Memorial Day: Our Resolve is the Highest Tribute to the Fallen
Political Connections Pay Off: Former OHA Officer on the Inside Developing Kakaako
SA: …The state Office of Hawaiian Affairs is resuming an effort at deciding how to redevelop 30 acres it owns makai of Ala Moana Boulevard in Kakaako, anticipating that it could solicit development proposals for the first of nine parcels — a waterfront site once occupied by Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant — next year.
Kamana‘opono Crabbe, OHA’s CEO, said the agency is proceeding with the master plan and development of the initial parcel under current rules that allow a mix of commercial and recreational uses but not residences….
“Our conceptual master plan for our Kakaako Makai properties is based on utilizing existing entitlements,” Crabbe said in an email Thursday….
The Legislature approved the 2012 settlement based on the land’s appraised value of roughly $200 million…..
About 40 people showed up to a presentation last week at Kewalo Basin that was one of four meetings on Oahu earlier this month. Four neighbor island meetings are also being held, and OHA said it will also seek feedback online.
At the Kewalo meeting, Malia Kaaihue, (former ‘Chief Knowledge Officer of OHA) president of a company called DTL (WCIT front group accused in Ethics Complaint) that is helping OHA develop its conceptual master plan ($$$$), said preparation of an environmental impact statement ($$$$) is expected to start before the end of June and be finalized in mid-2018. After that, proposals from private developers ($$$$) could be sought for the former Fisherman’s Wharf site.
Kaaihue said OHA expects to receive $4.3 million this year from the 30 acres that include parcels leased for parking, an office building, a University of Hawaii marine research facility, and restaurant and wedding chapel 53 by the Sea. Income from the parcels in 2015 was $2.1 million.
At full build-out under existing land uses, OHA projects earning $15.8 million annually…..
read … OHA develops nine parcels of Kakaako land
Telescope: “Canary Islands are an Excellent Site”
PSN: …“As Hawaiians, we’re not allowed up there,” said Mikilani Young, an organizer of the protest. (Wow.)
“We know our story, we know our history,” Young said…..
The project is running out of time, however. Construction is planned to begin in April 2018 and could last up to 10 years. The Thirty Meter Telescope team has selected an alternative site in the Canary Islands if Mauna Kea continues to drag out.
“Because of the challenges we’ve had in Hawaii, we wanted to have a backup,” Stone said. “It’s not quite as good as Mauna Kea, but it’s an excellent site and will satisfy all the scientific objectives we have.”
No amount of mitigation would matter to the protesters like Young and Pasadena resident Teresa Mei Chuc. If the telescope can be built elsewhere, then it should be, they said….
read … Telescope
Tuna Monuments: Hanabusa, Democrats Take Stand Against Fishermen
SA: U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is wasting time and money by conducting a review of more than two dozen federally protected areas — including Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and the Pacific Remote Islands — to determine whether they should be abolished or their boundaries restricted, according to a letter sent to Zinke on Thursday and signed by U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and 85 other House Democrats.
Hanabusa is the ranking member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, which is responsible for issues relating to national monuments.
The House members argue that President Donald Trump, who ordered the review in April, doesn’t have the authority to significantly alter national monuments, which were designated by past presidents under the 1906 Antiquities Act. That power lies with Congress, they argue.
read … Democrats vs Fishermen
Kealoha Chaos: HPD traffic citations Dropped Sharply in 2016, Back up in 1Q 2017
KHON: …In 2015, there were 13,666 citations for using a mobile electronic device.
In 2016, (with the Chief under a corruption probe) the number dropped down to 10,646 (22% drop), and from January to April of 2017, 3,461 citations were given out (x4=13,844)….
When it comes to driving under the influence, in 2015, police arrested 4,605 people. That number dropped in 2016 to 3,985 arrests (13% drop), and from January to April in 2017, there were 1,294 arrests (x4=5,176) ….
In 2015, 7,743 people were caught not wearing seatbelts. Again, that number dropped in 2016 to 5,442 (30% drop). And from January to April of this year, 1,770 citations were handed out (x4=7,080)…..
read … HPD traffic citations: Looking at the numbers
Man arrested for vandalizing Iolani Palace and capitol building
KHON: …Three of the palace door window-panes on the mauka side were damaged earlier this evening.
Some of the glass in the doors at the place are more than 130 years old.
State sheriffs arrested Michael Aquino for criminal property damage in that incident.
Aquino is also accused of damaging the glass door to the house chambers at the capitol building….
read … Again
Memorial Day
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