Ka Iwi Coastline
by David Kimo Frankel, Chapter Director
The City Council will soon be considering a proposal to allow for massive development of the Ka Iwi Coastline (stretching from Hanauma Bay to Makapu'u). It will allow the natural, rugged beauty of the Ka Iwi Coastline to be developed. Over three hundred luxury houses would mar the last undeveloped ridges between Kalama Valley and the Makapu'u Lookout. Contaminated runoff from the new subdivisions and sewage would pollute the coastal waters off Queen's and Sandy Beach. A golf course and clubhouse with restaurant would urbanize the wild open space at Queen's Beach and consume more of our water. The golf course may also threaten endangered plant species found on the site. Industrial uses and a hotel would be located at the foot of Koko Crater.
Equally alarming is the process by which the developers are attempting to get their proposal approved. They are circumventing the standard planning process to get their proposal approved by the City Council. For example, they are refusing to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. Instead, they are preparing an "Environmental Impact Report" that fails to meet the legal standards under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343.
What you can do:
Come to the meetings of the Ka Iwi Action Council on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. at the Waiokeola Preschool, 4705 Kilauea Ave. (across from Kahala Mall).
Call Transportation Director Kazu Hayashida (587-2150) and ask him to apply for federal funds (called ISTEA enhancement grants) to acquire Queen's Beach for scenic preservation.
Call your City Councilmember (547-7000) and raise your objections to the developers' plans.
Elections will be held in December, 1996 to elect three (3) members to the Oah'u Group Executive Committee for two (2) year terms, commencing January 1, 1997. We need people to help us raise funds, protect important ecological areas and recruit new members. If you wish to be considered for the election, or, if you know of someone who would be a good candidate and who wishes to volunteer for a two (2) year term on the Oah'u Group Executive Committee, send us your name, phone number, brief background information and statement of interest. Mail to: P.O Box 2577 Honolulu, HI 96803.