HIGHLIGHTS OF NOVEMBER 5, 2008 HCDA MEETING

Following is a summary of actions taken at the November 5, 2008 meeting of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA)

Kewalo Basin Administrative Rules

HCDA members adopted the proposed administrative rules for Kewalo Basin. The rules have been be forwarded to Governor Linda Lingle for approval.  The rules are necessary for HCDA to manage the harbor because the Department of Transportation intends to transfer the management of Kewalo Basin to HCDA .  The proposed rules, regulations, charges and fees for Kewalo Basin will govern the use and operation of Kewalo Basin under HCDA.  These rules, which were drafted with extensive stakeholder input, are considered necessary and desirable to facilitate the public’s use and enjoyment of Kewalo Basin.  The proposed rules defined permissible activities regulate operations within the harbor and set forth procedures for obtaining leases and related fees.  Since December 2005, HCDA has met with various stakeholder groups to draft the proposed rules.  Public hearings on the proposed Kewalo Basin rules were held on March 7 and August 7, 2007 and the Small Business Regulatory Review Board in July 2008 voted unanimously to recommend the Governor sign the proposed Rules.  At the September 3, 2008 Authority meeting, the members deferred taking action on the proposed rules in favor of forming a sub-committee to review the rules and possible issues raised by public and member comments at the meeting.  The sub-committee, which submitted its report to the Authority at its October 2, 2008 meeting, recommended adoption of the proposed rules with a few changes relating to the discretion afforded the HCDA Executive Director; the use of a one page permit form; and data collection on future demand for berths in Kewalo Basin after the proposed repair project is completed.

HCDA has committed to the stakeholders that it will continue to work with them to finalize the transfer of jurisdiction of the Kewalo Basin harbor and also seek their input in prioritizing the capital improvements to make necessary maintenance and harbor enhancements.

Lease Agreement with Re-Use Hawaii

HCDA members authorized the HCDA Executive Director to enter into a five year lease with Re-Use Hawaii for a portion of the CFS3 Building in the Fort Armstrong area.  Re-Use Hawaii is a Hawaii nonprofit organization dedicated to building material reuse and recycling and its mission is to keep reusable building material out of the waste stream and in use in Hawaii.  Since the organization began in 2007, it has met with success deconstructing buildings and consulting on projects by providing benefits of waste reduction.  These benefits include conserving energy and natural resources, minimizing the need for landfill space, and reducing green house gases produced when disposing of materials.

Re-Use Hawaii has requested the use of 12,000 square feet of warehouse area and 8,000 square feet of yard area.  The organization also plan to use the property for educational and community involvement in smart ecological planning and sharing.  Current tenants at the property include the Hawaii Public Housing Agency’s Next Step shelter (homeless shelter facility) and Island Movers (furniture storage).  The use proposed by Re-Use Hawaii is not expected to adversely impact these programs and related activities.

Five Year Work Plan for Kaka‘ako Public Facilities, Infrastructure Improvements and Planning Projects

The Authority deferred action on a funding request to implement the Kaka‘ako District public facilities, infrastructure and planning projects that are part of the Five Year Work Plan approved by the Authority in September 2008.

General Growth Properties Ward Neighborhood Master Plan

Authority members agree to conduct a hearing on General Growth Properties, Inc.’s application for approval of its Ward Neighborhood Master Plan.  The hearing date will be posted at a later date.  HCDA members also adopted proposed rules and procedures  for conducting the hearing and selected Attorney Curtis Tabata to be the hearing officer.  Authority members also agreed to hold a special meeting on January 14, 2009 to act upon GGP’s application for approval of its Master Plan.