Size of Big Island
housing project cut

A Council panel cites flooding
and traffic concerns in its move

CORRECTION Thursday, October 21, 2004 » Existing zoning would allow up to 70,000 square feet of commercial space on 172 acres proposed for the University Terrace project in Hilo, said Chris Yuen, Hawaii County planning director. A story on Page A6 yesterday incorrectly reported that existing zoning allows up to 200,000 square feet of retail space. Proposed new zoning would permit up to 180,000 square feet of commercial space. 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 controversial proposed commercial and residential project above downtown Hilo was greatly reduced in size by a committee of the Hawaii County Council yesterday, and a proposed hotel component was eliminated.

Originally proposed for 750 homes, apartment units, and hotel rooms, the 172-acre University Terrace project was reduced to a maximum of 500 units by the Council Planning Committee.

Councilman Aaron Chung, who proposed the reduced size, persuaded fellow Council members to reduce apartment buildings there from four stories to two.

Chung also got a cut in the project's commercial area from 350,000 square feet to 180,000.

The reductions would reduce traffic, a major source of complaint by area residents.

Another complaint was potential flooding from Alenaio Stream, plus smaller streams and springs.

Chung obtained agreement that the developer, Western Life Assurance Co. of Washington state, would fund an independent review of a company drainage study.

Former Mayor Steve Yamashiro, who represents the insurance company, said it must now calculate whether the project is still feasible.

The company had been seeking "project district" zoning, which would give it design flexibility.

Without that zoning, the 172-acre area already has zoning that would allow a 200,000-square-foot shopping center, bigger that the one approved yesterday.

The land also has zoning that would permit 160 one-acre house lots, which would sell for as much as $175,000 each in today's market, Yamashiro said.

Community critics weren't content with the downsizing. Mahealani Jones was angered to learn that her quiet adjoining street will now connect to the project, bringing traffic noise with it.

Nearby resident Cheryl Reis was displeased that the developer has yet to indicate whether homes in the area will be truly affordable.

Yamashiro said the developer's intent is to create house lots but to allow buyers to build their own homes.

The Council will discuss the project again on Nov. 10.