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BEFORE THE LAND USE COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF HAWAII

Docket NO.A00-734

 

In the Matter of the Petition of Castle and Cooke Homes Hawaii, INC.

            And

Pacific Health community, INC.

 

 

TESTIMONY OF THE OFFICE OF PLANNING

 IN PARTIAL SUPPORT OF THE PETITION

IMPACTS UPON THE RESOURCES OF THE AREA

Groundwater and Potable Water Impacts

 

            The City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS), by letter dated June 29, 2001, conveys serious concerns regarding the impacts of development on groundwater recharge and potable water resources.  Their concerns for groundwater recharge are especially significant in the Koa Ridge Mauka project.  (See OP Exhibit 2)

 

1. A water master plan for the proposed development should be submitted for our review and approval.  The water master plan should include the proposed development layout along with the proposed water facilities and necessary hydraulic calculations.

 

2. Board of Water Supply (BWS) Rules and Regulations require the use of nonpotable water for the irrigation of large landscaped areas if a suitable supply is available.  The applicant should research and address the availability and use of nonpotable water for irrigation and developing a dual water system.  The BWS is evaluating the feasibility of recycled water application over the potable aquifer in Central Oahu.  The developer should evaluate the alternatives to collect and treat the projects wastewater for reuse.

 

3. We recommend the use of drought tolerant/low water use plants and xeriscaping principles for all landscaping.  We also recommend the installation of an efficient irrigation system, possibly using drip irrigation.  The irrigation system should incorporate moisture sensors to avoid the operation of the system in the rain and if the ground has adequate moisture.

 

4. The project may cause a loss of recharge because of increased runoff from this urban development.  Because the current sustainable yield for the Waipahu-Waiawa aquifer was derived with the assumption that these parcels remained in agriculture, the change in land use may impact the adopted sustainable yield.  In reference to Potential Changes to Groundwater Availability (section 4.6.2, page 4-11), there should be discussion on the impact of the development decreasing the sustainable yield of the Waipahu-Waiawa aquifer due to increased runoff from the development decreasing the sustainable yield of the Waipahu-Waiawa aquifer due to increased runoff from the development’s streets, gutters, roofed and paved areas diverting water that currently provided aquifer recharge.  The recharge losses are most significant at Koa Ridge Mauka, which receives an average annual rainfall of 50 inches to 80 inches.  Therefore, within the annual rainfall area of 50 inches or higher, we recommend design features maximizing landscaped areas and utilizing percolation and settling basins which would minimize loss of recharge to the basal aquifer and address storm water runoff control.

 

5. Water availability for the development

 

The developer will be required to install a water source and obtain a water use permit.  However, at this time, it cannot be determined if there is adequate groundwater supply in the Waipahu-Waiawa water management area to accommodate the vacant Urban designated lands of Central Oahu, Ewa and Honolulu in addition to the Koa Ridge development.  There are several factors that add to the uncertainty of groundwater supply and these factors should be addressed prior to the Land Use Commission taking action of the proposed boundary amendment application.

 

a.   On March 15, 2000, the State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) adopted a lower sustainable yield for the Waipahu-Waiawa and Ewa-Kunia aquifer systems.  With the adoption, the CWRM established a permitted use and pumpage milestone framework to obtain additional information and re-evaluate the groundwater supply.  CWRM will establish an aquifer monitoring; water shortage and aquifer optimization plans to re-evaluate the available water supply.

 

b.   On August 22, 2000, the Hawaii Supreme Court’s decision on the Waiahole Ditch contested case indicated that the CWRM must complete the State Water Resources Protection Plan prior to the adoption of the County Water Use and Development plans for affirming groundwater sustainable yields and in stream flow standards that guide water planning and regulation.  The availability of the Waiahole Ditch water for Central Oahu and Ewa irrigation use cannot be determined until the instream flow standards are established for the affected Windward streams.  The amount of recharge that occurs from Waiahole Ditch being used in Central Oahu and Ewa significantly affect the availability and sustainable yield of Pearl Harbor groundwater.

 

c.   The State Agricultural Water Use and Development Plan has not been completed and agricultural water demands for Leeward Oahu have not been identified.  This plan needs to be completed to determine water allocations for agriculture and urban demands that are in competition for the use of groundwater from the Pearl Harbor basin and any available water from Waiahole Ditch.

 

6. Impacts to Downgradient BWS Wells

 

We are concerned about the proposed source wells adversely impacting our downgradient wells in Waipio Heights and Waipahu.  There are seven well stations downgradient having a total pump capacity of approximately 40 million gallons per day.  Interception to flow at the proposed well locations reduces flow to existing BWS wells and can cause increased salinity and loss of capacity to meet existing demands.

 

The State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) should conduct groundwater-modeling analyses to evaluate the potential impact of well pumpage upon our existing wells.

 

7. The Koa Ridge development is within the proposed wellhead protection area and source water protection criteria as established by the State Department of Health, must be addressed.

 

8. The EA should discuss mitigation measures for loss of recharge and prevention of contamination the underlying aquifer.

 

Drainage Patterns

 

            The property does not contain any perennial streams.  Runoff is ultimately discarded into the adjacent gulches and streams adjacent to the Petition area, which are tributaries to Waikele and Waiawa Streams.  Waikele Stream goes thro ugh developed areas in Waipahu then discharges into West Loch, and Waiawa Stream goes through Pearl City to its outlet into Middle Loch.  For Koa Ridge Makai, the storm runoff will flow overland to Kipapa Stream.  A portion of the Petition Area, about 10 percent, will flow into Panakauahi Gulch.

 

            The Waiawa Property is within the Panakauahi Gulch system, which discharges into Waiawa stream in a southwestern direction.

 

            The Koa Ridge Mauka area slopes both in the northwest direction toward Kipapa Stream and the southwest direction toward small unnamed gulches that branch out from the main Panakauahi Gulch, eventually going into Waiawa stream. 

 

            The Flood Insurance Rate map designates the area as Zone D, which indicates areas in which flood hazards are undetermined. The Petitioner indicates that since the Petition area is located on plateaus bordered by gulches, flooding on the Petition Area would be unlikely. However, the Petition also indicates that waters flowing into the adjacent gulches would be upstream of existing development in Waipahu and Pearl City which are subject to flooding during peak storm events. According to the Petitioner’s consultant report in Appendix B, planned drainage improvements should meet the City’s requirements to achieve a net decrease or no increase in water runoff from developments. The consultant is proposing detention/retention basins for on site mitigation of flood hazard and water quality impacts.

 

Biological Resources

Flora  

            According to consultant studies done in 1996 and 1999, there are no candidate proposed, or listed threatened or endangered species in the Petition areas. However, within the adjacent gulches and gullies, outside of the Petition areas, there is a mixture of native and introduced plants, particularly in the higher elevations of the Petition area.

            Waiawa had a brush fore in 1998, and guinea grass and trees are the predominant plants on this site.

            The northeast portion of Koa Ridge Mauka has fallow pineapple fields, with surrounding guinea grass, and other types of grasses.  The central portion of Koa ridge Mauka is cultivated in pineapple, with the remainder in open grassland.

 

            The eastern area of Koa ridge Makai contains seed corn with pineapple to the north and southwest of Waihole ditch. The remainder of the area contains trees and grasslands.

 

Fauna

            According to the consultant’s studies, there were no candidate, proposed, listed, threatened or endangered species found on the Petition Areas.

            Koa Ridge Makai had no signs of pigs, or small mammals, such as mongoose, rats and mice; however, the small mammals were believed to be present. Birds seen on the property were common except for the golden plover. Waiawa may contain pigs, since pig hunters were seen.

            Koa Ridge Mauka contained signs of mice, rats, mongoose and pigs in the Petition area. Many birds were found on the site, mostly non-native.

Archaeological Resources

            According to the Petitioner’s study, the only State historic site is on Koa Ridge Makai, which is the Waiahole Ditch built in 1913. The ditch runs along the upper portion of Koa Ridge Makai and the lower portion of Koa Ridge for about 3,600 linear feet. The ditch is open, except where the ditch runs under roads, and there are two metal pipe siphons, which carry the water across two steep gullies in the southern portion of Koa Ridge Mauka. The consultant did find one basalt adz within the northern portion of Koa Ridge Makai, but no artifacts were found within the other Petition areas. Kipapa Ditch, which is on the west side and adjacent to Koa Ridge Makai, is also a State historic site, constructed in 1930.

Cultural Resources

            According to the Petitioner, there are no cultural practices or activities on this site; however, access to the Kipapa Ridge Trail for hunting and native gathering in the adjacent areas may be significant for traditional and customary native Hawaiian practices.

            The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, by letter dated February 26, 2001, indicates that they support the petition. They note that “the Archaeological Inventory Survey and the Hawaiian Traditional Customs and Practices Impact Assessment were very well done.” Also, that if a burial site is found, the Oahu Burial Council and OHA must also be contacted.

Scenic Resources

            According to the petition, the development of the Petition Areas for residential, commercial and community health uses will alter the existing views from the H-2 freeway. Koa Ridge Mauka offers an exceptional view.

Air Quality

            According to the Petitioner’s consultant, the air quality in the area is good since agricultural cultivation has declined. Air quality data from Department of Health monitoring stations suggest that air quality standards are being met.

             By letter dated January 26, 2001, The State Department of Health indicated that there may be problems with dust during the construction of the project, as follows:

            “ Due to the characteristics of the soil in the area, there is a significant potential for fugitive dust to be generated during clearing and removal of debris, grubbing, grading, and excavation of the various project sites, Implementation of adequate dust control measures during all phases of construction is warranted. Construction activities must comply with provisions of Chapter 11-60.1, Hawaii Administrative Rules, section 11-60.1-33 on Fugitive Dust. The contractor should provide adequate means to control dust from road areas and during the various phases of construction activities.”

 

Aural Quality

            The State Department of Health by letter dated February 27, 2001, provided the following comments:

            “Potential noise problems may occur in areas designated for mixed use. Mixed use communities should be designed to minimize impacts on existing residential areas from commercial/industrial areas…Contractor shall obtain a Community Noise Permit if the noise levels from construction activities are expected to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels of the regulations as stated in Section 11-46-6(a), Hawaii Administrative Rules…The contractor shall comply with the requirements pertaining to construction activities as specified in the rules and the conditions issued with the permit as stated in section 11-46-7 (d)(4)…Sound levels emanating from stationary equipment, such as the HVAC system, shall comply with the provisions of the Department of Health’s Administrative Rules, Chapter 11-46, “Community Noise control.”

 

Socio-Economic and Market Impacts

 

            The State Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii, submitted

 comments regarding the proposal, as follows:

 

            “Policies A(3) and B(3) of the State Housing Functional Plan seek to ensure that (1) housing projects and (2) projects which impact housing provide a fair share/adequate amount of affordable homeownership and rental housing opportunities.  Petitioner has indicated that for-sale housing units would be provided in a variety of styles and prices and that they would meet State and County affordable housing guidelines and requirements for pricing and affordable percentages.  Petitioner has also indicated that consideration would be given to providing affordable rental housing and special needs housing as needs are identified.

 

            The socio-economic impact assessment shows that the Pacific Health Center would create 2823 direct jobs.  Petitioner should address whether the health center will generate a need for employee housing to address Policy B(3) of the housing functional plan.”

 

            According to the Final Review Draft of the Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan (COSCP) dated March 2001, the vision for Central Oahu in the year 2025 shows population growth from 149,000 in 2000 to over 173,000 in 2025.  The vision estimates an addition of 11,000 new housing units to the existing 45,000 homes in Central Oahu in the year 2000.  Jobs are predicted to increase from approximately 39,000 in 2000 to over 65,000 in 2025.  Master planned residential developments are expected at Mililani Mauka, Royal Kunia, Koa Ridge Makai, and Waiawa.  The vision also included the long-term protection of agricultural and preservation lands. 

 

Agricultural Impacts

 

            By letter dated July 20, 2001, the State Department of Agriculture (DOA):

 

            “… Is concerned about the removal of hundreds of acres of prime agricultural lands in the Koa Ridge Makai, Koa Ridge Mauka, and Waiawa areas.   Our concerns are mitigated by the following information.  We note that the 226 acres of pineapple production to be displaced by the project will be replaced with lands in the Helemano area north of Wahiawa.  We have concurred with the proposed designation of the area encompassing Koa Ridge Makai as a future urban expansion area according to the draft Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan as a means to reduce pressure to urbanize prime irrigated agricultural lands further west.  We also note that the Koa Ridge Mauka area is not within the Urban expansion area for the duration of the plan (year 2020).  Based on the above and other information found in the Petition, we have no particular objection to the petitioner’s request to reclassify the Koa Ridge Makai and Waiawa areas, but we are in opposition to the request for Koa ridge Mauka that is inconsistent with the City’s proposed Communities plan.”

 

            The DOA also states that the Waiahole Ditch:

 

            “… traverses the petition area at the H-2.  Appropriate measures to maintain ditch easements and prevent trespass need to be planned and implemented in coordination with the Agribusiness Development Corporation.”

 

            The United States Department of Agriculture also provided comments by letter dated February 7, 2001, as follows:

 

            “Part of our agency’s mission is to identify and encourage the protection of prime, important, and unique farmlands for future generations.  Of the approximately 1,200 acres within the project area, most of the area is designated prime with about half of the Koa Ridge Mauka site designated as unique (figure 11).  The Petitioner has st5ated that ‘the project will not impact agriculture production in the region, county or state.’  Additionally, stated is ‘The project will not negatively impact the supply of land needed for diversified agriculture on the island or within the State.’  Several other statements are made that diminish the importance of these lands for future agriculture.

 

            This project would consume a significant acreage of prime farmlands.  Each petition reviewed by this office for over a decade that involved conversion of prime farmlands has stated that there would be no significant impact on the availability of these lands.  Cumulatively, the impact is significant.  Have we fully considered what level of agricultural self-sufficiency we desire?  Even the Koa Ridge Mauka lands, which are stated to be lower quality (unique) for agricultural production, are prime for timber species such as Koa and other species.  At such a time when the cost of imported fossil fuel becomes a major issue, we will want to once again consider biomass crops that in the recent past were only slightly not cost effective.  Will we have the land available for that?

 

            We have no illusions that the project will be denied because of these concerns.  It is merely our hope that this letter will heighten the level of concern for the loss of our finite high quality agricultural land resource.

 

            Lastly, an increased flooding hazard through decreased rainfall infiltration could have major impacts on urban areas of the coastal plain as well as portions of the Waiahole Ditch.  A close scrutiny of the hydrology is essential.”

 

ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES

 

Water Service

 

                        The Board of Water Supply provided comments on the availability of potable water for the development, by letter dated June 29, 2001 which states that it cannot be determined if there is adequate groundwater supply in the Waipahu-Waiawa water management area to accommodate the vacant Urban designated lands of Central Oahu, Ewa and Honolulu in addition to the Koa Ridge development.  (See section on Groundwater and Potable Water Impacts).

 

                        The State Department of Health has provided comments by letter dated February 5, 2001, regarding potable water for the development as follows:

 

1.      “The project proposes to develop one or more new sources of drinking water as well as storage and distribution facilities with the intent to tie into the Honolulu Board of Water Supply’s Waipio Heights Water System.  Please be advised that, prior to use as a new source of potable water serving an existing public water system, the Director of Health must approve this source.  This approval is based upon the submission, review, and acceptance of an engineering report, which demonstrates that the water from this source or sources either meets all federal and state drinking water standards or can be treated to meet these standards.

 

2.      If the project does not connect to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply system, it will be subject to a number of other requirements prior to its ability to provide water to support the development in addition to the source approval mentioned above.

 

3.      The project does not appear to propose any activity within the Hydrologic Zone of Contribution of the U.S. Navy Waiawa Shaft which was identified and submitted by the Department of Health to the Land Use Commission in 1990.  However, we would request the applicant to verify this preliminary finding.”

 

The Commission on Water Resource Management by letter dated December 6, 2000, had the following comments:

 

1.      “We recommend coordination with the county government to incorporate this project into the county’s Water Use and Development plan.

 

2.      A Well Construction Permit and/or a Pump Installation Permit from the Commission would be required before ground water is developed as a source of supply for the project.

 

3.      The proposed water supply source for the project is located in a designated water management area, and a Water Use Permit from the Commission would be required prior to the use of this source.

 

4.      If the proposed project alters the bed and banks of a stream channel, the project may require a stream channel alteration permit.

 

5.      As noted above and in the subject document, well construction, pump installation and water use permits would be required for the development of new wells to serve the project.  The State water code identifies seven conditions to obtain a water use permit, which includes analyses of water availability and impact on existing wells.

 

            In March 2000, the Commission adopted a revised sustainability yield for the Waipahu-Waiawa Aquifer of 104 millions of gallons per day (mgd) utilizing a milestone approach.  The Commission has also revoked unused water allocations in the aquifer.  At present, allocations from the Waipahu-Waiawa Aquifer total 82.501 mgd.”

 

Roadways

 

            The State Department of Transportation provided the following comments, dated, July 19, 2001:

 

“This project will have a significant impact on the State transportation system.  As such, the developers should be responsible for providing their pro rata share of required regional transportation improvements.

 

1.      The applicant should coordinate with adjacent developers (Gentry Investment Properties and Pacific Health Community) to investigate the possibility of cost share arrangements for offsite transportation roadway improvements.

 

2.      The Traffic Impact Analysis Report (TIAR) states that with the project, the interstate H-1, East and West of the Waiawa Interchange (IC) will operate at a level of service (LOS) E & F, Eastbound and Westbound during the AM and PM peak hours in the year 2020.  Our Highways Division is studying improvements to H-1, including a widening alternative.  The applicant should assist in our transportation planning studies by identifying vehicle trip reduction programs such as its existing express bus service and assessing the program’s impacts, and continue its participation in LOTMA and other joint transportation efforts.

 

3.      The TIAR states that with the project, the following key intersections will be operating at an unsatisfactory LOS in the year 2020:

 

a.       Kamehameha Highway/Ka-Uka Boulevard

b.      Kamehameha Highway/Lumiana Street

c.       Kamehameha Highway/Waipahu Street

d.      Ka-Uka Boulevard/Moaniani Street/H-2 Southbound off-ramp

 

The TIAR should incorporate, as an addendum, 1) a project construction schedule including the corresponding required roadway mitigations to be provided by the developer(s) for these intersections to operate at a satisfactory LOS D or better, and 2) an analysis of the intersection of Kamehameha Highway/Lumiauau Street.

 

4.      On Appendix B Infrastructure Report, pate 4-7:

 

            a.  Proposed Drainage System Infrastructure, the developer should satisfy flood control and water quality issues.  There should be no increase in “q” from the development to any state highway or facility.

 

            b.  The applicant will satisfy Federal Highway Administration requirements for obtaining approvals for the new Koa Ridge Interchange.”

 

Wastewater     

 

            The State Department of Health provided comments by letter dated March 12, 2001:

 

“The subject project is located in the No Pass Zone and in the critical wastewater disposal area as determined by the Oahu Wastewater Advisory Committee…As the area is located within the City sewer service system, we will require that the project be connected to the City’s sewer service system.  No other means of wastewater treatment and disposal is allowed.”

 

Solid Waste

 

The State Department of Health submitted comments by letter dated February 2, 2001:

 

1.      The Office of Solid Waste Management (OSWM) recommends the development of a solid waste management plan for the project that encompasses all phases from construction to occupation.  Examples of elements that the plan should consider include the recycling of greenwaste generated during land clearing activities, the use of locally produced compost in the landscaping of the project, and the provision of recycling facilities in the design of the project.

 

2.      Consider the use, to the extent possible, of recycled content building products in the construction of the project.

 

3.      The developer shall ensure that all solid waste generated during the construction of the project is directed to a permitted solid waste facility.

 

Civil Defense

 

            By letter dated July 3, 2001, the Department of Defense, Office of the Director of Civil Defense requested:

 

“…that the developer plan for emergency warning notification in the Medical Park complex.  Additionally, an indoor Emergency Alert System (EAS) receiver should be installed in one of the emergency rooms or the main security office for the Medical Park complex.  Residential areas should have an outdoor siren warning system installed before buyers occupy homes in respective development phases.  The number of sirens and their placement can be coordinated with State Civil Defense when development plans for the area have been finalized.”

 

Schools

 

            The Department of Education provided comments by letter dated February 8, 2001:

 

1.      The Petitioner states that the proposed project would contain between 6,000 and 7,500 units at buildout.  Based on the higher unit count of 7,500, the DOE estimates that the project would generate the following number of students:

 

            SCHOOL TYPE         STUDENTS

            Elementary                  1,875

            Middle                         750

            High                            750

 

2.      The DOE will be seeking a fair-share contribution primarily in the form of a land dedication.  For 7,500 units, the land dedication requirement amounts to 70 acres.  Any remaining fair-share balance owed after the land dedication would be satisfied through a cash contribution based on the DOE’s fair share formula.

 

3.      Given the number of units proposed, there will be a need for three elementary schools of 12 acres each and one middle school of 20 acres.  The equivalent of one-half of a high school will also be needed (see item 4 below).

 

The petitioner indicates one elementary school each in Koa Ridge Makai and Koa Ridge Mauka.  The DOE concurs with those general locations.  We will need to coordinate with the Petitioner to determine the most suitable locations for the third elementary school and the middle school.

 

4.      A 50-acre high school site is needed somewhere within the Koa Ridge or Waiawa by Gentry developments.  Mililani High School, Waipahu High School, and Pearl City High School are currently operating near or above capacity and will continue to experience enrollment increases as residential units are developed within those school’s areas.  These existing high schools will not be able to adequately accommodate the additional students from the proposed project.

 

Our discussions with the Petitioner will include the need for a high school site in the region.

 

5.      We request that the State Land Use Commission include the DOE’s standard condition should the proposed project be reclassified.  The language of the condition is as follows:

 

Petitioner shall contribute to the development, funding, and/or construction of school facilities, on a fair share basis, as determined by and to the satisfaction of the Department of Education.  Terms of the contribution shall be agreed upon, in writing, by the Petitioner and the DOE, prior to Petitioner applying for county rezoning.”

 

CONFORMANCE TO THE COASSTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

            The Petition indicates that the project area lies outside the Special Management Area, but is within the State Coastal Zone Management area.  No Special Management Area permit will be required.

 

CONFORMANCE WITH COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING

 

            The petition area is designated by the City and County of Honolulu as Agricultural in the Central Oahu Development Plan and is designated as Ag-1 Restricted Agriculture Zoning.  The City’s Final Draft of the Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan indicates Koa Ridge Makai and Waiawa Areas for Urban Expansion, and Koa ridge Mauka for Agriculture.

 

DISCUSSION

 

            The City and County of Honolulu has developed a Final Review Draft, dated March 2001, of the Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan (COSCP).  The COSCP addresses the future development of the Central Oahu area, including the subject Petition Area.  According to the Department of Planning and Permitting, the COSCP proposes an Urban Community Boundary to “give long-range protection from urbanization for 10,500 acres of prime and unique agricultural lands and for preservation of open space while providing adequate land for residential, commercial, and industrial uses needed in Central Oahu for the foreseeable future.”  The Petition Areas at Koa Ridge Makai and Waiawa are within the Urban Community Boundary.  Koa Ridge Mauka is not included in the Urban Community Boundary area.

 

            According to the COSP (Final Review Draft, March 2001) Central Oahu’s likely share of Oahu population in the year 2010 (16.4%) will be within the current General Plan 2010 population distribution range (14.9 – 16.5%).  By 2025, Central Oahu’s share of Oahu population (at 16.8%) is projected to be slightly above the current General Plan guidelines.

 

            The Petition should clarify and explain how the proposed phasing of the residential units will relate to the population projections in light of the units that are proposed and already approved but yet unbuilt for Central Oahu.  According to the COSP, p. 2-22, approximately 13,130 residential units were previously approved for Central Oahu while the total residential units proposed for Central Oahu amounted to 11,050.  The combined unbuilt total of previously approved and proposed units is 24,180 as of June 200.

 

            In their letter to OP dated June 29, 2001, the Board of Water Supply states that there should be a discussion on the impact of the proposed development decreasing the sustainable yield of the Waipahu-Waiawa aquifer due to increased runoff from the development’s streets, gutters, roofed and paved areas, thereby reducing aquifer recharge.  They state that the recharge losses are most significant at Koa Ridge Mauka, which receives an average annual rainfall of 50 inches to 80 inches.  It also cannot be determined if there is adequate groundwater supply in Waipahu-Waiawa water management area to accommodate the vacant Urban designated lands of Central Oahu, Ewa, and Honolulu in addition to the Koa Ridge development.  Water source development for the proposed project may impact supply from existing downgradient wells. 

 

            The proposed project will further add to traffic congestion in the region, especially during peak hours.  Existing school facilities are operating near or above capacity.  Affordable housing for the future employees at the proposed Pacific Health Center should be addressed.  A previous reclassification in the Waiawa area generated substantial concern regarding possible groundwater contamination of the U.S. Navy Waiawa Shaft.

 

            The proposed reclassification 571.5 acres at Koa Ridge Makai to the west of H-2 Freeway is a logical extension of future urban growth as is the proposed reclassification of the 190.8-acre Waiawa site which is planned in coordination with the existing Waiawa Gentry Urban District.  However, the 485.5-acre Koa Ridge Mauka area is further removed from existing urban areas and will be very costly in terms of the required public services and facilities.  Its importance for groundwater recharge, open space and visual amenities should also be recognized.

 

            The Office of Planning recommends reclassification of Koa Ridge Makai and Waiawa provided that certain conditions are met.  Koa Ridge Mauka should remain in the Agricultural District.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

            Based on agency comments received to date and the foregoing information and analysis, the Office of Planning recommends that the Petition by Castle and Cooke Homes Hawaii, Inc. and Pacific Health Community, Inc., to reclassify approximately 1,247.983 acres of land, Tax Map Key TMK: 9-4-06: por. 1, por. 2, por. 3, por. 29; 9-5-03: por. 1, por. 2, por. 4; and 9-6-04: 21 at Waipio and Waiawa, Oahu, State of Hawaii, from the State Land Use Agricultural to the Urban District, be approved in part.  We recommend that the Koa Ridge Makai and Waiawa Petition Areas be approved subject to the following conditions.  Koa Ridge Mauka should be denied.

 

1.      Petitioner shall provide affordable housing opportunities for residents of the State of Hawaii in accordance with applicable affordable housing requirements of the City and County of Honolulu.  The location and distribution of the affordable housing or other provisions for affordable housing shall be under such terms as may be mutually agreeable between the Petitioner and the City and County of Honolulu.

 

2.      Petitioner shall participate in the pro-rata funding and construction of local and regional transportation improvements and programs necessitated by the proposed development in designs and schedules accepted and determined by the State Department of Transportation (DOT).  Agreement between the Petitioner and the DOT as to the level of funding and participation shall be obtained prior to the Petitioner acquiring County zoning or prior to the Petitioner securing county building permits if county zoning is not required.

 

3.      Petitioner shall provide public access to the Kipapa ridge trails and other traditional gathering and hunting trails to the satisfaction of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

 

4.      Petitioner shall contribute to the development, funding, and/or construction of school facilities, on a fair share basis, as determined by and to the satisfaction of the Department of Education (DOE).  Terms of the contribution shall be agreed upon, in writing, by the Petitioner applying for county rezoning.

 

5.      Petitioner shall provide adequate water source facilities and improvements to accommodate the proposed project.  Water source facilities and improvements shall be coordinated and approved by the Commission on Water Resource Management of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

 

6.      Petitioner shall provide adequate wastewater treatment, transmission, and disposal facilities as determined by the State Department of Health.

 

7.      Petitioner shall fund and construct adequate civil defense measures as determined by the State of Hawaii Department of Defense, Office of Civil Defense.

 

8.      Should any previously unidentified human burials, archaeological or historic sites such as artifacts, marine shell concentrations, charcoal deposits, stone platforms, pavings or walls be found, Petitioner shall stop work in the immediate vicinity and the State Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (SHPD) shall be notified immediately.  The significance of these finds shall then be determined and approved by the SHPD.  Subsequent work shall proceed upon an archaeological clearance from the SHPD when it finds that mitigative measures have been implemented to their satisfaction. 

 

9.      Petitioner shall implement efficient soil erosion and dust control measures during and after the development process to the satisfaction of the State Department of Health.

 

10.  Petitioner shall design and construct drainage improvements required as a result of the development of the Property to the satisfaction of the Department of Health and the Commission on Water Resource Management of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

 

11.  Petitioner shall coordinate with the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Division, to develop appropriate measures to maintain Waiahole Ditch infrastructure and easements.

 

12.  Petitioner, where feasible, shall implement water conservation measures such as indigenous and drought tolerant plants and turf and incorporate the same into common area landscape planting.

 

13.  Petitioner shall notify all prospective buyers of property of the potential odor, noise and dust pollution resulting from surrounding agricultural uses.

 

14.  Petitioner shall develop the Petition Area in substantial compliance with the representations made by the Petitioner to the Commission.  Failure to do so for any reason including economic feasibility, may result in the imposition of fines as provided by law, removal of improvements by Petitioner at Petitioner’s own expense, reversion of the petition Area to its former condition by Petitioner at Petitioner’s own expense, reversion of the Petition Area to its former classification or a change to a more appropriate classification, or any other legal remedies.        

 

15.  Petitioner acknowledges and agrees that it has no vested interest or right to develop the Petition Area, as reclassified, until Petitioner has substantially complied with the representations it made to the Commission.  Petitioner waives any claims for liability against the State arising from any reversion of the Petition Area.

 

            Dated: Honolulu, Hawaii this 3rd day of August 2001.

 

OFFICE OF PLANNING

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

_____________________

DAVID W. BLANE

Director of Planning

 

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