Kahaluu has always been on the front line of keeping the country country.

Our district is primarily conservation, agricultural and residential. Its beauty is enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, being nestled along a strip of land between the majestic Koolau Range and peaceful Kaneohe Bay.

It allows our children the opportunity to enjoy the best of the country lifestyle with its taro loi, cattle grazing and small stores — yet also allows them, within a few minutes, the sophistication of one of the Windward side's busiest cities.

Kahaluu and its neighborhood board are pleased that, after many years of hard work and community effort, Kahaluu Regional Park was opened on Waihee Road in 2008.

OUR TOP ISSUES

Development. ”;Keeping the country country”; involves a tradeoff between avoiding uncontrolled growth and promoting residential and economic development. There is a consistent effort to follow and implement the Kahaluu Community Master Plan.

Traffic. As with land development, the challenge is to find solutions that improve traffic flow but avoid urbanization. There are also efforts to increase pedestrian and bicycle access.

Crime, safety and law enforcement. We work with the police, county and state enforcement agencies on a number of problems, from stopping drug dealer hangouts to enforcing Kaneohe Bay water-use regulations, to investigating improper use of off-road vehicles.

  Water use and conservation. Issues range from the development of a comprehensive water-use plan to conservation and appropriate use of Kaneohe Bay. Also, future use of Heeia State Park: The concern is that the park remains a public resource that is maintained in an open and affordable way for all to use.

Preserving culture and community. The area is very rich in native Hawaiian and cultural resources, such as archeological sites, taro production and fishing. These are the kinds of things we are trying to preserve and perpetuate.

AREA ICONS

Taro loi » Calvin Hoe's family business, Waiahole Poi Factory, is an iconic business in the area.

Hygienic Store » This well-known landmark in Kahaluu sits near the intersection of Kamehameha and Kahekili highways. Founded in 1907, it was the company store of Hygienic Dairy, once the largest dairy in the state.