Appropriates funds for the condemnation of land in Royal Kunia for the establishment of a state park.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that population growth throughout Central Oahu has been extensive with some of the fastest growing areas being Waipahu, Kunia, Waikele, and Waipio. Within this region, much new housing has been developed in addition to large commercial developments in Waikele, Kunia, and Waipio. The Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan provides for the development of 25,000 new homes in master-planned residential developments in Mililani Mauka, Koa Ridge Makai, Waiawa, and Royal Kunia by the year 2025.

The legislature finds that the tremendous recent and projected future developmental growth of these areas, within Kunia in particular, raises concerns of overcrowding and a lack of open spaces. In July 2005, 3-D Investments purchased real property in Kunia, Oahu, comprised of one hundred and seventy-two acres that had previously been earmarked for the development of a golf course. Subsequently, 3-D Investments, after having made the commitment to design a mutually beneficial suitable development scenario with the Royal Kunia community, proposed to construct a residential housing project on the one hundred and seventy-two acre parcel.

The legislature believes that the preservation of this parcel of land is necessary to promote smart growth in our communities, which should include the preservation of open spaces, including natural areas both in and surrounding localities that provide important community space, habitat for plants and animals, recreational opportunities, including parks or golf courses, farm and ranch land, or places of natural beauty and critical environmental areas. Open space preservation will provide for less density in our residential communities, less negative impact upon traffic and schools, and increased property value of existing residences.

Accordingly, the legislature finds that this land, consisting of TMK numbers 1-9-4-2-49, 1-9-4-2-50, and 1-9-4-2-64, is suitable and desirable for the establishment

of a state park in order to promote and preserve smart growth and open spaces. The legislature further finds that the condemnation of the land for the establishment of a state park is for a public purpose.

SECTION 2. The department of land and natural resources is directed to commence eminent domain proceedings, pursuant to section 184-3, for the condemnation of the one hundred and seventy-two acre parcel in Royal Kunia for the establishment of a state park.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the condemnation of the Royal Kunia site, TMK numbers 1-9-4-2-49, 1-9-4-2-50, and 1-9-4-2-64, comprising one hundred and seventy-two acres of real property for the establishment of a new state park.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.