Following is a summary of actions taken at the April 4, 2007 meeting of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA).

Addition of a Transmitter to the Radio Tower Located in the Kaka‘ako Waterfront

HCDA members authorized the HCDA Executive Director to consent to the addition of one transmitter to the radio tower in the Kaka‘ako waterfront by Salem Media of Hawaii, Inc. and to adjust the rent to increase it by $27,500 per annum.  Salem Media has a 55-year lease with the State of Hawaii to operate its AM/FM radio broadcasting and transmitter facilities on a parcel of land located on Ahui Street.  Salem plans to construct an additional transmitter at the site for its station KHNR (AM).  Action on the request was deferred earlier this year to confirm that an additional transformer posed no negative impacts to the public.  A report to that effect was received and validated that radio frequency electromagnetic fileds in the vicinity are in compliance with Federal Communications Commission guidelines.

Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Kaka‘ako Mauka Area

The Authority approved the expenditure of not more than $1 million in HCDA Revolving Funds to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the proposed amendments to the Kaka‘ako Community Development District Mauka Area Plan and Rules.   The existing Environmental Impact Statement for the Kaka‘ako Development Plan was completed in June 1982.  The SEIS is necessary because substantial amendments will be made to the Plan, especially in the area of transportation and street plan.  PlanPacific Inc. has completed the review of the existing Mauka Area Plan and has developed, with community input, a revised urban design concept plan for the Mauka Area. The Concept Plan proposes the development of a neighborhood framework that identifies development parameters and urban design characteristics for sub-districts within Kaka‘ako.  The Concept Plan provides options for large and small lot development, provisions for open space, Mauka-Makai views, an outstanding pedestrian environment, parks, and a multi-modal street system that offers a variety of mobility choices (walking, biking, private vehicles, public and private transit) based on a grid street system.  The Concept Plan was presented to the public in meetings held in November and December 2006.  PlanPacific Inc. is currently refining the Concept Plan to address issues raised through the public and stakeholder review process.  The final Concept Plan that will be presented to the public in May 2007 will be the basis for the amendments to the Mauka Area Plan and Rules. In addition to the SEIS, the consultant will conduct an assessment of the proposed Mauka Area Plan’s multi-modal transportation plan as well as an infrastructure master plan of the Mauka Area.

Changes to Rules for Kaka‘ako District Parks

HCDA members adopted amendments to update rules, regulations, charges and fees to govern public parks in the Kaka'ako District.  Adopted in 2005, the current Chapter 15-210 of the Hawaii Administative Rules established rules to govern use and assure that all users are treated fairly and have knowledge of what constitutes permissible activities with the Kaka'ako Waterfront, Makai Gateway and Kewalo Basin Parks.  A public hearing on proposed amendments to the Rules was held on March 7, 2007.  The amendments adopted by the Authority are intended to maximize the public's enjoyment and use of the parks by making the facilities safe and pleasant environments for all patrons. 

The amendments establish:

• ·        a new usage fee schedule
• ·        a clarification of abandoned property
• ·        a prohibition of wading pools, dunking tanks, inflatable pools, and portable hot tubs
• ·        a ban of washing and drying of clothing
• ·        a prohibition of staking
• ·        a prohibition of parking outside of marked area

The proposed rules can be accessed below:

Chapter 210 of Title 15, Hawaii Administrative Rules (click here)

A report to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board is necessary before the amendments can be submitted to the Governor for final approval.