Because of the coastline's unique natural resources, archeological sites, endangered species and open space vistas, the state is the natural choice to be the steward. It is more in keeping with the state's mission statement to preserve passive natural resource parks, as opposed to the city, which has traditionally developed active recreational parks. The argument for state stewardship was well laid out in the Ka Iwi State Park Master Plan.
Why should the governor step in now? Acting now could save the taxpayers money. If the City Council approves the last discretionary permit for the golf course the price will inevitably go up. Another important reason to act quickly is that if the state proceeds through eminent domain, the takings issue that was litigated all the way to the Supreme Court (where the court found for the city) will be finally resolved.
Resolving the Queen's Beach issue also will cast a new light on the consent decree proposal before the City Council. It would narrow the scope of that legal battle to the issues of Golf Course 5 & 6 and focus attention on the absurdity of the massive development giveaways that are currently proposed to "settle" the lawsuits brought by landowner Bishop Estate when the city downzoned the property in the 1980s.
I've had a chance to meet with the governor and Department of Land and Natural Resources director Mike Wilson to discuss various financing options for the acquisition of the entire makai area. The city's recent acquisition of 78 acres at Waiahole/Waikane using Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Funds is one option since the Enhancement Program specifically allows for the acquisition of scenic sites which possess "significant aesthetic, natural, visual or open space values."
The city's own Coastal View Study supports this conclusion of significant aesthetic and visual open space value. Other financing options include using land and water conservation funds; having a nonprofit land trust buy the land with the agreement that the state would buy it back over time; floating a bond to be paid back by the state over 20 years; a possible land exchange; or some combination of the above.
With the state's interest in acquiring the property, the next logical step is to do an independent appraisal to confirm what the value really is. The city's appraisal of the Queen's Beach property is significantly lower than any of the figures the Bishop Estate has quoted. Having the state do an independent appraisal makes good business sense. The public perception of the value of the property has been much too dependent on Bishop's spin doctors.
The governor made the right decision to weigh in now on the Ka Iwi coast issue. The public sentiment is loud and clear that the goal should be to preserve the entire Ka Iwi coast as one of the last remaining scenic coastline vistas on Oahu. It is one of the "string of pearls" the governor has alluded to, and preserving this rugged and pristine coastline is appropriately done by the state. So thank you, governor, for getting involved now. There could not be a better time.