Letters to the Editor
The following letters recently appeared in Oahu's newspapers concerning North Shore Development:

< Page 1 | Page 2

Turtle Bay City Officials Must Stop Outdated Plan

The time has come for the mayor and City Council to acknowledge that 20 years ago the council blundered. A compromise with the developer should be sought. Single-family homes, rather than hotels and condos, would reduce the impact of developing this property.

It is the duty of our elected officials to listen to the voters, make appropriate decisions and defend, or modify their decisions as circumstances change. The developer's job is to maximize return for their investors, so a change in plan could lead to the city paying damages in a lawsuit. However, permanent damage to our marine resources and traffic gridlock requiring new roads and bridges would cost far more.

The existing hotel's seaward expansion shows no concern for the ocean environment and no respect for the beachgoing public. This new construction, so close to the ocean, shows what will happen to the rest of this coastline unless the mayor and council act.

Sally Youngblood, Hale'iwa - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, October 30, 2006

North Shore
Do What is Pono, Keep the Country Country

I would like to express my concern regarding proposed development at Turtle Bay. Any further development would certainly destroy what still remains of the natural ambiance, warmth and beauty of our rural North Share community.

The aloha spirit that was once prevalent here has all but disappeared as our way of life is being severely challenged.

It is imperative that the powers that be curtail any further large-scale development such as that proposed by the Kuilima Resort Co. before it is too late! It is unconscionable that our way of life and the beauty of the North Shore be jeopardized any more. Once it is gone, it's gone for good. It is our kuleana to do what is pono and keep the country country!

Jimmy Cullen, Hale'iwa - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, October 23, 2006

Kahuku Needs, Wishes Should Be Addressed

Your recent article on the expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort (Oct. 13) suggests that the Kahuku community is divided on the issue. But it is clear that the only support for the project is coming from a handful of individuals who were involved in the unilateral agreement negotiations more than 20 years ago.

When the agreement was negotiated, the Kahuku sugar mill had just closed and jobs were an important consideration in the community. Today, those who represented Kahuku in the original agreement are retired, and their children's children are going off to college. Their world, and ours, is very different.

With statewide unemployment under 3 percent and a number of jobs available at the resort, this community is more concerned about affordable housing and traffic than the creation of hundreds of non-living-wage service jobs and the desecration of some of the last open spaces on the North Shore. As evidenced by recent protests at Honolulu Hale and the resort, this is an islandwide issue with people across O'ahu opposing the expansion plans.

The decision by Oaktree Capital to act on the decades-old permit indicates that its view of the economic landscape in Hawai'i has changed. Similarly, the needs and wishes of the Kahuku community have changed. It is incumbent on the developers to stop moving forward on their plans and first address the needs of today's community.

Kevin Kelly, Kahuku - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, October 23, 2006

Development
Officials Need to Better Explain Kawela Stands

The developers behind the expansion at Kawela Bay have been granted a tentative permit to continue their master plan of building four additional hotels. During this time there have been numerous protests questioning the need for this development, the impact it will have on the North Shore and future ramifications.

Although there is little community support for this development, we have seen very few of our elected leaders explain their position. Moreover, officials must explain to the public what obligations they are bound to concerning the 20-year-old agreement and obsolete environmental impact statement with the developers.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann talks about how Hawai'i is such a special place; however, I have not seen any action on his part regarding this development. The same could be said for members of the City Council.

It would be nice if the public were more informed as to their positions on this issue, or better yet their support to block this expansion at Kawela Bay.

The North Shore is used by all of us, and the lack of acknowledgement and support by our leaders is an indication that they are not listening to their constituents.

Matthew Tuthill, Honolulu - Honolulu Advertiser, Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Corky's Hawaii - Honolulu Star Bulletin Editorial Cartoon, Sunday, October 15, 2006.

Bureaucrats shouldn't make big decisions

The city Department of Planning and Permitting recently granted a tentative approval for massive development of the rural Turtle Bay area.

How do those in charge at DPP acquire their positions? I do not remember seeing DPP candidates on a local ballot. The islands have finite size and are already heavily developed. The majority of the population desires green space and does not want mega-development plans that would clog the already-choked traffic and stress the water, sewage and solid waste disposal systems.

How can an unelected state body make such crucial decisions? The mayor and City Council owe it to the majority of residents who want to keep the country country and override these unelected government employees.

Pat Caldwell, Kailua - Honolulu Star Bulletin, Monday, October 16, 2006

Resort Expansion will Destroy Oahu

I have heard the North Shore residents' concerns about the effect the Turtle Bay Resort expansion project will have on the environment, traffic, infrastructure and quality of life. I have participated in the sign-waving and presentation of 5,000 signatures on petitions to review, amend or modify the 1986 Special Management Area Permit for the project. Even though I do not live on the North Shore, I believe all of our communities on Oahu are interconnected and that this development will drastically affect our neighborhoods.

The City and County of Honolulu must recognize that we live on an island with finite land where proper land use planning and growth management are essential. The county is entrusted with protection of our watersheds, wetlands, shoreline and open spaces, as well as enforcement of our laws when developers come before it, but it has failed miserably in its duty to be a watchdog for the public. I have grave concerns that there is a lack of oversight by the Department of Planning and Permitting if it allows Turtle Bay Resort to build five new hotels with 3,500 more condo, timeshare and hotel units on Kawela Bay based on a 20-year-old agreement and land use permit.

Is the mayor's vision to pave over all that we love and ruin our quality of life? Or does he have a vision of conservation and possess the leadership necessary to listen to the people?

Jeannine Johnson, Honolulu - Honolulu Star Bulletin, Friday, October 13, 2006

Negative Impact
New Turtle Bay Hotels Should Not Be Allowed

Are we comatose? All of us, be it Hawaiian, haole, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, or any other ethnic background who live in Hawai'i, have pride, aloha for this 'aina, our home. We have a stake in its future. We know the injustices that have happened throughout Hawaiian history, where the people were taken advantage of. It's imperative that we don't let history repeat itself.

We are letting hotel developers play a game of economic terrorism with us, "No hotel, no jobs." We cannot allow them to hold us hostage. The hotels that Turtle Bay Resort has planned present more problems than solutions.

If they are allowed, we will have failed to ensure the quality of life that future generations deserve. Wouldn't it be more sensible to address issues that already threaten this rural community?

We should applaud those who have the courage to say "'a'ole" to developers who bring negative impact, not only to this community, but to the entire state of Hawai'i.

Paul Kawaia'olaloa Lindo, 'Alewa Heights - Honolulu Advertiser, Friday, October 6, 2006

Development
Preservation Land Must be Maintained

Certain areas of Hawai'i are zoned "preservation" for a good reason.
Developers need to respect the basic vocabulary and intent in these land-use ordinances.

Areas that are zoned "preservation" must not be circumvented, as is happening near the Ka Iwi shoreline. There are also developers who think they have the right to build high-density subdivisions on land that is zoned "agriculture."

What would happen to Hawai'i if all these developers are allowed to circumvent these zoning designations that are in place to protect Hawai'i's scenic and open spaces?

Hawai'i is under tremendous pressure from developers who are eager to exploit Hawai'i's limited scenic and shoreline resources. There is a growing grassroots movement (www .DefendOahuCoalition.org) that wants its voice to be heard regarding this development frenzy.

Henry Eng is the director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, not the Department of Permitting and Permitting. His job is to represent the interests of Hawai'i's people first, not developers.

Choon James, La'ie - Honolulu Advertiser, Wednesday, September 13, 2006

North Shore
Turtle Bay Expansion is an Islandwide Issue

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 councilmembers 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 - Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, August 3, 2006

Development
North Shore Decision Must Be Reevaluated

Turtle Bay's recent settlement with Local 5 is great.

However, it should not be taken as a sign that the North Shore community is giving in. The bottom line is that we do not have the infrastructure to support an additional 3,500 hotel/condo units on the North Shore. Perhaps it's time to admit that our elected officials made a bad decision 20 years ago.

The city should listen to the calls of the governor, Republican and Democratic parties, North Shore, Ko'olauloa, and Kahalu'u Neighborhood Boards, as well as the community associations of Mokule'ia, Sunset Beach and Waikiki to reevaluate the proposed development and outdated studies.

Carol Philips, Hale'iwa - Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Hotels are making enough money already

Oahu reported 3,214,476 yearly visitors staying in hotels. The average weekly rate is $1,050 per person. This amounts to several billion dollars per year of income for the hotel industry.

Where are the billions of dollars going? Are the dishwashers and maids at our hotels getting six figure salaries?

Why sacrifice our precious beaches at Turtle Bay and other areas when locals don't receive the profits? All we will get is increased traffic, sewer fees and restricted beach access.

Chris Cramer, Honolulu - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 149 - Monday, May 29, 2006

Whose problem is overdevelopment?

Another 10,000 to 15,000 new homes in Kapolei is just what we need on Oahu. Let's not worry about the sewers being overloaded and breaking, more traffic and the schools overcrowded. Let's not worry that we have a water shortage.

Developers don't feel responsible for these matters, so whose problems are they?

Maybe our city officials will start making it their problem, or maybe those who sell them the land will. Or maybe we should all start making it our problem.

The problems that arise with the plan to build more hotels on North Shore, the obscene construction in Hawaii Kai and the overbuilding in Ewa belong to all of us. Maybe all of the citizens' groups from the different areas would have more power if they worked together for one cause.

Keep our islands beautiful.

Pearl Daniels, Hawaii Kai - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 148 - Sunday, May 28, 2006

People should vote on Turtle Bay expansion

I feel the Turtle Bay 5 hotel project should be decided at the polls. This is an island issue that affects all of Oahu and its people. We are dealing with some very serious issues here that could adversely effect the entire island. Be smart and do what's right for the people of Oahu, not rich developers from the cement jungle of the mainland who care only about filling their bank accounts.

Joseph Grassadonia, Editor in chief, OnFitness Magazine, Part-time Hawaii resident - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 147 - Saturday, May 27, 2006

Developers know how to play the game

Turtle Bay developers surprised opponents, yanking the rope that lay on the ground for 20 years. It's a successful ploy intuitive to anyone who plays tug-of-war: haul, release, then yank (or double-yank) as your opponents relax.

Most of us play for enjoyment of life, but developers are focused professionals who train with our government agencies and officials and learn sophisticated facts about opponents abilities and motivations.

They are patient when they need to be and never yank without planning the next move. They never forget the goal: that pulling just one opponent's toe over the line is the win. That's why it's called planning, and that's why planners are well-paid.
I'll bet Turtle Bay can afford a big part of the hospital expansion that's so sorely needed up Kahuku way. C'mon, pull.

Pete Cronburg, Honolulu - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 145 - Thursday, May 25, 2006

Nothing means nothing to developers

I learned something interesting from Corky's cartoon of May 21, in which protesters of North Shore development are asked if they live there, and they reply, "Nah, there's nothing there."

In other words, if the land is covered with condos, malls and freeways, then there would be "something" worthwhile. To the pro-development crowd, a natural area is "nothing."

Thanks, Corky, for the education, I always wondered what made developers tick, other than greed.

Pat Caldwell, Kailua - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 144 - Wednesday, May 24, 2006

More development will ruin North Shore

I write to voice my deep concern about the proposed development at Turtle Bay. Our island already has been overdeveloped. We need to preserve Oahu's few rural areas. Many visitors now prefer to go to the neighbor islands. Visitors to Oahu (and residents!) want to experience the natural beauty of our island, and the North Shore is one of the last unspoiled places. Not only would this massive development dramatically mar the landscape it also would endanger our wetlands and wildlife.

Some experts believe we already have exceeded the number of cars, sewage, power, etc. this island can sustain. Look around. Do we really need more hotels? Or do we need to preserve the small amount of remaining undeveloped areas?

This is an opportunity finally to do the right thing. Let's think about our grandchildren and the future of our precious island.

Patty Henshaw, Kailua - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 143 - Tuesday, May 23, 2006

North Shore
Turtle Bay Expansion Is Out Of Character

As a longtime North Shore resident, I remember well when Buddy Ako and his group of 50 or 60 pushed through the approvals for expansion of Turtle Bay in the mid-1980s. It was not clear then that his group and its dream represented the majority of North Shore residents. Today, it is clear that they do not.

The North Shore stretches roughly from Kahuku to Mokule'ia and encompasses a diverse population. But the heart of it is the surf and ocean recreation-oriented population that stretches from Hale'iwa to Sunset Beach. These are the people who will be most impacted by the negative side effects of a large resort expansion - increased traffic, rising housing costs, etc. And these are the people who have a very different dream for the future of the North Shore than Mr. Ako.

At every public forum on the issue, the overwhelming opposition to the massive resort expansion has been clear. It is not about keeping people out, it is about sustaining a character and lifestyle that draw visitors from around the world and attracted most of the current residents to live here.

Mr. Ako needs to listen to the broader community and accept the political process, even though that means rejection of his dream.

Jim Richardson, North Shore - Honolulu Advertiser, Sunday, May 21, 2006

North Shore
Community At Large Against Development

I am compelled to respond to the May 15 commentary, "Keeping it country can mean keep out."

Twenty years ago, the decision-making government agencies focused on the plantation workers and the unions and ignored the input of the community at large. The latter, in a survey conducted five years earlier by SMS Research, clearly supported the preservation of the rural nature and lifestyle of the Ko'olauloa area.

The communities of Hau'ula, Punalu'u and Ka'a'awa as well as Keep the Country Country Inc., a citizens group for sensible growth, presented arguments warning of negative social and cultural impacts of large resort development on the North Shore of O'ahu.

They also cautioned that such development would have serious effects on the two-lane Kamehameha Highway from Kahuku to Kahalu'u and Kahuku to Hale'iwa. They were concerned about impacts on the water supply, on the shoreline and on educational, health, police, fire and emergency services. They were concerned not only for Kahuku but for all the communities from Kahalu'u through the North Shore.

Today, the lifestyle of not only our "new friends and neighbors" but of our families in Ko'olauloa who go back many generations is being threatened. The monetary value placed on real estate is making it more difficult for our people to remain here.

Other developments on Maui, Hawai'i and Kaua'i have been displacing the people of those lands. These areas have new communities with replacement populations.
We should not let this happen in Ko'olauloa.

Creighton Ualani Mattoon Sr, President, Punalu'u Community Association - Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, May 18, 2006

North Shore Development
Keep The Discussion On Civil Level

After the recent heavy rains, anyone on a peaceful walk up to the falls in Waimea Valley on O'ahu (no more of those ghastly buses) could witness a spectacular cascade of crystal-clear water into the pool below.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is taking title to most of this ancient ahupua'a, with more than a little irony since a Hawaiian entity is having to purchase land that Hawaiians lived on and cultivated for generations.

The most recent North Shore brouhaha over the expansion at Turtle Bay is generating some, though not all, of the usual divisions among residents: comments about the rich fighting the super-rich, local vs. haole transplant, jobs vs. lifestyle, etc. The North Shore "gentrification" that has occurred resulted from a community in decline, primarily due to the closure of the Kahuku Sugar Mill in 1971.

What replaced it and transformed this community is the surfing lifestyle industry. This industry and the people who promoted it have produced the major economic revitalization of the area, centered in Hale'iwa.

The recreational and later professional surfers who moved here were rarely rich, but decidedly middle class and usually from a more urban area. I would argue that most of the evident gentrification of the area was created through sweat equity and community involvement.

When the Ke Ala Pupukea bike path was built, the North Shore Outdoor Circle, with an entirely volunteer force, worked tirelessly to landscape the entire length, an ongoing effort. Arguably, urban transplants are more aware of the consequences of growth that outstrips infrastructure and the concomitant loss of quality of life.

The North Shore has become a must-visit part of the O'ahu tourist industry. Surf contests, Waimea Bay and turtle viewing have all had an exponential impact on the public infrastructure. Few public improvements have been funded in the last few decades.

The city is considering approvals for the Turtle Bay Resort that would immediately permit 4,500 condo and hotel units to be built just five minutes from Sunset Beach. Because of the significant changes to the infrastructure, state statutes require that a supplemental environmental impact statement be produced.

This would allow the community to fairly evaluate the proposal and contribute to the decision-making using current data and disclosures.

Here at the end of the Ko'olau Mountains, our keiki are growing up with trade winds that have largely managed to blow racism out to sea. Each generation is more interracial than the last. Kupuna or keiki, Kahuku or Kaunala, we all have a voice. Let's respect each other. Those who attempt to marginalize people using outdated prejudices of any ilk only discredit themselves.

Ken Newfield, Pupukea - Honolulu Advertiser, Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Sewage Spill
No More Resorts Until Waikiki Fixed

Residents who avoid the beaches and share the news about the sewage spill with innocent tourists are blamed as irresponsible. It is, ironically, the socially responsible thing to do. It threatens profits and therefore is challenged by those who will not assume their social responsibility.

In short, those who hoard and covet the "golden eggs" deny complaints that the goose also soils our nests.

Until Waikiki itself is declared a special "resort area" and the hotels and tourist industries assume responsibility for sustaining it as a "resort," the problems for the city and the state and their citizens will only get worse because they are being sat upon by too many visitors who soil our nest. The ones collecting the visitors' "golden eggs" argue that they must create other "clean nests" in Ko Olina and Turtle Bay as the solution to a "complicated problem" in Waikiki.

Citizens, political leaders, take note: No further development should occur until the original nest, Waikiki, becomes clean, safe and beautiful again. Otherwise, my fellow citizens, this is our "last resort," in more ways than one.

Robert Tellander, Honolulu - Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Honolulu
It's A Question Of Balance
Planning A Sustainable O'ahu

We are enjoying great times here on O'ahu. The tourists are flocking, the military keeps coming, and investors continue to spend billions of dollars on speculative development. Things are great, so far.

What we need to understand - beyond politicians trying to take credit for stimulating our economy and bringing business to the state - is that Hawai'i, her people and natural beauty are the things that keep people coming and dollars flowing. Developers, Realtors, politicians and unions need to understand the lure of Hawai'i is affected by every poor choice in development we allow to happen.

If we can all agree on that, then something can be done. The first thing is to stop building outside of the boundaries established for urban growth. By denying the constant pressure to develop virgin land on our ridges and agricultural lands for single-family tract and luxury housing we are moving toward a consciousness that will sustain the beauty and attractiveness of our island.

Rich people are urban-friendly and buy homes within our city, as clearly proven by sold- out highrise developments along Ala Moana Boulevard. All of us can live within the boundaries as established by our government.

No matter who owns the lands they are our collective asset. We as a community must strive to ensure that conservation, preservation and agricultural lands remain intact for the future viability of our county and state. Better use of existing lands within the urban growth boundary is key to the success of retaining the natural beauty.

There is an ongoing argument that we don't need all of our agricultural land. Who is to say that Hawaiian agriculture will never be central to our sustainability? Doesn't it make sense to retain possibly the best agricultural lands in the world in perpetuity? As we move toward greater uncertainty in energy resources, food quality and political climate, I would argue that retention of our fertile agricultural lands could be the greatest strategic asset we possess today.

Taking care of Hawai'i's people is another issue that is sorely being neglected. The happy-go-lucky attitude and easy way of life that I grew up with in Honolulu and on Lana'i are no longer the "Hawaiian style."

We rush around in huge luxury gas guzzlers wearing Italian designer shoes and yakking incessantly on the little cell phone on our ear, rarely taking time to lift our heads from the feeding bag long enough to see how the rest of O'ahu's people are doing.

There is also a huge group of 20- and 30-somethings who have grown up in Honolulu, want to stay in Honolulu, but have little chance of home ownership in today's market because there is not enough inventory being built in town for those unwilling to face the hell of commuting from the sprawl of Central O'ahu.

We need to focus our development appetite toward in-town projects for the real people that personify Hawai'i. By turning the heads of developers fixated on our preservation, conservation and agricultural lands back toward urban Honolulu we can start to remedy the disparity in housing inventory and give a glimmer of hope to those that need a place to live. Compassion can be profitable.

Investment capital and resources to build are finite. Urban growth within the boundaries established is the solution for sustainable development in Honolulu.
We need the tools through tax incentives and new development guidelines to attract dollars to rebuild Honolulu with appropriate mass transit, police, fire, power, waste, communication infrastructure developed in unison.

We also need visionary, credible, intelligent and honest leadership in office and civil service to shut the door on speculative development and stop the destruction of our remaining ridge and agricultural assets to ensure the things that keep people coming and enjoying Honolulu County are never lost.

Charles H. Palumbo, Architect, Honolulu - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, May 15, 2006

Not a Done Deal

Loaded statements in "The country's last resort," such as "[i]f the city learned its lesson," "enormous burden to taxpayers" and "efforts to stop the development appear futile" do not improve the public discourse (4/26). The Turtle Bay Resort expansion plans may be very far down the path, but they are not yet a done deal!

What is different now, besides additional environmental regulations, affordable housing requirements and tremendous growth in traffic congestion, is that there was some support for expansion 20 years ago, but there is virtually none today. Substantial infrastructure costs would be born by taxpayers if this expansion were allowed to proceed. Can we afford to let it go forward?

If previous decisions were never revisited, we would still think that the universe revolves around the earth, slavery is good for the economy and women should not vote. It is time to think again about large-scale development in the country.

Gil Riviere, Waialua - Honolulu Weekly, May 10-16, 2006

Rich vs. Richer

I usually really enjoy Catharine Lo's articles and respect the way she'll present both sides of a story. Her article on the Turtle Bay expansion ("The country's last resort," 4/26) brought up some good points, but I must object to one line in particular. As someone who has been present at four of the community meetings in the past month, I cannot agree with her assessment that the battle is basically "the rich white people who've gentrified the North Shore and the really rich white people who own the resort."

The only people that have expressed pleasure towards the development are those poised to profit from it. There has been a large turn out from the native Hawaiian community, and I haven't seen one Hawaiian speak out that is pro-Turtle Bay development. Sure there are lots of haole folks against it, but most of us aren't rich. Far from it.

I was here in the initial stages of the fight against the Obayashi development, and they worked hard to make it a haole-versus-local issue, saying that the haole were all rich and the locals needed the jobs, etc. To see this perpetuated, and by someone I respect, is very sad. The truth is that the residents of O'ahu have had enough. Enough traffic, enough development for rich tourists, enough jobs that don't pay enough.

Keep the country country.

Karen Gallagher, Sunset Beach - Honolulu Weekly, May 10-16, 2006

Sustainability
Japanese Tourism Of 1990s A Lesson

As a lifelong Hawai'i resident, I am deeply concerned about the piecemeal decimation of our Islands to continue to cater to tourism at any cost. There comes a point at which we reach saturation and run the risk of truly upsetting a balance between a sustainable industry in tourism and creating another Miami.

We have set aside so many other ways to support our Islands to put all our eggs in the tourism basket. Do we remember what happened when the Asian economy tanked in the late '90s? The rest of the U.S. was booming and Hawai'i, which truly catered to the Japanese market, sunk right with Japan.

When we destroy the most pristine parts of our Islands to build more luxury resorts, golf courses, condos, etc. - which provide low-wage jobs - are we really taking care of our own people first?

We all know money is power and the developers are the ones with the money and they can hire very well-paid folks to do their lobbying to get what they want. They are experts at P.R., but do they really care about the people of Hawai'i, or do they build their project, offer a few crumbs to appease our concerns and laugh on their way to the bank?

We saw the power of the concerned voices with the victory with Waimea Valley. We can do it again if we all truly care about what is happening to these Islands we call our home and join together again to save the last vestiges of the most precious treasure we have: our land and our home.

Caroline Viola, Kailua - Honolulu Advertiser, Friday, May 5, 2006

Big developers should migrate elsewhere

The Pacific golden plover have filled their tummies in Hawaii and flown to Alaska to nest. Many folks believe the plover come here to "get fat off the land" and leave. I have a hard time being upset with a bird following his instincts.

On the other hand, when large corporations or outside organizations come in to Hawaii, buy up real estate and sell just to make a profit, I do become upset. Oaktree Corp. is one such organization, with plans to build 3,500 more hotel rooms/condos at Turtle Bay. When will enough be enough? When will those who live in and run our beautiful piece of paradise say "no" to big developers that do nothing but ruin our little island in the middle of the ocean?

Beth DeLong, Waialua - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 122 - Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Kawela
North Shore Coastline Should Be Preserved

Once again our elected policymakers are at a crossroad to either develop a large stretch of Hawai'i coastline for the tourist industry, or preserve it for the keiki o ka 'aina.

On O'ahu, Kawela is the farthest place from Waikiki both geographically and in spirit. If we want to get away from crowds and commercialization, where can we go?

So many of the prime coastlines in our state have been desecrated by the visitor industry that now even the tourists are seeking out vacation rentals in neighborhoods to get away from the hotels they are supposed to be staying in. If that isn't a sign we are killing the goose that laid the golden egg, what is?

The law of supply and demand rules, which means that there is huge value today and will be greater value in the future in leaving land the way our creator intended it to be. Never mind that for a parent, it is almost impossible to take our kids, to an undeveloped beach, but more to the point, our culture of throw-net and surfboard is being replaced by golf carts and Rolexes.

Stop building hotels.

Toby Morris, Kailua - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, May 1, 2006

What beaches will be saved for families?

Once again our elected policy-makers are at a crossroads to either develop a large stretch of Hawaii coastline for the tourist industry or preserve it for the keiki o ka aina. On Oahu, Kawela is the farthest place away from Waikiki both geographically and in spirit.

If we want to get away from crowds and commercialization, where can we go? So many of our prime coastlines have been desecrated by the visitor industry that now even tourists are seeking out vacation rentals in neighborhoods to get away from the hotels. If that isn't a sign we are killing the goose that laid the golden egg, what is?

The law of supply and demand rules, which means that there is huge value today, and will be greater value in the future, in leaving land the way our creator intended it to be. Never mind that for parents, it is almost impossible to take our kids to an undeveloped beach but more to the point our culture of throw net and surfboard is being replaced by golf carts and Rolexes. Stop building hotels.

Toby Morris, Kailua - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 120 - Sunday, April 30, 2006

Elected officials must oppose development

Enough is enough! We do not want the North Shore sold out to developers. It is ludicrous to even entertain Oaktree Capital's proposed development. It goes against all common sense that you would go into a rural community and build more hotel/condo units than there are residences in that entire community. And all this is based on a 20-year-old Environmental Impact Statement.

I have attended three informational meetings with Oaktree Capital representatives and not one elected official has been in attendance. Where are City Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz and Rep. Michael Magaoay? They asked for our votes and to be the representatives of the North Shore. So where are they now when we need their representation and support?

I will hold responsible all elected city and state officials who sit by and assist with this slam-dunk by lack of action and silence on the issue. I will vote you out of office at the first opportunity.

Jack T. Lutey, 36-year North Shore resident - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 120 - Sunday, April 30, 2006

Turtle Bay
Don't Be Afraid, Tell Us What You Think

Oaktree Capital's plan to expand the Turtle Bay Resort by 700 percent is threatening not just the pristine Kawela and Kahuku areas. It will impact every citizen on O'ahu (traffic, infrastructure, taxes, pollution, housing).

The city corporation counsel says that our mayor and City Council members can't comment about this monstrous development because of a pending lawsuit. Our neighborhood board members can't even speak about it within our communities. Are they so afraid of Oaktree's attorneys that they're speechless?

I'm not. I didn't vote for Oaktree or the corporation counsel. I voted for Mufi Hannemann and Donovan Dela Cruz so they could represent all of us and our beloved O'ahu. Let them speak.

Mark Kahuokapono Manley, Pahipahi'alua - Honolulu Advertiser, Saturday, April 29, 2006

Turtle Bay
North Shore Already At Maximum Capacity

Help! O'ahu is in danger of sinking! Not because of global warming, but because of development gone wild.

We live on an island, for goodness sake. When will our politicians wake up and stop selling out to the developers?

The proposed five hotels and 1,000 condo units at Turtle Bay represent rampant greed by the developer and denial by the City Council and others who have the power to stop it. The North Shore is already at maximum capacity, as anyone who has driven out here on a weekend, and now even weekdays, can attest to.

Tourists are flocking here by the thousands, but at what cost? Traffic is horrendous, beaches and surf spots are becoming overcrowded, runoff is already a huge problem, and turtles and monk seals are continually harassed.

How will 5,000 more visitors and cars affect our community and our environment? I can promise you it won't be good.

The coastline between Kawela Bay and Kahuku is one of the few natural coastlines left on O'ahu. Monk seals and turtles rest here in peace. It must be preserved.

I just don't understand why we have to fight our government to preserve the natural beauty of our land. It seems backward, doesn't it?

Sara Ackerman, Kahuku - Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Re-Examination
Turtle Bay Isn't Only Development Planned

Loren Moreno stated that the audience at the April 14 Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board meeting was evenly split on the Turtle Bay Resort Development issue. I assessed the audience to be 75 percent against the development.

What I find rather significant is the fact that many grass-roots citizens took time to attend. They came out of passionate concern about the impact such a development would have on rural O'ahu.

The Turtle Bay Resort expansion is not the only development out here. Hawaii Reserves Inc. is developing a new $30 million hotel in La'ie. The 665-acre Malaekahana Planned Community is also in the works. The Campbell Estate is also selling thousands of agricultural acres to eager developers in Kahuku. The municipal Kahuku Golf Course's lease expires at the end of this year; a developer was eyeing that.

We feel outgunned and outspent by deep-pocket developers.

It is imperative that there be a rigorous re-examination of the 20-year old Turtle Bay Resort expansion due to the passage of time and changed conditions on the North Shore and on O'ahu. We want to discuss the public safety and economic and social impacts on our communities. Why sing the tune of jobs when Oaktree is having a hard time filling its present positions? What about traffic? Exactly how many units are we talking about? How many time shares versus full-service rooms? How many condos? The list of questions grows bigger.

The Senate and the House are asking for a rigorous re-examination of this expansion. At this critical point, we call on Mayor Hannemann and the City Council to listen to the voice of the people and provide us this due process.

Choon James, La'ie - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, April 24, 2006

Infrastructure
Council Must Rethink Plans For Turtle Bay

It is with great disappointment that we see the City Council has so far failed to act to slow down and re-evaluate the 20-year-old agreement that grants Turtle Bay resort permission to build 3,500 new hotel and condominium units in the rural area from Kawela Bay to Kahuku Point.

Developers like Oaktree are allowed to continue with plans for massive overdevelopment that will alter the North Shore forever while, as recent headlines have graphically shown, O'ahu is paying the price for decades of failing to plan for and implement sustainable growth.

Our sewers and highway infrastructure are in critical condition; our public schools are overcrowded and in appalling disrepair; and our landfills will be totally full in just a few years.

The City Council must stop letting developers like Oaktree take the money and run, and start addressing and properly managing the basic infrastructure we taxpayers pay for.

Jeff Cotter, Kailua - Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, April 13, 2006

Development
Sandy Beach Battle Applies To Turtle Bay

To understand why Rep. Michael Magaoay's call (Advertiser, April 2) for a re-examination of the Turtle Bay expansion project is so sensible, just reflect on the struggle over development near Sandy Beach.

In early 1987, the City Council was considering a special management area permit to allow a luxury housing development on an elevated plateau across the highway from Sandy Beach.

An unprecedented array of community interests sprang up to oppose the permit. Tour operators, visitor industry labor unions, artists, environmental organizations and community leaders and ordinary citizens of all stripes urged the City Council to slow down and consider what was at stake.

They asked the council to take into account the city's own study of O'ahu's scenic coastal resources, then only months away from completion.

But the community appeal for common sense didn't prevail. Instead, five council members rammed the permit through.

Their failure to listen to the community resulted in a history-making conflict and political showdown involving leading politicians, the Hawai'i Supreme Court, Bishop Estate, the Legislature, neighborhood boards, community groups of all stripes and litigation that went unresolved for 15 years.

The City Council has an opportunity to make a better decision at Turtle Bay.

It seems only rational that the permit given 20 years ago for Turtle Bay expansion should be fully re-examined in light of today's environmental, economic, social and cultural realities and current projections of future needs.

Hopefully, a majority of the council will see it that way.

Phil Estermann, Hawai'i Kai - Honolulu Advertiser, Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Bad Growth
Turtle Bay Expansion Would Be Disastrous

The development plan of the Turtle Bay Resort for five new hotels with 3,500 new hotel rooms must be stopped. The population impact of such an expansion would significantly destroy the quality of life of O'ahu's rural North Shore.

Economic studies show that one quality hotel room can produce about two jobs; each job should support one to four new people. A growth of 3,500 hotel rooms could be responsible for at least 14,000 workers and members of their families. In addition, if two visitors occupy each room, another 7,000 people would be present on a daily basis of full occupancy. Therefore, the proposed new hotels could increase the population of the North Shore rural area by 21,000 or more new persons.

Hawai'i's jobless rate, lowest in the nation, is at a 15-year low at 2.4 percent. Economists accept a 4 to 6 percent unemployment rate as a full employment standard. The development of new low-paying jobs is not desirable for this state. In contrast, the availability of such jobs lures new in-migrants to these low-quality positions.

Hotel growth encourages in-migration and rapid population increase. This occurs at the cost of environmental deterioration; land, water, air and noise pollution; water supply and sewage overload; urbanization of agricultural, conservation and beachfront lands; increase in housing costs; disruption of native ecosystems with loss of land and marine flora and fauna; possible destruction of cultural, historic and archaeological sites; rising crime rates, social stress and parking problems.

The proposed Turtle Bay development would cause severe traffic congestion. Urban studies in 1980 showed that new hotels at Kawela Bay and Turtle Bay would require at least a four-lane highway for economic viability. Are Hawai'i taxpayers to support this growth for the gain of out-of-state investors?

Eleanor C. Nordyke, Author, "The Peopling of Hawai'i" - Honolulu Advertiser, Sunday, March 26, 2006

Development
Please Stop Paving Over Our Islands

Why do these people think that if they keep building, the money will keep coming?

There are already too many locals moving away because they cannot afford to live in their own land. The ones who can afford to buy don't care about the 'aina.

They say we depend on our tourist industry, but you think tourists come here to see city life? Many of these visitors never see waterfalls and mountains and they love Hawai'i because it's paradise.

During the big-wave season, the traffic is horrible on the North Shore, and it takes forever to get anywhere. How is that going to work with 3,500 rooms by Kawela Bay?

I love driving to the country because it takes me away from the city life. That is why I have many friends and 'ohana who choose to live out there because it's peaceful and relaxing. Where will the locals go to simmer down and play in the ocean when we have to sit in traffic for hours just to get there?

O'ahu has too many buildings and development and not enough natural land beauty. Please stop all this nonsense before there is nothing left for our keiki.

Malia Souza, Kailua - Honolulu Advertiser, Saturday, March 25, 2006

Stop building where it lacks infrastructure

Why do we want to still build when we can't even repair our existing infrastructure or provide adequate housing for all our service personnel who cater to the tourists and the wealthy?

If we go on and build until we can't see anyone or anything any more, please ensure that "above and beyond" infrastructure is provided. Let's be responsible business people and citizens!

Elaine Hoffman, Honolulu - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 84 - Saturday, March 25, 2006

Banyan, other treasures lost in Turtle Bay debate

I have been following the dialogue concerning Oaktree management's proposed Kawela Bay development, and I notice that much of that dialogue centers around things like market impact, economic effects, the tourism industry, traffic congestion and job growth.

Not as prevalent in these discussions are the environmental effects of this development. In the midst of the fight to save Kawela Bay, there are innocent creatures caught in the crossfire who seem to have no advocate.

Who is there to defend the endangered sea turtle, the dolphin, the seals who occasionally beach themselves along the coast and even the human surfers, from the loss of a priceless habitat?

Where else will the sewage of 3,500 hotel and condo units go? And who will fight for the pristine, majestic forest behind Kawela Bay that management and economist seem to have forgotten?

Why doesn't anybody mention the ancient banyan tree rooted in the center of this mysterious forest? Have any of these tourism officials ever even laid their gaze upon that particular tree?

It is enormous and utterly breathtaking to behold and I count myself lucky to have seen it at least once before it is mercilessly cut down, never to be seen again. It is true; no pricetag could ever be put on such a thing.

So I'd like to propose a question for the people to ponder: What is it, then, that is so precious about Hawai'i?

I will give you a hint. It is something in the air, something more precious than any economic benefit and something that people can only feel.

Give up? It is the mana, or the spiritual power of this land that the people love about Hawai'i more than anything, though many who may notice this essence may not realize what it really is.

The only tested and true money maker of Hawai'i has been and always will be its lovely environment.

So to ensure Hawai'i's future economic viability, the long-term solution should not be to build more hotels at the expense of simple beauty, but to protect this mana for the benefit of future generations to enjoy.

So I urge you to go to Kawela Bay and visit that tree before it is too late. Perhaps then you will understand what I mean.

Alan Villegas, Honolulu - Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, March 20, 2006

Do an honest study of Turtle Bay traffic

Turtle Bay Resort's spokes-man was all over the news recently claiming that the hotel expansion won't have an impact on traffic. Fine; prove it! Let's see an honest traffic study so that everyone can discuss the traffic concerns objectively.

If the resort owners are unwilling to objectively study the impacts of their proposed expansion, then what does that tell us about their concern for the community?

Gil Riviere, Waialua - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 79 - Monday, March 20, 2006

Resort's expansion will ruin North Shore

It is really a sad day and a sin that our state and city governments are not taking care of our land and the people of the North Shore. The North Shore is already 60 percent owned by mainland and foreign investors. These people do not call Hawaii or the North shore home. They are here for one thing, the money, nothing else.

The sin is the fact that the residents and families have to fight and struggle for decent affordable housing and a beautiful place for their families. They choose the North Shore, not Honolulu or Waikiki, because of its beauty and country-ness. The Turtle Bay Resort expansion will destroy what is left of this beautiful side of Oahu.

Our state and local governments must stop this crazy expansion here on the North Shore and elsewhere in the islands.

Ann Drechsler, Haleiwa - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 77 - Saturday, March 18, 2006

Union Disputes
Turtle Bay expansion won't benefit workers

Creating more jobs, or getting rid of longtime employees to save money?

Five more hotels on the North Shore? Many people don't realize that since Oak Tree bought the Turtle Bay, they have refused to sign a union contract with their employees.

This hotel has been with Local 5 union since it opened about 32 years ago. Turtle Bay has been trying to bust the union.

Turtle Bay is methodically getting rid of longtime employees. Some of these employees have worked there between 20 and 30 years. The labor board is being flooded with complaints about Turtle Bay's labor practices.

Are these the kind of jobs they are creating for our Hawai'i residents? The North Shore doesn't need this kind of employer.

Let's stop their disguise of "creating more jobs" and join together to save the pristine Kawela Bay.

Carmen Bruce, Mililani - Honolulu Advertiser, Saturday, March 18, 2006

Tsunami of expansion rolling into Hawaii

Turtle Bay wants to expand the size of its operation in Hawaii. We should say NO. Instead of respecting the rights of Hawaii's workers, it is firing long-term workers and replacing them with out-of-state students. Instead of respecting the land, it wants to put a Waikiki-size development in the country based on 20-year-old agreements. Instead of respecting the word of the last owners, it is making taxpayers pay for an upgrade on Kamehameha Highway that the unilateral agreement says is its responsibility.

The mainland companies that own and operate Turtle Bay are the beginning of a tsunami that is coming to Hawaii. The owners of nearly every major resort have changed, and the long-respected local ways of doing business are changing with them.

We in Hawaii have some hard decisions to make. We gave up our beaches for the promise of good jobs. When owners don't keep their promise, we should take our beaches back.

Boycott Turtle Bay.

Eric Emerson, UNITE HERE, Local 5, Honolulu - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 74 - Wednesday, March 15, 2006

'No Impact'
Turtle Bay should prove traffic claim

Turtle Bay Resort's spokesman was all over the news recently claiming, "The hotel believes it won't have an impact on traffic." Fine; prove it! Let's see an honest traffic study so that everyone can discuss the traffic concerns objectively.

If the resort owners are unwilling to objectively study the impact of their proposed expansion, then what does that tell us about their concern for the community?

Gil Riviere, Waialua - Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Hotels
Kahuku, it's time to take back community

Twenty years ago, the Kahuku Community Association allowed some of its members to deal with developers. Promises where made without consultation with the community as a whole.

I cannot believe that the consensus of Kahuku at that time, or now, would be to support the development of five hotels with 3,500 units. Property taxes, traffic, and septic and water use would increase tremendously.

Last month, about 100 residents of Kahuku held road signs fronting the high school stating, "Keep the Country Country." I bet these residents were surprised and confused when last week, on the night of the great flood of 2006, the Kahuku Community Association unanimously affirmed its loyalty to Oaktree. I wonder if everyone in the community received a notice and agenda to this change in a timely manner.

What was so urgent that the meeting needed to be held two weeks prior to its normally scheduled time? I would like to see the minutes and attendance of this public meeting.

Wake up, Kahuku, and take your community back!

Ben Shafer, Hau'ula Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Kawela Bay
Too much, all at once

As a pantry cook at Turtle Bay Resort, I know that if you add too much oil all at once, the sauce will break. Turtle Bay management plans to develop the Kawela Bay area all at one time instead of following the design hashed out in 1986. Their plan to complete this project all at once is irresponsible and sounds like a "recipe" for environmental disaster.

Elaine Hornal, Waialua - Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, March 14, 2006

North Shore can't take 3,500 more rooms

I am concerned about the proposal to build more hotels in the Kuilima/Kawela Bay area. It might look like a great business deal, but what about the local infrastructure? If we add 3,500 more hotel rooms out here, what will that do to the traffic that already comes to gridlock at certain times? Guests will need to come and go in their rental cars. Are the developers prepared to pay for a new four-lane road around the island to provide access to their destination?

Thirty-five hundred more hotel rooms will mean about 3,500 more employees coming and going to work. Where will they live? There is not a large unemployed or underemployed population out here to draw on.

Without realistic answers to these kinds of questions, this idea is way too impracticable.

Riley Moffat, Laie - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 73 - Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Expanding Turtle Bay will ruin ambience

As a yearly visitor, I write in opposition to the proposed 3,500-unit development at Turtle Bay, and the effect on the North Shore's land, traffic and community.

The North Shore offers serenity and untouched beauty that so many of us appreciate when vacationing in the country. It has been a place to escape the busy city and tourist life of Honolulu and Waikiki. With the recent development of the beachfront homes and new condominiums near the Turtle Bay Resort, traffic on Kamehameha Highway is already affected to and from Haleiwa. Construction of more buildings will consume all of what we dream of -- enjoyment of surfing competitions, and those who just want to relax and soak up the island's beauty in a relatively low-populated area.

After reading of the meeting last Thursday night by Kuilima Resort Co., which presented development plans to the Koolauloa Neighborhood Board, I wrote letters to the mayor, City Council members and Rep. Colleen Meyer asking for their help to protect the North Shore.

Bonnie Rose, Mountain View, Calif. - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 71 - Sunday, March 12, 2006

Turtle Bay traffic will go which way, again?

Regarding the statement by Kuilima Resort Co. spokesman Doug Carlson concerning traffic at Turtle Bay in the Star-Bulletin, March 9: "These new jobs are not going to be adding to the traffic problem. It's actually going to be going in the opposite direction from where they are going today."

Apparently all these people currently live at Turtle Bay, and now they will just be staying home to work. Amazing logic. Does he really think us that gullible?

Rick John, Mokuleia - Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Vol. 11, Issue 70 - Saturday, March 11, 2006

Turtle Bay
Resort plans would harm rural lifestyle

I'm sure the planned Turtle Bay development would be wonderful for the owners. What about Hawai'i residents? How are that many more resource-sucking tourists getting to the North Shore?

I've seen nothing about planned infrastructure improvements, especially roads. That road (only one, a narrow two-lane) hasn't had improvements since Kamehameha's time, has it? And if changes were made, how would that affect the rare rural lifestyle residents of O'ahu are rapidly losing?

Pity those living along there now.

Let's keep the tourists in Waikiki, where they belong (and Hawai'i already destroyed), and for Pete's sake, stop renting them cars!

John Wilber, Honolulu - Honolulu Advertiser, Friday, March 10, 2006

Crowding
Save Kawela Bay from development

The city needs to put its foot down on overdevelopment along our coastlines and promote public beach access, but more importantly, to preserve our island's beaches and its beauty.

Save Pupukea, Save Kaka'ako, Save Waimea Valley and now — Save Kawela Bay? What's next?

If future development should continue, what will our children, grandchildren and future kanaka maoli have? Nothing. These developers see only dollar signs.

Every winter surf season, contest directors of each professional surfing event must submit an application to the city Parks Department requesting contest holding period dates. On the application, you need to put a statement on how your event will adhere to traffic and safety issues on the North Shore. Well, isn't this development of 3,500 units that Turtle Bay is foreseeing and the city possibly allowing calling the kettle black?

Let's come to our senses and keep the country country.

Mahina Chillingworth, Hui 'O He'e Nalu - Honolulu Advertiser, Wednesday, March 8, 2006

Turtle Bay
Save the North Shore from overdevelopment

A mall at Sharks Cove, almost losing Waimea Valley and now 3,500 new units at Turtle Bay. When is enough enough? It's time for people who care to band together and save the North Shore community, again, from overdevelopment.

The North Shore is a rural community as well a favorite recreational destination for the people of O'ahu and the second most popular visitor destination on the island. A development of this magnitude would take away its charm and its most important asset of "being country."

Carol Philips, Hale'iwa - Honolulu Advertiser, Wednesday, March 1, 2006

< Page 1 | Page 2