If elected, Anderson
would consider axing HCDA

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By Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.com

If Republican-turned-Democrat D.G. "Andy" Anderson is elected governor, one of the state agencies he would consider shutting is his old nemesis the Hawaii Community Development Agency.

Anderson made his remarks yesterday before a University of Hawaii Professional Assembly forum at the University of Hawaii-Manoa. He told a crowd of about 20 students and faculty members that he was so concerned about the state's budget problem that if elected he would have to consider shutting down entire programs.

"What you are getting is a government within a government; they dictate what happens in Kakaako within the heart of the city.

"I think the Kakaako development program should be put to sleep," Anderson said.

In 1999 the HCDA voted to reject Anderson's proposed $138 million complex of restaurants and retail shops on 10 acres of Kakaako waterfront property. The development would have included a 130-foot Ferris wheel, a carousel and other recreational features.

Anderson said that after that HCDA meeting, he was so disturbed about what he thought were unspoken political objections to the project that he would consider getting involved or even running for governor in 2002.

"I may run as a Democrat," Anderson said then. "That might be fun."

Yesterday, however, Anderson stressed that his opposition to HCDA came before his development plans were rejected.

The state-run agency was created by the state Legislature in 1976 to handle the redevelopment of the 670-acre Kakaako area. Anderson, who was a legislator at the time, said it had been in the works for several years before it was approved in 1976.

"I think they did a great job, and I supported the concept, but I think it has outlived its usefulness. I think it outlived it long before my project," Anderson said.

"I think the city and county is mature enough. It would just make sense to give it back. It is an example of duplication of government," he said.

Construction in the area is governed by the state HCDA board, although construction and building standards in the area must comply with city building codes.

Jan Yokota, HCDA executive director, noted that because the HCDA was established by the Legislature, "the Legislature should have a say in its fate."

Right now, the Legislature is considering expanding the HCDA's authority and giving it power to control the land use at Kalaeloa, the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station property that was turned over to the state.

Yokota said the HCDA has the resources and energy to make planning decisions for a specific area, namely Kakaako, whereas city officials have to worry about planning for the whole county.

But, she added, she thought that portions of Kakaako are nearly ready to be returned to city control.