WHEREAS, population growth throughout Central and Leeward Oahu has been extensive; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, the tremendous recent and projected future developmental growth within these areas, especially in Kunia, raises concerns regarding overcrowding and a lack of open spaces; and

WHEREAS, in Kunia, 3-D Investments purchased a one hundred and seventy-two acre parcel of real property in July 2005 that had previously been earmarked for the development of a golf course; and

WHEREAS, a number of Royal Kunia residents purchased their homes with the understanding that there was a commitment to build a golf course on the one hundred seventy-two acre parcel; and

WHEREAS, 3-D Investments has indicated the desire to construct additional housing on the parcel instead of a golf course; and

WHEREAS, the parcel is currently classified as part of a State Land Use Urban District, pursuant to the Land Use Commission's reclassification in In the Matter of the Petition of Halekua Development Corporation, Docket No. A92-683, in 1996; and

WHEREAS, the parcel is currently zoned by the City and County of Honolulu zoning code as part of a P-2 general preservation district; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature believes that the preservation of this parcel of land is preferable to promote open spaces, including natural areas; recreational opportunities, such as parks or golf courses, farm and ranch land, or places of natural beauty; and

WHEREAS, open space preservation will help to decrease the density in our residential communities, decrease the negative impact on traffic and schools, and increase the property value of existing residences; and

WHEREAS, an additional area of concern regarding the parcel involves its possible role as a flood plain; and

WHEREAS, flood plains are important for replenishing aquifers and providing natural storage for floodwater, valuable habitats for wildlife and plants, and recreational resources; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that the City and County of Honolulu is requested to maintain the current zoning of the one hundred and seventy-two acre parcel of real property in Royal Kunia, TMK numbers 1-9-4-2-49, 1-9-4-2-50, and 1-9-4-2-64, for the establishment of a park, golf course, or continued use as open space; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City and County of Honolulu is urged to investigate and ascertain whether the one hundred and seventy-two acre parcel is or contains a flood plain that would also necessitate restricting or prohibiting further development; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the members of the Honolulu City Council, the Managing

Director of the City and County of Honolulu, and the Director of Planning and Permitting for the City and County of Honolulu.

Report Title:

Zoning; Royal Kunia; City & County of Honolulu