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City’s decision
on new homes in
Kamilonui
Valley delayed

By Steve Murray
Star-Bulletin

The City Council has extended for 90 days the rezoning application of a portion of East Oahu's Kamilonui Valley from agriculture to a commercial.

Zoning approval has been challenged by some area residents and farmers who feel the development would endanger farming in the area.

Former farm worker James Manaku testified before Council members saying the Council needed to protect the farmers. "We need to preserve our agriculture," he said.

The development plan calls for the building of 60 single-family homes that are separated from the farms by a 50-foot landscaped buffer. Concerns over the project center on protecting future homeowners from possible landslides and farmers from legal action.

The original plan included the construction of 300 units. That number was reduced after studies showed the soil in the area was too unstable to support a large building project.

Others objecting to the extension said farmers may be sued by homeowners who are disturbed by the noise and dust created while farming. Councilman Andy Mirikitani also questioned the possible long-term effects that chemicals and fertilizers used on the farms would have on residents. Planning Director Randy Fujiki told Mirikitani that all fertilizers and chemicals used in the area meet state and federal safety guidelines.

Those supporting the extension, such as Herb Lee of Maunalua Associates, the zoning applicant, said all concerns regarding the soil have been answered and that he would work with the committee to clarify additional concerns.

Developer Bob Gerell said he is pleased with the extension.

"I'm happy they extended it ... I feel we did our best to address the public's concerns over the issue," he said.

The extension means the rezoning bill will be sent back to the Zoning Committee for further discussion. The bill could be voted on again by the Council in July.

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