Neal Miyake
What would you do if access to your favorite surf break was threatened? When would you say enough is enough? For Ron Iwami, now is the time to take a stand.
"I've been surfing Kewalos for over 35 years," said Iwami, a soft-spoken fire department captain raised in Manoa. "The ocean and the aina has given me strength and wisdom beyond words and made me the man I am today; and if this project goes through, I can foresee that things would change and a whole lifestyle would be lost."
The project he's referring to is the Kaka'ako Makai development project. The State of Hawaii, via the Honolulu Community Development Authority (HCDA), has proposed a $650M construction project on 36.5 acres that would change the complexion of urban Honolulu. Alexander & Baldwin Properties (A&B) has already been selected as the first-ranked developer of the project.
In the past, Kaka'ako has been somewhat of a neglected area between Downtown and Waikiki. Most of it is old industrial/business areas, with a large section actually sitting atop the old city landfill. Fronting Kaka'ako are many popular surf spots, including Kewalos and Point Panic.
The HCDA, a semi-autonomous state agency with the authority to rezone and sell public land, recently got things going by hiring A&B, through Request For Proposal (RFP) bid process, to do the Kaka'ako Makai development. Iwami said that very little public input was solicited for this, the last public oceanfront land in urban Honolulu.
After getting wind of the project and realizing its potential impacts, Iwami organized the Friends of Kewalo Basin Park Association, establishing an eight-member board, mostly made up of regular Kewalos surfers, and starting a membership drive. Their mission is to be the pseudo-caretakers of the park, especially concerned with beach access and the negative impact of construction on the surf breaks.
What started as a grassroots effort...
The movement has snowballed exponentially as organizations and individuals alike have committed their support. Iwami now also heads the growing Save Our Kaka'ako Coalition, which includes among other groups and people:
Friends of Kewalo Bason Park Association
Hawaii State Bodysurfing Association
Hui o He'e Nalu (aka Da Hui)
Ka Hui O Malama Kaka'ako Paka (The Group that Protects Kaka'ako) / Redwing Memorial Club
Surfrider Foundation, Oahu Chapter
Save Our Surf
Life of the Land
Sierra Club, Oahu division
Kewalo Basin Boaters Association
Kaka'ako Business and Landowners Association
Kaka'ako Neighborhood Board
...has exploded into an island-wide movement
Though many other issues have been expressed (some more relevant than others), the one thing that everyone seems to be unified on is the opposition of the sale of state land to build luxury residential towers. The current plan has the state selling six acres of land to A&B for $50M, essentially trading for the additional public amenities the project would provide.
Moreover, much of the infrastructure to support the project - such as expanded roadways, power, and water - would still have to be provided by the City and County of Honolulu and State of Hawaii. This is where the residential towers come into play. HCDA and A&B contend that the selling of fee simple residential units is essential to keeping the project economically viable for both A&B and the state.
Daniel Dinell (left) explains the HCDA position to Surfrider Foundation's Peter Cole (right) and others at the Point Panic rally
Though there have been huge challenges, it isn't like the Coalition has hit a brick wall. Many politicians have voiced their support, at least in public. HCDA's executive director Daniel Dinell has been receptive to comments, even attending some of the rallies. A&B's Stan Kuriyama (CEO of A&B Properties) and Mike Wright (senior VP and project manager) have also been listening to the concerns, going so far as to provide a scaled-down design.
However, the Coalition feels it is not enough, and have offered a plan of its own. Entitled The People's Plan, this design is geared more towards supporting the interests of the local residents.
The Coalition did get the opportunity to voice its concerns to Governor Lingle, but she said that she would not stop the development. Instead, she urged the Coalition to press HCDA and the legislature. "HCDA manages the development," she said. "And the legislature can pass laws to stop [HCDA]."
The Coalition marches to the State Capitol, photo courtesy Douglas Palama
Due in large part to the tremendous public outcry (and the efforts of the Coalition), the HCDA has decided to temporarily put the Kaka'ako Makai Development project on hold while various associated bills and resolutions go through the legislature. It now lies in the hands of our elected representatives and senators.
There was a lot of initial grandstanding, but now with the chips on the table, legislative support seemed to have cooled a bit. Iwami and the rest of the Coalition continue to work by following every single bill and resolution that affects the project. "I'm just doing my due diligence," said Iwami in his typical humble manner.
It is scary, but there is an even bigger shoreline development looming on the horizon. On March 7, 2006, it was announced that developers are planning to build an additional five hotels and 3,500 rooms at Turtle Bay and Kawela Bay on the North Shore. To understand the magnitude of this development, the current Turtle Bay Resorts has only 500 units. This "Kawela Bay" development would in all likelihood take the country out of "the Country."
The bowl at Kewalos
But back to Kewalos. Water is kind of dirty right now from the recent rains. But Ron still is out there, surfing at least a couple times a week. He's now even sharing the surfing stoke with his son and daughter who are also starting to surf. "We are doing this for all the keiki of Hawaii so they too, can enjoy the ocean as we have."
What started with a frustrated surfer wanting to make things right has turned into an island-wide movement. It's a daunting task to take on the state and a company as prestigious as A&B. "To get this far; to get them to change their plans, was a phenomenal feat," said Iwami. "But there is still a long way to go."
Bodysurfing only at Point Panic
"We don't have the money, or the political savvy," said Ron. "But we do have the power of the people."
As Iwami expressed at the big Ho'olaule'a on February 20, "If you believe that what you are doing is right, then do it. And if you do it from the heart, then people will follow you. And that's what happened."
Can one surfer make a difference? If you truly believe, then yes, you can make a difference.
For the keiki
To join the Save Our Kaka'ako Coalition, go to the signup page at Kewalo.org. You will then be put on a mass email list to be notified about Coalition news and events.
CHRONOLOGY
This is my somewhat oversimplified version of the chain of events to date:
1976: The state legislature creates the HCDA, giving it planning and zoning authority with intent to revitalize various state urban areas including Kaka'ako.
1992: The initial Kaka'ako Waterfront project is completed through HCDA initiative, and includes shoreline improvements, walkways, and the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.
1999: The Kewalo Basin Park (Triangle Park) is completed through HCDA initiative.
Feb. 2, 2000: HCDA approves a master plan for the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park with goal of creating a one-of-a-kind urban park that will feature a unique blending of cultural and recreational activities for Hawaii's residents and visitors.
Oct. 2, 2002: HCDA approves Waterfront Business Plan specifying a mix of uses - "workplaces, recreation, public facilities, retail shops, dining, and residences."
Jan. 12, 2005: HCDA releases RFP outlining goals and details of project, including a desire to "provide an economic balance between revenue and non-revenue projects" and hope to develop 300 residences allowing buildings with a maximum height of 200 feet.
Artist's rendition of scaled-down development
Sep. 7, 2005: HCDA approves amendments to the Kaka'ako District Makai Area Plan and Rules to allow residential use in portions of the Kaka'ako's waterfront lands.
Sep. 14, 2005: HCDA nominates A&B Properties as the first-ranked developer of the project. The A&B proposal calls for approximately 950 condominium units in three 200-foot towers, a pedestrian bridge over Kewalo Basin channel and oceanfront commercial developments. Plan also calls for public spaces, farmers market, hula amphitheater and other public amenities.
Nov. 6, 2005: The Friends of Kewalo Basin Park Association hold a rally at Kewalo Basin Park. The event draws more than 150 people, with notable speakers including: House Speaker Calvin Say, State Representative Bev Harbin and Councilman Rod Tam.
Nov. 12, 2005: Ka Hui O Malama Kaka'ako Paka (The Group that Protects Kaka'ako) and the Hawaii State Bodysurfing Association (HSBA) hold a rally at Point Panic. Notable speakers include: Congressman Abercrombie, A&B Project Manager Mike Wright, and HCDA Executive Director Daniel Dinell.
A&B's Mike Wright (far left) discusses design plans with surfers and bodysurfers
Dec. 7, 2005: A&B proposes a scaled-back version of the project, eliminating one of the three towers, along with the bridge and oceanfront commercial developments, and adding additional parking space for surfers and beachgoers.
Jan. 8, 2006: Over 40 people attend a rally at Kewalo Basin Park expressing continued opposition to new plan.
Jan. 23, 2006: On the day of the Governor's State of the State Address, around 400 members and supporters of the Save Our Kaka'ako Coalition march from the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park to the State Capitol to express opposition and raise public awareness.
Feb. 1, 2006: The Save Our Kaka'ako Coalition talks with Governor Lingle and urges her to stop the project. Lingle says she will not because she doesn't want to micromanage the authority of HCDA. In addition she does not want to send a message that the State of Hawaii is a bad place to do business because they do not keep their word.
Show of solidarity
Feb. 20, 2006: The Save Our Kaka'ako Coalition holds a Ho'olaule'a at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park to provide information about the efforts and as a show of force to stop the Kaka'ako Makai development. Over 200 people attend.
Mar. 16, 2006: HCDA puts Kaka'ako development plans on hold to see if legislators pass bills (into law) or resolutions (which are recommendations from the state).
May 4, 2006: Legislature scheduled to adjourn, with decisions to then be enacted.
A surfer contemplates the idea of even more condos
(try to) stay stoked!
Neal Miyake
http://www.aroundhawaii.com/sports/surf/2006-04_surfers_fight_for_kakaako.html