SPECIAL EVENTS PAGE
November/December - EAST OAHU SUN - Kamilonui Valley Holiday Float a Community Affair CLICK HERE to read the article.
LION'S CLUB XMAS PARADE PHOTOS
Each year on the last Saturday in November, the Hawaii Kai Lions Club and Koko Marina Center sponsor a HOLIDAY PARADE.
This year the HOLIDAY PARADE is on November 26th and will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. from Kamiloiki District Park, travel down Lunalilo Home Road for about 1.5 miles, and end at Koko Marina Center.
LIVABLE HAWAII KAI HUI is invited to participate in this holiday tradition and can only do it with YOUR HELP!
We need volunteers to make MAGIC and help CREATE our float plus RIDE THE FLOAT, spread good CHEER and hand out FREE small plants compliments of NEIGHBORHOOD GROWERS, Charles Nii Nursery and R&S Nii Nursery.
Spend the day in our little bit of country, KAMILO NUI VALLEY and help us hammer, cut, paint, glue, stick, stuff, wrap, decorate.
Show your support for Aloha Aina O Kamilo Nui by helping transform a 40' flatbed into a HOLIDAY WONDER showcasing our unique AGRICULTURE LAND to CELEBRATE the signing of the ag leases!
Build the Float
When: Friday, November 25th starting at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Kamilo Nui Valley, by R&S Nii Nursery
Please RSVP to Volunteer to hawaiikaihui@aol.com (by Nov. 20th) so we can plan for enough food as well as send you more detailed information. (SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS!)
10-30-11 UPCOMING EVENT !
Aloha mai kākou,
I am pleased to invite you to the Hawaii’s Thousand Friends’ annual dinner honoring our beautiful friend Elizabeth as an unsung hero of 2011. As we know, Elizabeth is President of the Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui, Vice Chair of the Hawai‘i Kai Neighborhood Board #1, as well as a member of various other boards and organizations including the Ka Iwi Coalition, Independence Day at Maunalua Bay, League of Women Voters and the O‘ahu Land Trust.
Elizabeth’s background is in marketing and advertising, and her work with developers originally sparked her interest in land use. Elizabeth believes in preserving the natural and pristine areas of our mountains and coastlines, protecting the public’s access to beaches, and preserving the integrity of the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan which sets guidelines for sensible development. At Elizabeth’s urging, the Office of Planning petitioned the State Land Use Commission to reclassify the Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline from urban to conservation. The reclassification of approximately 215 acres of state-owned land on O‘ahu’s south-east coast between Queen’s Beach and the Makapu‘u Lighthouse ensures the preservation and conservation of the makai region of the pristine Ka Iwi Coast in perpetuity for the public.
Under Elizabeth’s leadership, the Hui brokered a deal with a local athletic club for a 27-year license agreement for the purpose of restoring Keawāwa wetland in Hawai‘i Kai under the guidance of the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Undeterred by threats of lawsuits by the developer of the adjoining property, which contained an ancient heiau damaged by the developer’s bulldozer, Elizabeth initiated talks which led to an agreement wherein the Hui would receive the fee simple title to the property, to manage and restore the wetland as well as take care of its cultural sites.
Since 2004, she has led the fight to defend Kamilo Nui Valley from residential development because it is outside the Urban Growth Boundary. Elizabeth was the glue that held the farmers together through tough lease negotiations for a resolution that will keep Kamilo Nui Valley in agriculture for the next 15 years. Together with Chrysanthemums of Hawai‘i, she and the Hui are working to rebuild the nursery and launch a new movement, Aloha ‘Āina ‘O Kamilo Nui. She is already working with community partners Mālama Maunalua and The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i to provide a unique opportunity where studies are being done on the most effective methods of turning the invasive alien algae removed from Maunalua Bay into compost to enrich farm lands, fertilize crops and demonstrate sustainability.
Elizabeth takes pride in bringing all groups to the table for the betterment of community. Her care for community, enthusiastic education of our residents, proactive responsiveness as a government watchdog, and passion to safeguard as well as celebrate East O‘ahu’s natural and cultural resources is an inspiration for all of us.
Please join me in honoring Elizabeth on Sunday, October 30, 2011, for dinner at the Hale Koa Hotel. The RSVP card attached should be filled out and sent with a check to:
Hawaii's Thousand Friends
25 Maluniu Avenue Suite 102 #282
Kailua, HI 96734
A hui hou,
Jeannine INVITATION RSVP
9-17-11 Livable Hawaii Kai Hui starts strategic plannng - Vision Foresight Strategy LLC (VFS) will assist Livable Hawaii Kai Hui (LHKH) with developing an assessment of the organization's capacity in the context of emerging and expanding responsibilities and will assist with developing an initial plan for increasing the organization's capacity to meet these new responsibilities. To this end VFS will conduct original research, interviews of select members of the organization and its external stakeholders, design and facilitate a one and a half day workshop, and produce a final report for the organization.
7-4-11 Maunalua Bay 4th Annual Fireworks Show INDEPENDENCE DAY AT MAUNALUA BAY........ www.idmbf.org
YouTube Slideshow - 2011 IDMBF Slideshow.mpg also CAPTIONED SLIDESHOW (may take a few seconds to load). LHKH had 2 tents at the IDMBF event. One tent featured the wetland at the Oahu Club and the other tent featured the Kamilonui Valley Farmers and Aloha Aina O Kamilonui. To learn more about these projects go to our Wetlands Page and www.kamilonuivalley.org . Our volunteers also showcased their artistic talents by facepainting the children. Kamilonui Valley plants decorated our area and were also for sale!
Roger & Elizabeth Reilly(Pres/LHKH), Alyssa Miller(Malama Maunalua), Jan & Allen Tateishi(director LHKH), Glenn Nii(KV Farmer), Barbara Kirk(maunalua.net)
FUNDRAISER MARCH 5TH AT THE OAHU CLUB - http://www.kitv.com/video/27089070/detail.html
March 5th - Mad Hatter Garden Party at the O'ahu Club Community group holds event for endangered wetland bird.‘Alae’ula found nesting in Hawaii Kai: 3:30 to 6:30 PM at The Oahu Club, Hawaii Kai Drive, Honolulu 96825 Price: $20 per person, Casual dress w/fun, expressive hat. Includes: Music by Jive Nene, Ono Pasta Bar, Guest Speakers, Door Prizes! HAWAII KAI Community group Livable Hawaii Kai Hui together with The Oahu Club will hold a fundraiser to help with restoration efforts to improve the wetland habitat located in Hawaii Kai off Hawaii Kai Drive. Keawawa is a spring-fed estuarine wetland. Estuarine wetlands occur where freshwater meets the ocean, and the resulting brackish system is a nursery ground for young fish and shellfish, which are prey species for native birds and coastal fisheries. Keawawa wetland provides habitat for indigenous ‘auku‘u (black-crowned night heron), endemic pinao (giant green darner dragonfly), various species of native damselflies, endangered ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt), and 3-9 of the estimated 300 to 400 remaining endangered ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen). According to USFWS, ideal habitat for ‘alae ‘ula is dense emergent vegetation near open water with shallow water depths and fresh water. Keawawa wetland provides such a habitat and the ‘alae ‘ula now have approximately 2 broods of chicks there per year. The ‘alae ‘ula have not been documented at Keawawa wetland in recent US Fish and Wildlife Service Surveys (USFWS Recovery Plan had no record of ‘alae ‘ula in the area from 1999-2003) but kupuna (elders) of the area speak of their steady presence at Keawawa fishpond in the past. Livable Hawaii Kai Hui is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and nonpartisan community action group serving East Honolulu since 2004. The Hui’s mission is “...to encourage grass roots organization, community awareness and education of laws, rules and regulations that guide sensible growth and development to enhance the quality of life for residents, focusing on the preservation of the agricultural lands in Kamilo Nui Valley, natural watersheds and adequate open spaces and community stewardship for the protection of watersheds, wetlands, natural and scenic resources and cultural and historic areas in East Honolulu.” The Hui's most recent accomplishment involved working with the State Office of Planning to change the makai lands of the Ka Iwi coast from urban to conservation. Another key milestone in the Hui's development has been the launch of the Aloha 'Aina o Kamilo Nui educational program, which promotes community agriculture in Maunalua.
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12-1-10 OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY PLANT SALE IS GOING ON NOW ! Pick up your holiday plant at Aloha Aina O Kamilonui Valley farm in Hawaii Kai's Kamilonui Valley. It is the last farm on the right. Look for the sign. Pick up is right after Thanksgiving. Three days are available: 12 noon till 2pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (26th, 27th, and 28th)......you must have your tickets to get your plants. All proceeds benefit Livable Hawaii Kai Hui and our task to to save the Valley and keep it in Agriculture in perpetuity. Your donation is tax deductable. Please make checks payable to Livable Hawaii Kai Hui....call 864-8081 or email hawaiikaihui@aol.com and we will get the tickets to you ASAP. Plants are $10.00 each and decorative foil is 50 cents extra. Use our handy PAYPAL button below !
11-27-10 Each year on the last Saturday in November, the Hawaii Kai Lions Club and Koko Marina Shopping Center sponsor a HOLIDAY PARADE.
MAHALOS ! The HOLIDAY PARADE started at 10:00 a.m. from Kamiloiki District Park, and traveled down Lunalilo Home Road for about 1.5 miles, and ended at Koko Marina Shopping Center. We would like to thank the volunteers that helped create our float and transform it into a Christmas Wonderland. Volunteers who rode on the float helped spread Holiday cheer while handing out small plants that were provided by Charles Nii Nursery and R&S Nii Nursery.
2010 Lion's Club Xmas Parade in Hawaii Kai! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL WHO SUPPORT OUR UNIQUE AGRICULTURE LAND IN HAWAII KAI. (Holiday plants are still for sale, see below.) PARADE VIDEO - www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vu5SGe5Ixw
9-4-10 - Sept. 4th (Saturday), from 3:00 - 5:30 PM Join us at the Mad Hatter Tea Party, a gathering to benefit the Hawai'i Kai wetland project at the O'ahu Club. RSVP to Kaumaka Wong at kaumakawong@yahoo.com or #221-0555. $15.00 per person,
Sport you favorite hat, bring your own tea cup, shop the silent auction, enjoy tasty finger sandwiches, decadent sweets and tea! Come learn about the history and restoration efforts of our wetland project and the rehabilitation of the endangered 'Alae'ula nesting grounds. THIS EVENT WAS RE-SCHEDULED TO 2011
2010 Livable Hawaii Kai Hui at Independence Day Maunalua Bay 4th of July Celebration
7-4-10 Livable Hawaii Kai Hui sponsored a couple booths/tents at the Independence Day Event at the Bay. Showcased were Kamilo Nui Valley, E. Honolulu Wetlands, and Aloha `Aina `O Kamilo Nui - www.kamilonuivalley.org
Pictured: left to right: Glen Nii, Elizabeth Reilly, Mardi LaPrade, her son, Gayle Carr, Tom Yamabe, and Evangeline Yacuk. Also, many Mahalos to Evangeline and Kaumaka (Heidi) Wong for donating their time facepainting the Keiki. See you next year in 2011 !
Join us at Maunalua Bay to celebrate the 4th of July !
6-26-10 Come Celebrate with us. See the INVITATION TO KA IWI EVENT
11-28-09 - JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS. For a third year in a row Livable Hawaii Kai Hui will showcase Kamilo Nui Valley in Hawaii Kai's Annual Koko Marina Center-Hawaii Kai Lion's Club Keiki Kalikimaka parade Saturday, Nov. 28 at 10am. We are looking for kids to be on the float and Santa Helpers to build the float.
Call for VolunteersThe Holiday Season is right around the corner and the Livable Hawai'i Kai Hui would like to ask any of our members, friends or family that might be available to help construct and ready our Christmas Parade Float on Friday, 11/27/2009 beginning at 8am in Kamilonui Valley, we could sure use your help. If you are available and would like to help, please contact myself or Elizabeth at hawaiikaihui@aol.com for an official/unofficial head count of volunteers. We ask that you bring a screw gun if you have one or some basic tools such as a hammer or screw driver. We are also looking for some donations of items for the float. If you are interested in donating specific items needed, please contact me.
We would also like to invite our members to participate in the Hawai'i Kai Christmas Parade. Saturday, 11/28/09 beginning at 9am. The parade officially begins at 10am. We are looking for keiki to ride on the float with Santa and helpers to walk along side the float to pass out small plants. We will also need help breaking down the float once the parade is finished. We would appreciate any help we can get!
10-10-09 FARM DAY EVENT ! SLIDESHOW OF FARM DAY
Opens at 10:00 a.m. with the blessed New Hope Hawaii Kai band performing “God Bless America”, followed immediately by:
Plant Sale and Farmers Market - 10 to 11 a.m.
Special Appearance: by music award winning band
Bounce House and Kid Games - throughout day !!!
Teach-Ins” - Guest Speakers
Community Organizations – Informational Booths
Guided Walking Tours
Kau kau available all day
Questions? Comments? Please contact Pam Kam, Community Liaison to Representative Gene Ward, @ 358-9145. See you on Saturday, October 10, 2009 !
5-2-09
Donna Wong to Speak at East Honolulu Community Gathering this Saturday - Jeannine Johnson
Reader Submitted
Environmental, cultural and community advocate Donna Wong will be the guest speaker at the Livable Hawaii Kai Hui annual meeting this Saturday at Kuapa Isle Club House at 1 PM.
Wong was most recently awarded by Governor Linda Lingle and the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women the 2009 Women's History Month award. Indru Watumull and Dr. Donnis Thompson are the previous winners of the award.
Wong will be speaking on community and planning. The public is encouraged to attend this free gathering.
Additional open conversation will include past and future efforts to protect and preserve Ka Iwi, Kamilo Nui Valley and the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan. Additional community subjects are welcomed.
The meeting is schedule from 1 2:30 PM. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 864-8081 or go to: www.hawaiikaihui.org.
4-16-09 - Livable Hawaii Kai Hui co-sponsors the Town Hall Meeting regarding shark tour activities in the Maunalua Bay. East Oahu Shart Tour Still Lurking: http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/10192405/east-oahu-shark-tour-still-lurking
Nov 2008 - Thank you to all that purchased Poinsettias from Kamilo Nui Valley
11-29-08 Livable Hawaii Kai Hui celebrated in the Hawaii Kai Lion's Club Holiday Parade to help kick off the Season. Our Xmas float was decorated with plants and colorful arrangements from the Kamilo Nui Valley. Our lead car was a classic roadster that transported the original farmers from Kamilo Nui Valley. The presentation was enjoyed by local residents that lined the sidewalks of Lunalilo Home Road. The parade ended at Koko Marina Shopping Center where many more festivities were taking place. Livable Hawaii Kai Hui would like to thank all the community members and supporters that donated their time and supplies to build the large float.
Photos from the Hawaii Kai Lion's Club Holiday Parade and LHKH Poinsettia Plant Sale in Kamilo Nui Valley can be viewed in the photoshows below.
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/jb9hY4XI - Video photoshop link from Oceanic Cable slideshow.
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Hr4tc4gn - Long Version - Holiday Parade
Santa's Helpers: Gary Weller, Noah Parker, Jackie Miller, Elizabeth Reilly, Marian Grey, Tom Yamabe, Tai Hong
The First Annual Independence Day at Maunalua Bay in 2008 with LHKH !
7-4-08 LIVABLE HAWAII KAI HUI WAS PART OF THE FIRST 4TH OF JULY EVENT IN HAWAII KAI -Our booth provided free face painting with a steady stream of keiki throughout the day and early evening. While parents waited they were given the option to sign our Kamilo Nui Valley petition, learn about the valley, it's history, and it's importance to the community and Hawaii's need for sustainability.
Below: Liz Mathews and Kaumaka Wong facepainting the Keiki........................Tai Hong and Gayle Carr talking story with the community
Allan and Jan Tateishi (left photo) ..........Gayle Carr, Tai Hong, Judy Nii, and Elizabeth Reilly (right photo)
The booth was decorated with colorful banners depicting the natural resources that are found in Kamilo Nui Valley. 3-D glasses were also availble for a small donation with proceeds going towards saving the Ka Iwi Coastline. Mahalo to all that attended this memorable event!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=c5BurJhk1l8 http://youtube.com/watch?v=lS6Jc-Gj1aI
VIDEO BY GREG KNUDSEN - CHAIR OF THE HAWAII KAI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
7-12-08 Maunalua Makai Watch Training Sessions Saturdays: July12, 19, 26, 2008 - 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Koko Head District Park, Room B
Please sign up today. Deadline to register is July 3, 2008.
Malama Maunalua seeks volunteers for Makai Watch training. The mission of Malama Maunalua is to conserve and restore a healthy and productive Maunalua Bay through community kuleana (responsibility). If you live, work, or play in the Maunalua Bay area in southeastern O`ahu, the upcoming training sessions for Maunalua Makai Watch may be an opportunity for you to learn more about and kokua this special place.
Malua Makai Watch is a program of Malama Maunalua that involves partners including the Department of Land and Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, Malama Hawai`i and the Community Conservation Network. The goal of Makai Watch is to enhance the management of near-shore marine resources by providing community members an opportunity to become directly involved in this management. We are looking for volunteers ages 16 and above who can commit to giving at least four hours a month for one year.
Training is free --- rewards are priceless!
Volunteers will be trained over three sessions, all covering different topics. These sessions will involve classroom learning, as well as several site visits of the Maunalua Bay area which extends from Koko Head’s Kawaihoa Point to Black Point (Kupikipiki’o). Information will be shared on topics including: Malama Maunalua, the organization; history and geography of Maunalua Bay; basic ecology of Maunalua Bay (resources, major threats, and restoration strategies); existing Bay regulations and common violations; fish and limu species identification; biological monitoring; human use monitoring; alien algae removal projects, and other ways for community involvement.
For more information contact: Lance “Mahi” LaPierre, Maunalua Makai Watch Coordinator lapierre@hawaii.edu ~ (808)282-4611cell ~ www.malamamaunalua.org
6-21-08
On June 21st, starting at 5:30pm, area residents can learn about the rich history of the Maunalua region via the Hui Maunalua cultural website, which will have a launching event Saturday, June 21, at the Koko Head District Park Community Center, 423 Kaumakani St.
Tokio "Uncle Fishy" Jodoi, 90 holding a painting of the Kuapa Fishpond dating back to the 1930s is among the kupuna who will be featured on a new community website, www.maunalua.net Jodoi's family was one of three families in the early 1900s that worked at Kuapa Fishpond.
Starting at 5:30 p.m., guests can listen to local kupuna or elders, watch short movies, view historical photos and participate in a question-and-answer session."Meet some of the kupuna and those involved in putting the Web site together," urged Elizabeth Reilly, president of Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, a nonprofit community organization.
"The Web site — designed and produced by Hui member Ann Marie Kirk — is a labor of love and a unique gift that I believe will start a trend throughout Hawaii," she said.
According to Reilly, Hui Maunalua is made up of community members from East Oahu who are interested in helping to establish and maintain "a sense of place."
They do this through unfolding and connecting the stories of the past as lived by area kupuna, and sharing them via the new Web site, which looks at the cultural and historical sites and people from Aina Haina to Waimanalo.
Purpose of the Web site is to learn about the history of Maunalua through interviews, storytelling, pictures, short movies with elders and historians, and research done by Hui Maunalua.
"To be a part of telling the story of the Maunalua region is something I've wanted to do for a very long time," Kirk shared. "The Maunalua region has a long and fascinating history. I felt there should be a place where this information can be easily accessed by people."
The Hui Maunalua website, www.maunalua.net will go public on Sunday, June 22. For more info, send an e-mail to huimaunalua@maunalua.net.
May 2008....A big Mahalo to all that supported our 1st LHKH fundraiser! It was great to get members of our community back into the Kamilo Nui Valley. It was so amazing to hear how many folks had never seen the farm lots and were totally impressed that they could travel just around the corner and find themselves in a country setting. Remember, don't overwater the orchids!
KOKO CRATER YOUTUBE VIDEO :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwaLGuqmlIM
Rally in support of keeping Koko Crater Trail accessible
WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 prior to the HK Neighborhood Board meeting
WHERE: Hahaione Elementary School
WHY: To voice public support at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board monthly meeting as this item is on the agenda under New Business
HOW: A public show of support, reinforced with posters conveying POSITIVE messages
HAWAII KAI A rally is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at Hahaione School to show public support of keeping the City from closing access to Koko Crater Trail. The rally will precede the monthly Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting set to begin at 7 p.m. The HKNB has this very emotional issue on its agenda for public discussion.
Background: On the morning of Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, city employees erected signs stating that the trail was closed due to the possibility of trail users being hit with live fire from the gun range to the southeast. Exercise enthusiasts and avid hikers of the trail inquired with the city, the state and the firing range regarding the authorization of the signs. The Mayor’s office said it had no information about the signs. The first of two news releases issued by the City that afternoon defended the signs. City Parks Director Lester Chang said “Increasing popularity of the undeveloped trail led to the action.†Issued an hour later, the second news release indicated that the City would remove the signs because they were posted without consulting the community. Its first opportunity to consult with the community will be at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008.
The Hawaii Kai Hui holds forth that the trail is a vital and beautiful component of the East Honolulu lifestyle. The trail is promoted in travel guides and is visited by tourists from all over the world. Nearby residents climb the summit each day in pursuit of fitness and the reward of a breathtaking 360-degree view. Canoe clubs often run the trail to help their crews build stamina and increase cardio performance. Children with families and scouting organizations are often seen climbing to the summit. The Koko Crater Trail represents a healthy lifestyle. It is wrong to close down a trail because the City says it is too popular. A trail’s popularity should be the catalyst for its preservation for many generations!
The public is invited to participate in this rally to keep Koko Crater Trail open and the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting that follows. Hawaii’s trails are important to its citizens and to its tourism industry. Help us find solutions that will keep all of Hawaii’s trails accessible!
Livable Hawaii Kai Hui supports the community effort to keep the trail open.
Please get active and volunteer to help!
Contact community champion Paula at the address below:
paulabender@gmail.com
2-2-08 - Beach Access Protest on Saturday the 2nd from 10am till 12 noon. More information posted on the Beach Access page!
December 2007 - Livable Hawaii Kai Hui is this year's brand new entry in the Hawaii Kai Lions Club Parade November 24th 2007starting at 10am. Please come out to see us and for more information please read the article in the Honolulu Advertiser's East Oahu People: keiki parade
October 2007
The Annual Recycling event for 2007 was a great success and another one is planned for Next Year 2008
This Project's effort is to conserve our future by recycling the past to enhance and preserve Hawaii's beauty with the kokua of our communities. Community members are encouraged to drop-off, or schedule a pick-up for their recyclable items. "KUPAIANAHA" is good for you and your community.
1-26-06 - Hahaione School - 6:00 pm - LIVABLE HAWAII KAI HUI'S SECOND COMMUNITY MEETING
The community came out to support the Farmers, our open spaces, and the integrity of the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan.
CO-SPONSORED BY COUNCILMAN CHARLES DJOU
Livable Hawaii Kai Hui is looking for community input. Please come and support us. Let your voice be heard. Community participation is our best defense in Saving Kamilonui Valley. If you have any suggestions please contact us. Neighborhood Board meetings are also a great way to let YOUR voice be heard.
BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETING:
Hawaii Kai residents rallied behind the farmers who are fighting the development of Kamilonui Valley. The group came face to face with the landowner, Kamehameha Schools at a meeting in Hawaii Kai on January 26, 2006.
Livable Hawaii Kai Hui provided the community with informational materials regarding zoning changes and how amendments to the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan could change our Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and take away our OPEN SPACES FOREVER..
The opposition grew as it was a packed house at Hahaione School. Residents came out to oppose the development and support the farmers. The landowner, Kamehameha Schools wants to sell the land and the developer has long been interested in buying the land and building more homes on the 87 acres. He has played a major role in the development boom of Hawaii Kai, where more than 1,000 homes have been built in recent years.
Some of the farmers and their families have been farming in Hawaii Kai for over 40 years and in Kamilonui Valley since 1969. The farmers are not sure how much longer they will be able to lease their land. Many prefer to stay. It has been too much work moving around. The farmers have been relocated too many times over the years and consider the valley their home. Senator Hemmings sent his Communications specialist William Shapiro to deliver the message that the Senator stands with those who want to save the Valley to: retain its agricultural nature and not be rezoned. The Senator agrees with Councilman Djou, also at the meeting. In his remarks, Councilman Djou emphasized that no requests had been made with the Council to rezone the Valley to permit residential development YET.
Most Hawaii Kai residents are up in arms. Residents are frustrated and say that "enough is enough". Residents came together to support the farmers who want to stay and oppose development of the valley that is zoned for agriculture. "It is rather sad because KV is one of the last remaining agricultural areas Hawaii Kai has." Farmers leases expire in 2025 and most will begin their lease negotiations with KS in 2010. It is hoped that the lease rents will be fair.
The landowner insists it has every intention of honoring the farmers leases and that they are not getting kicked out. KS said they will not be forcing out the farmers, but some farmers fear they will be forced out if KS raises their lease rent and they can no longer afford to stay. The Community has spoken out over the past couple years as to how more development will effect Hawaii Kai.
We have already reached our maximum capacity. The community hopes that KS will listen to these concerns as it will effect infrastructure and our valuable and one of a kind ecosystem that surrounds our ocean environment.
Newspaper and TV has covered this issue for many months. KS told the crowd they have no other agreements pending when their current contract with the developer expires. KS says that when the 6-8 mo. time frame on the contract expires, there are no other plans. The developer has to get all the farmers to agree to sell out to make this happen. KS says the farmers should come talk to them about their lease rents. Some of the farmers were mis-represented when the developer went into this agreement with KS back in September..
Over 250 community members participated in the January 26th meeting sponsored by Livable Hawaii Kai Hui. Many more petitions were filled with signatures. I will close this events page with a small paragraph from Bud Stonebraker's newsletter: "I asked if Kamehameha Schools would reconsider their plans, recognizing that profit should not be the sole driver in their decision. Farming, as productive as it is, is only one of many reasons for preservation. This Valley represents the soul of our "culture and community" and provides much needed breathing room from development. Building simply has to stop in Hawaii Kai. Representative Stonebraker is in the process of renewing his request to the Office of Planning for a Boundary Review for Kamilo Nui Valley. This will open the door for a reclassification of the land from its current status of Urban to Agricul-ture. Councilman Djou has also committed to a similar request." They hope that their combined efforts will help get the process underway.
We would like to thank all that took time to support this meeting as it was highly successful. Livable Hawaii Kai Hui would like to thank our invited guests and speakers listed below..
Councilman Charles Djou and his assistant Francisco Figueiredo, Senator Sam Slom, Mr. Wm. Shapiro (for Senator Hemmings), Representative Bud Stonebraker, Representative Lyla Berg, Mr. Giorgio Caldarone (KS), Mr. Don Bremner (DPP), Mrs. Judy Nii (Farmers in KV), Mr. Tom Yamabe(KV farmer), Mrs.Lehua Lopez Mau (facilitator), and the 7 Board of Directors of Livable Hawaii Kai Hui.
9-20-06 OUR FIRST MEETING AT THE BAY CLUB
A great turnout of concerned citizens happened on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2005
Aloha,
What's Happening in our Backyard
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
As a result of this meeting over 150 community members came to show their support for keeping the Urban Growth Boundary as is, and for supporting the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan.
Livable Hawaii Kai Hui would also like to thank the following people for their support and for speaking at the meeting. Special thanks to Lehua Lopez Mau for facilitating our meeting.
Senator Fred Hemmings, Councilman Charles Djou, Jeannie Parnell (Pres.Honolulu League of Woman Voters, Jacquelyn Miller (U.H. Environmental Studies), Thomas Yamabe (Kamilonui Valley Farmer), Neil Hannahs and Giorgio Caldarone-representing Kamehameha Schools.
