entire proposal and the lengthy discussion that followed at the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board meeting can be found at the following link:
June 14, 2006 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Meeting
In 1998 developer Bill Mills and affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management Company bought Kuilima Resort Company the entity that owned Turtle Bay Resort. In 2001 affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management LLC, acquired full control of the Kuilima Resort Company and Turtle Bay Resort.
The following completed improvements were part of the proposed development approved in 1986 by the Zone Change and Special Management Area Permit at the Turtle Bay Resort: a) Construction of the links at Kuilima Golf Course (Palmer Course). b) Punahoolapa Wildlife Preserve. c) Wastewater Treatment Plant. d) Sewer force main along Kuilima Drive (connecting the Estates East and West to the Treatment Plant). e) Phase 1, Opana Well Facility. f) A 12-inch water transmission line along Kamehameha Highway, from Kuilima Drive to Marconi Road completed and accepted by the Board of Water Supply (1991). g) Nine Hole Fazio Course improved to an 18-hole golf course. Planned in the 1985 Environmental Impact Statement, approved in 1986 zone change and Special Management Area Use Permit. h) 2003, a golf course maintenance facility was built for the Palmer Course. i) Development at the project site, in accordance with approved permits, continued from 1986 through 1991 and restarted in 2001 and has continued to date with Kuilima Resort Company working with the State and City to receive approval of traffic improvements at the proposed West Kuilima Drive and Kamehameha Highway intersection. A meeting was recently held with the State Department of Transportation to discuss timing and participation of proposed improvements at the existing intersection mentioned above.
1) A subdivision request is in the process to allow subdivision of three proposed park sites (Kawela Bay Park already subdivided) and creation of three of the five proposed access easements (two already created) and the 100-foot wide public access use easement along the shoreline.
2) The Turtle Bay Resort Development will offer the following community benefits: a) Two public parks and two private parks open to the public. b) Shoreline access through 100-foot easement for public use along the shoreline, including a pathway extending from Kawela Park to Kahuku Park that breaks around the existing Turtle Bay Hotel parking lot and returns to the shoreline on the Kahuku side of the existing hotel development. c) Five easements containing parking for 20 stalls and pedestrian access to the shoreline. d) Resort related jobs for the North Shore Region. e) Affordable Housing. f) Additional improvements at Punahoolapa Marsh. g) Childcare, dedication of 0.5 acre of land.
3) There will be new Hotel Units - 2,500 and Resort Condo Units - 1,000; Two City Parks – Five-acre Park planned at Kawela Bay and a 33-acre park is planned for Kahuku Point;
Kawela Park 1 with 22 parking stalls and comfort station; and Kahuku Point Park will be developed with 30 parking stalls and comfort station; Shoreline Walkway; Public ocean access; Roadway Access; Approved landscape master plan; and Fazio Renovation
4) The Kuilima Resort Company has been working with the City to ensure that all conditions of approval are met in a timely manner. The City has been requiring updates to the approved wastewater, water and drainage master plans to reflect current Development Plans. A traffic impact analysis report update for the proposed Turtle Bay Resort Master Plan has been prepared in response to a City requirement.
5) The development of an employment center in the resort development would allow employee traffic to flow toward the resort rather than into town in the peak travel direction. Approximately 85% of the existing employees come from the Koolauloa/North Shore communities.
Entire proposal and the lengthy discussion that followed at the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board meeting can be found at the following link:
June 14, 2006 Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board Meeting
Koolauloa Neighborhood Board requests supplemental environmental impact statement
The proposed expansion of Turtle Bay resort is a statewide issue. Various groups feel that a supplementary Environmental Impact Statement is in order since the original one is now 20 years old. Some of these are the Environmental Council, The Office of Environmental Quality Control, The Republican Party of Hawaii, The Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Legislature, The Chair of the City Council, North Shore Neighborhood Board, Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board, Ko’olauloa Hawaiian Civic Club, Keep the County County Inc., Defend Oahu Collation, Punulu’u Community Association, Hau’ula Community Association, Sunset Beach Community Association, and Laie Point Community Association. As a result, the committee proposes the following motion for Board consideration, “The Koolauloa Neighborhood Board urges the City and County of Honolulu to require a submittal of a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement prior to permitting any expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort.”
Board Discussion: Kathryn Heath commented that she supports the motion. Zenobia Iese added that the Hau’ula Community Association is against the expansion and therefore she supports the motion.
The motion passed 7-2-1(Aye: Letts, Elkington, Heath, Iese, Kahana, Macy, Mattoon, Les Steward. Nay: Hurlbut, Soh.
Koolauloa Neighborhood Board members: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward.
Board Discussion: Kathryn Heath commented that she supports the motion. Zenobia Iese added that the Hau’ula Community Association is against the expansion and therefore she supports the motion.
The motion passed 7-2-1(Aye: Letts, Elkington, Heath, Iese, Kahana, Macy, Mattoon, Les Steward. Nay: Hurlbut, Soh.
Koolauloa Neighborhood Board members: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Keep the North Shore Country releases bumper sticker campaign
In a more visual effort to voice the growing concern over announced plans by the Turtle Bay Resort for expansion, the Keep the North Shore Country organization has released a new bumper sticker campaign. You can get a FREE sticker by mail. See their website for details.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Turtle Bay developer seeks expansion partners
Honolulu Advertiser
Turtle Bay Resort developer Kuilima Resort Co. said yesterday it is looking for partners for its planned expansion of the resort on O'ahu's North Shore.
"Kuilima Resort Company is seeking development partners who will work with us to help unfold the community's vision for this crown jewel in Kahuku," the company said in a statement. "These partners will be subject to our design guidelines and to the commitments that we have made to the community."
Turtle Bay Resort developer Kuilima Resort Co. said yesterday it is looking for partners for its planned expansion of the resort on O'ahu's North Shore.
"Kuilima Resort Company is seeking development partners who will work with us to help unfold the community's vision for this crown jewel in Kahuku," the company said in a statement. "These partners will be subject to our design guidelines and to the commitments that we have made to the community."
Friday, June 23, 2006
Turtle Bay for sale, close to settling contract
The 880-acre Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore is for sale.
Oaktree Capital Management of Los Angeles has let it be known in investment circles that the oceanfront hotel and surrounding property is for sale or available for an equity partnership with a company that would develop the area.
More on the story at Pacific Business News
Oaktree Capital Management of Los Angeles has let it be known in investment circles that the oceanfront hotel and surrounding property is for sale or available for an equity partnership with a company that would develop the area.
More on the story at Pacific Business News
Another project coming to North Shore
It's not 3,500 hotel and condominium units at Turtle Bay Resort or exclusive beachfront homes on agriculture property in Kahuku, but a plan to create 26 house lots on a large family homestead near Waimea Bay is raising more community concerns over development on the North Shore.
Read the story in today's Honolulu Advertiser
Read the story in today's Honolulu Advertiser
Turtle Bay Resort up for sale
Pacific Business News
The Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore is for sale and several prominent entrepreneurs and companies are interested. Meanwhile, labor and management are close to settling a long-running contract dispute. Kristen Consillio and Prabha Natarajan have this exclusive story.
More info as it becomes available. Watch PBN Friday With Howard Dicus on KHET channel 10 to see the story tonight at 7:30pm. Repeat airing on Sunday at 3:00pm.
# PBN Friday With Howard Dicus, KHETOC Jun 23 07:30pm
# PBN Friday With Howard Dicus, KHETOC Jun 25 03:00pm
The Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore is for sale and several prominent entrepreneurs and companies are interested. Meanwhile, labor and management are close to settling a long-running contract dispute. Kristen Consillio and Prabha Natarajan have this exclusive story.
More info as it becomes available. Watch PBN Friday With Howard Dicus on KHET channel 10 to see the story tonight at 7:30pm. Repeat airing on Sunday at 3:00pm.
# PBN Friday With Howard Dicus, KHETOC Jun 23 07:30pm
# PBN Friday With Howard Dicus, KHETOC Jun 25 03:00pm
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Community meetings to be forum for Turtle Bay Resort expansion proposal
Defend Oahu Coalition has posted some information about meetings that are involving the Turtle Bay Resort expansion. They include the following:
June 13 (Tuesday): Ka'a'awa Community Association Turtle Bay presentation of expansion project - 7:00 p.m.
Ka'a'awa School, 51-296 Kamehameha Highway
June 14 (Wednesday): Oahu Island Burial Council Meeting - Discussion regarding treatment of Burials at Proposed Turtle Bay Development Sites - 11:00 a.m.
Key Project, 47-200 Waihee Road - Kaneohe
June 14 (Wednesday): Environmental Council Meeting - Discussion Regarding Supplemental EIS -
2:00 p.m. State Capitol Room
June 14 (Wednesday): Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board - Turtle Bay presentation of expansion project - 7:00 p.m. Key Project, 47-200 Waihee Road - Kaneohe
June 19 (Monday): Defend Oahu Presentation to Wahiawa Neighborhood Board, 7:00 p.m. Wahiawa Recreation Center 1139 Kilani Ave.
June 24 (Saturday): Pride Parade Festival Informational Table - Kapiolani Park- Honolulu
Sign up for shifts from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
July 4th (Tuesday): Kailua Chamber of Commerce 60th Annual 4th of July Parade - Kailua - Sign up to march from 10 a.m. - 12 noon
Ongoing Informational Meetings:
Honolulu:
Friday, June 15 @6pm, Cafe 2600, Puck's Alley, 2600 S. King St. #101, Honolulu, HI 96826
North Shore:
Friday, June 23 @7pm, Tim's House - Sunset Beach - Call 388-0660 for information
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, call 597-8397 or email us at savekawelabay@yahoo.com
June 13 (Tuesday): Ka'a'awa Community Association Turtle Bay presentation of expansion project - 7:00 p.m.
Ka'a'awa School, 51-296 Kamehameha Highway
June 14 (Wednesday): Oahu Island Burial Council Meeting - Discussion regarding treatment of Burials at Proposed Turtle Bay Development Sites - 11:00 a.m.
Key Project, 47-200 Waihee Road - Kaneohe
June 14 (Wednesday): Environmental Council Meeting - Discussion Regarding Supplemental EIS -
2:00 p.m. State Capitol Room
June 14 (Wednesday): Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board - Turtle Bay presentation of expansion project - 7:00 p.m. Key Project, 47-200 Waihee Road - Kaneohe
June 19 (Monday): Defend Oahu Presentation to Wahiawa Neighborhood Board, 7:00 p.m. Wahiawa Recreation Center 1139 Kilani Ave.
June 24 (Saturday): Pride Parade Festival Informational Table - Kapiolani Park- Honolulu
Sign up for shifts from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
July 4th (Tuesday): Kailua Chamber of Commerce 60th Annual 4th of July Parade - Kailua - Sign up to march from 10 a.m. - 12 noon
Ongoing Informational Meetings:
Honolulu:
Friday, June 15 @6pm, Cafe 2600, Puck's Alley, 2600 S. King St. #101, Honolulu, HI 96826
North Shore:
Friday, June 23 @7pm, Tim's House - Sunset Beach - Call 388-0660 for information
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, call 597-8397 or email us at savekawelabay@yahoo.com
Friday, June 09, 2006
Sierra Club Joins in the Lawsuit!
...The Sierra Club joins Keep the North Shore Country in its concerns that the Kawela Bay Project - - now being undertaken 20 years after the original EIS was completed - - will have significant impacts and cumulative effects related to increased visitor trips, increased peak and non-peak traffic, increased demands on water resources, wastewater capacity and infrastructure, sensitive wetland and endangered species habitats, and aesthetics values which were not present in 1985 and which have not been properly evaluated or considered by the County or KRC...
Visit Keep the North Shore Country for the whole story.
Visit Keep the North Shore Country for the whole story.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Brownouts argue against new building
Honolulu Advertiser
Can we handle more development given the electrical brownouts on O'ahu?
Oaktree Capital would like to build 3,500 hotel rooms and condominiums on the North Shore. This is great for jobs there, but the consequences of this development far outweigh the benefits.
Tourists and locals will be hot during the summer months because HECO is unable to handle the demands now. The rural character of the North Shore will be damaged. The traffic will be a big headache during the large-wave season and weekends.
In addition, Stanford Carr said there is a critical need for family housing in Hawai'i Kai — 200 to 500 million-dollar air-conditioned homes in Kamilo Nui Valley — and Paiko Ridge Partners would like to build and sell million-dollar air-conditioned homes on 338 acres above Niu Valley.
Hawaiian Electric cannot supply the electricity now and in the near future. We need to unite to save the livability of O'ahu and Hawai'i.
Pat Hong
Hawai'i Kai
Can we handle more development given the electrical brownouts on O'ahu?
Oaktree Capital would like to build 3,500 hotel rooms and condominiums on the North Shore. This is great for jobs there, but the consequences of this development far outweigh the benefits.
Tourists and locals will be hot during the summer months because HECO is unable to handle the demands now. The rural character of the North Shore will be damaged. The traffic will be a big headache during the large-wave season and weekends.
In addition, Stanford Carr said there is a critical need for family housing in Hawai'i Kai — 200 to 500 million-dollar air-conditioned homes in Kamilo Nui Valley — and Paiko Ridge Partners would like to build and sell million-dollar air-conditioned homes on 338 acres above Niu Valley.
Hawaiian Electric cannot supply the electricity now and in the near future. We need to unite to save the livability of O'ahu and Hawai'i.
Pat Hong
Hawai'i Kai
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Another resort plan on the North Shore
Pressure and attention is mounting on the Turtle Bay resort plans but just down the road another resort is quietly being planned. Though initially given media attention, this plan seems to have all but disappeared from the public's view. How or why would the Laie Hotel Redevelopment plan affect the Turtle Bay plans? That's the question.
Headed up by Hawaii Reserves Inc. (a private land management company owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), this plan has reportedly had the support of the majority of the Laie community, made mostly of church members. It also significantly increases the capacity of the current hotel accommodations. The Marriott company is a likely candidate to manage this property as it is ajoining and planned to theme in a like manner to the Polynesian Cultural Center, of which Mr. Marriott is on the board of directors.
As a Kaneohe resident who sees the bulk of PCC and tourist traffic headed to the North Shore, not to mention an out-of-control commuter traffic problem, any increase in traffic is going to be a problem. This is more far reaching than just the North Shore.
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