HB 117 is proof of the importance of active monitoring of bills at the legislature, especially in the closing stages of the session when so much happens behind closed doors. Just a week or two ago, this bill expanded our Coastal Zone Management Act to require public review of large, expensive single-family homes built along […]
Council Decides Not to Raise Developer Rates
A study by the County Council showed that costs associated with permitting big developments significantly exceed the fees collected to issue the permits. Despite that study, the Council voted not to raise permit fees. Gladys Baisa called the proposal to raise fees in order to cover costs “draconian”. The plan would have gradually adjust fees […]
Kahului Airport Hotel
A&B Properties and R.D. Olson Development will build a $16.5 million, 138-room Marriott hotel near Costco. A&B will retain ownership while Marriott manages the hotel. See the A&B press release for more info.
Kehalani Development Waiting for Approval of Plan Changes
Developer Stanford Carr plans to build the mixed-use Kehalani Village Center slated to add 200,000 square feet of Wailuku commercial space. The plan was approved ten years ago as part of the Kehalani overall development where about half (1,200) houses have already been built. The planning Department will have to approve the revised plans. This […]
SB120 to Take Money from Land Conservation Fund
SB120, f passed would reduce the distribution of a portion of the conveyance tax to the Land Conservation Fund. Argument in favor: The State needs money. Argument against: Frequently it’s assumed that environmental protection is a luxury, expendable in times of economic distress. This is false. The funds designated to Legacy Land Conservation (LLC) have […]
P.A.T.H. Asks County for List of Public Right of Ways
Members of Public Access Trails of Hawaii appealed Tuesday to Mayor Alan Arakawa to provide an inventory of county roads, trails and accesses for public use. Arakawa said the county could produce a list of public roads and trails, but it also would need to include rules and warnings about accessing such areas. Read more […]