Kakaako waterfront
plan draws
objections

The state agency responsible for governing growth in Kakaako will name a master planner for its prime waterfront lands on Wednesday after it amended its rules this week to allow mixed-use development along a 62-acre tract makai of Ala Moana.

The rules previously called for commercial development only. While most of Kakaako's waterfront has been reserved for parks and the maritime industry, the Hawaii Community Development Authority is expected to approve a redevelopment plan that could include up to 22 acres of residential housing within the Kewalo Basin as well as a broad range of commercial uses such as restaurants, markets and research facilities.

Some of the commercial construction could reach up to 65 feet in height since the HCDA also elected to increase the waterfront's commercial zone height limit along the Ewa edge of the Kewalo Basin.

"The intent of the Makai Area Plan is to create an active and vibrant community with a variety of new developments," said Daniel Dinell, HCDA executive director. "A mixed-use designation is critical to our establishing Kakaako as a place to live work, learn and play."

Additional housing in Honolulu's urban core would reduce traffic, make more efficient use of Kakaako's infrastructure and enhance planned retail and office markets, he said.

Seventeen citizens, including developer Stanford Carr, who is vying for the chance to master plan Kakaako's waterfront, testified at a public hearing on Wednesday in favor of allowing residential development. A&B Properties Inc., Victoria Ward Ltd. and Kewalo Nui Partners LLC also are competing for the job.

However, seven people testified against the move, citing concerns about increased traffic, lack of parking and access to Kakaako's waterfront and parks.

Michael Kliks, who represents a Kakaako park advocacy group, said yesterday that the HCDA could open itself to a lawsuit if its vision restricts public access.

"Our concern is that the park's ambiance will be not just adulterated, but damaged," Kliks said.

Allowing residential development along the prime waterfront lands in Kakaako would make the area accessible only to Hawaii's wealthiest residents, well-heeled tourists and speculative investors, he said.

"Those lands are so valuable and they belong to all of us: To sell it to a few investors is outrageous," Kliks said.

Nancy Hedlund, who lives in Ala Moana and serves on the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Board, said she objects to the HCDA's decision to allow developers to increase building heights in the waterfront district. The winning developer would still have to negotiate a detailed agreement with the state. Construction could begin as early as fall 2006.

The HCDA will hold its next hearing Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.