Big Isle project comes
under fresh criticism

But some supporters cite more
housing and flood control

CORRECTION Wednesday, October 20, 2004 » A proposed 172-acre development above downtown Hilo is named University Terrace. A story on Page A4 yesterday gave an incorrect project name. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at corrections@starbulletin.com.

HILO » A planned 172-acre residential, commercial and hotel project a mile above downtown Hilo came under renewed public criticism last night during a Hawaii County Council hearing.

The University Heights project, planned by Western United Life Assurance Co. of Washington state, had been widely criticized in previous Council meetings because of concerns about possible flooding, traffic increases and uncertainties about the design.

Of the 172 acres immediately above Komohana Street, 49 would be left in open space where the Alenaio Stream flows, said county Planning Director Chris Yuen. Construction in the remaining area would be 600 homes, 150 hotel units and a 350,000-square-foot shopping center.

A handful of people supported the project among about 50 who attended the hearing.

Bakery owner Jim O'Keefe said he supported the project because of its housing. He employs 29 people, most of whom live outside Hilo because they cannot afford housing in town, he said.

Resident Paul Tallett said the project would improve flood control.

But he was in the minority.

Several speakers said the development would increase flooding, including on downtown's Kamehameha Avenue, which is already closed periodically during heavy runoff.

Retired doctor Steve Woo said ambulances used to have a straight path to Hilo Medical Center on Komohana Street. Another traffic light there would create a "tourniquet," stopping ambulance flow to the hospital, he said.

Retired police Maj. Cheryl Reis said she has been unable to find out the expected cost of houses in the project, despite claims that they will add to the stock of affordable housing.

The name University Heights is intended to indicate housing for the University of Hawaii at Hilo, although it is 1 1/2 miles from there. Councilman-elect Donald Ikeda, who takes office in December, countered that the university is already creating student housing.

Space for a new hotel is already available among other hotels on Banyan Peninsula, Ikeda said.

The Council will consider the project further during its Planning Committee meeting today.