AGREEMENT REACHED ON FUTURE OF TURTLE BAY CONSERVATION LANDS
News Release from Office of the Governor April 30, 2015
HONOLULU – Today Governor David Ige, key members of the State House and Senate, Ray Soon, Chief of Staff to City and County of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Lea Hong, Trust for Public Land, and Doug Cole, North Shore Community Land Trust, held a news conference to announce that an agreement has been reached regarding the future of conservation lands at Turtle Bay.
A fact sheet outlining the agreement is below.
“None of us could do this individually,” said Gov. David Ige. “We have worked together as partners to accomplish something significant for the state. We are preserving open space and recreational opportunities along O‘ahu’s shoreline for future generations.”
Speaker of the House Joseph M. Souki said, “The proposed bill will give the state the beach front property around Kawela Bay in fee simple for $35 million, instead of buying just the easement for the same price. It is a much better deal than the original offer and one that will allow us to create a nature park out of Kawela Bay for generations to enjoy. Together, we were able to come up with a plan that not only overcame the initial roadblocks but, more importantly, preserves a part of Hawaii that makes us a better community as a whole.”
“Mahalo to Governor Ige, my colleagues in both state and city government, the property owners and the conservation community for crafting this landmark agreement to preserve the coastal lands of Kawela Bay for generations to come. This is a great investment in open space and recreational access for residents and visitors alike, and most importantly for providing important protection for our native and endangered species that inhabit the area,” said Sen. Gil Riviere (District 23 – North Shore to Kaneohe).
“The agreement announced last year has been enhanced through the feedback of the legislature, Governor Ige’s leadership, and the continued support of the City & County of Honolulu and other conservation partners,” said Drew Stotesbury, Chief Executive Officer of Turtle Bay Resort. “This agreement offers increased public benefits while protecting in perpetuity 665 acres of open lands. This agreement delivers on the massive conservation of land that the people and communities of the North Shore were promised.”
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Renegotiating Turtle Bay Easement Preservation
News Release from Rep Feki Pouha
Honolulu – April 30, 2015 — Today Governor David Ige along with both House and Senate leadership, and City and County of Honolulu officials announced an agreeable deal financing the Turtle Bay Resort Conservation easement. Community representation included The Trust for Public Lands, the North Shore Community Land Trust as well as Turtle Bay Resort with all parties collectively committed to reaching a deal. “Through this on-going collaborative effort made by all parties focused on what was best for Kawela Bay to Kahuku Point shows that we can reach solutions with balance of interests and responsibilities. I am proud of the leadership executed in this plan and am grateful for my community to come away with a win-win solution that includes our Kahuku High School athletes,” stated Rep. Feki Pouha House District 47.
While SB 284 SD2 HD2 still needs to reconvene for a vote tomorrow afternoon at 3:00pm, Rep. Pouha remains optimistic of the future preservation of the Turtle Bay Easement after today’s renegotiations.
House District 47 gathers communities from Waialua, Haleiwa, Kawailoa, Pupukea, Sunset, Kawela Bay, Turtle Bay, Kahuku, Malaekahana, Laie, Hau’ula, Punalu’u, Ka’a’awa, Kualoa, Hakipu’u, Waikane and Waiahole
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SB284: Text, Status
PDF files of the maps displayed at the news conference :
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