News Alerts!


Posted March 22, 2006 - Senate WLA to Hear HB2400 this Thursday March 23

This Thursday, March 23, at 1:15 pm, the Senate Committe on Water, Land, and Agriculture (Chair Russell Kokobun, Vice Chair Gary Hooser) will be hearing HB2400 "making an emergency appropriation for Waimea Valley." This is the House bill, crossed over to the Senate, that provides the critical $1.6 million for DLNR's share of the partnership. This bill must survive WLA and WAM to get to conference with the matching SB2147 that is moving through the House.

The last-minute notice for this hearing and some other rumblings prompt us to put this hearing on HIGH PRIORITY FOR YOUR SUPPORTIVE TESTIMONY. Please call the Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee members on Wednesday to express your support. Please email or fax in your testimony, if possible, by the end of the day on Wednesday March 22. We NEED TO SHOW BROAD AND STRONG SUPPORT for this last stage of the legislative process.

Chair Kokubun: 586-6760 senkokubun@Capitol.hawaii.gov;

Vice Chair Hooser: 586-6030 senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov;

Other Committee Members:

Senator J. Kalani English 587-7225 enenglish@Capitol.hawaii.gov;

Senator Carol Fukunaga 586-6890 senfukunaga@Capitol.hawaii.gov;

Senator Fred Hemmings 587-8388 senhemmings@Capitol.hawaii.gov

The agenda for the meeting with instructions for submitting testimony is pasted in below and at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

To read a copy of the Coalition testimony, click here

Thank you for your testimony - all you need is to write a few lines of support for HB2400 - one more time, your strong voices are needed!

************

Posted March 16, 2006 -- Senate Waimea Bill (SB3147 SD1) To Be Heard by House WLO Committee this Friday March 17, 2006 - Testimony Welcome

On Friday, March 17, the House Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources (Chair Rep Ezra Kanoho/Vice Chair Brian Schatz) will be hearing SB 3147 SD1 for making a appropriation for Waimea Valley. This is another important vote on making sure the DLNR's $1.6m contribution actually happens.

We encourage everyone to send in testimony in support of this bill. The agenda for the meeting is attached here with instructions for submitting testimony. To see the Coalition testimony, click here Thank you for your support.

************

Posted March 16, 2006 -- City Council Approves Final Waimea Settlement

On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, the Honolulu City Council finally approved -- by a 5-0 vote -- the historic settlement of the Waimea Valley condemnation action.
While negotiations over the details continue, this final vote confirms the City's contribution and acquisition of the public access and conservation agreeements, parallel to the easements to be obtained by DLNR.

To read about the hearing, see these news articles:
Honolulu Advertiser, Robbie Dingeman, "Council approves legal settelement designed to protect Waimea Valley" - http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/...

Star-Bulletin, Crystal Kua, "Coucil approves Waimea settlement" -
http://starbulletin.com/...

************

Posted March 12, 2006 -- Honolulu City Council - Final Vote On City's Contribution to Settlement

On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, on the 10:00 am agenda, the City Council will consider two related resolutions:

http://www4.honolulu.gov/...
  • Reso. 06-017 Proposed FDI: http://www4.honolulu.gov/...


    • The differences between 06-017 and the proposed FD1 are technical or legal wording changes (e.g., changing "title" to "fee simple title") that do not appear to affect the basic terms of the City's involvement. It is likely that 06-017 will be tabled and that 06017 FD1 will be the resolution that PASSES (unanimously, we hope).

    The key terms of the City's part of the "deal" are stated on pages 3-4 of FD1, and pasted in here FYI:

    [p 2] WHEREAS, under the terms of the settlement, the City will convey its fee-simple title to said real property to OHA which will thereafter convey back to the City a Conservation easement and a public access easement over and across said real property in perpetuity to preserve the property from future development and to provide for appropriate public access thereto; and

    [p 3] BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City and County of Honolulu that the Court-mediated settlement in City and County of Honolulu v. Attractions Hawaii, et al., Civil No. 01-1-3622-12, be approved and Resolution No. 01-151 and Resolution No. 02-1 61 be and are hereby amended to authorize the City and County of Honolulu to condemn the fee-simple title to the property for the sole purpose of ultimately acquiring a conservation easement and a public access easement over and across said real property in perpetuity to preserve the property from future development and to provide for appropriate public access thereto in accordance with the following steps: the contributing parties shall deposit their respective contributions into escrow. Subsequently, the court shall issue an order of condemnation of fee simple title to the property in favor of the City whereupon the City shall by Deed convey the property to OHA, who in turn shall execute and deliver a Deed of Conservation Easement and a Right of Entry and Grant of Public Access Easement in favor of the City; and . . .

    Please note that there are 12 bills that are up for first reading on the City Council agenda before the Waimea Resolution, so it is difficult to predict when this item will be heard. In addition, the Council has a 10:15 am agenda, so it looks as though they anticipate the 10 am agenda moving quickly. The full agenda can be accessed at: http://www4.honolulu.gov/...

    Please find attached a copy of the Coalition's testimony here. We encourage you to send in testimony in support and to register to testify in person if you are able to do so. We also anticipate full support for the resolution, therefore we suggest that any oral testimony be very short.

    City Council -- How to Testify:
    Persons wishing to speak on items listed on the calendar are requested to register by 10 a.m. in the interest of time management as follows:

    a.     use the On-Line City Council Speaker Registration form available at http://www.honolulu.gov/...;

    b.     send a fax to 527-6910 indicating your desire to speak, along with your name, phone number and subject matter;

    c.     fill out the registration form in person; or

    d.     call 523-4236.

    Written testimonies may also be faxed to 527-6910 or you may e-mail your testimony by going to http://www.honolulu.gov/council/agendas.htm for the e-mail contact; however, you are requested to register to speak if you wish to provide oral testimony. If submitted, written testimonies, including the testifier's address, e-mail address and phone number, may be posted by the City Clerk and available to the public on the City's DocuShare Website.


    ************

    Posted March 12, 2006 -- House and Senate Bills - Crossed Over Last Week - Scheduled for Hearings Soon

    Crossover was last week, so the Waimea bills that approve the $1.6 million in funding for DLNR's contribution to the partnership are now moving as follows:

    HB2400 - the Administration bill originating in the House seeking "emergency" authority for the funding - passed out, crossed over, and is soon to be heard by Senate Water Land and Ag, and then Ways and Means. Thanks especially to Rep. Michael Magaoay for moving this issue forward in the House. To keep up on the status, use the capitol web site: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB2400
    3/3/2006 H Transmitted to Senate.
    3/7/2006 S Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 55).
    3/7/2006 S Passed First Reading.
    3/7/2006 S Deferred One Day 03-09-06.
    3/9/2006 S Referred to WLA, WAM.

    The favorable report by Representative Kanoho's Water Land and Ocean Resources Committee passing the bill to Finance can be found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

    The Finance Committee's favorable report is found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

    SB3147 SD1 - Senator Bunda's bill, as modified, that supports the $1.6m DLNR appropriation - passed out, crossed over, and is soon to be heard by the House Water Land and Ocean Resources, and then Finance. To keep up on the status, check: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=SB3147

    3/7/2006 H Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 349) in amended form (SD 1).
    3/9/2006 H Pass First Reading
    3/9/2006 H Referred to WLO, FIN, referral sheet 27
    The favorable report of the Senate Water Land and Agriculture Committee is at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

    The favorable report of the Senate Ways and Means Committee is at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

    ************

    Posted March 1, 2006: Final City Council Hearing Rescheduled Again - Now March 15, 2006

    The City Council's final public meeting for approval of the settlement is now set for Wednesday, March 15. (This hearing had earlier been announced for February 15 and then bumped to March 1; this March 15 date should stick.) Stay tuned for details on how to submit testimony once the agenda is released.

    Negotiations on the settlement are continuing among all parties under the supervision of court-appointed mediator Clyde Matsui, with all parties working toward a court deadline of March 15 for final documents.

    ************

    Posted February 28, 2006: Legislative Update - Waimea Bills Are Moving Swiftly Through House and Senate

    On the House side, HB2400 (supporting the $1.6 million of DLNR's contribution) was approved today by the House Finance Committee by unanimous vote. Mahalo to Representative Michael Magaoay and his staff for continuing to monitor and push this bill along. The Coalition submitted testimony and Coordinator Denise Antolini represented to the Coalition at the hearing. To read the testimony, click here. For a complete status report, see: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

    On the Senate side, SB3147 passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on February 27 and is headed for a floor vote, like to take place on March 7. Then we expect this bill (introduced by Senator Robert Bunda) to be reconciled with the House version (Administration version) and passed out by the Legislature. For a status report on SB3147, see: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/...

    ************

    Posted February 28, 2006: Board of Land and Natural Resources Approves Waimea Negotiations and Easements

    On Friday February 24, 2006, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved by a 5-0 vote a staff recommendation to give Department Director Peter Young the authority to continue the Waimea negotiations. The Coalition submitted testimony in support of the items - you can read that testimony here. This vote was essential to giving Director Young the support he needed to follow through on finalizing the DLNR's easements for public access and conservation. The entirety of Waimea Valley is zoned State Conservation Land. A copy of DLNR's press release issued on December 7, 2006 is posted on the News Page.

    ************

    Posted February 7, 2006: Hearing on Senate Bill 3147 (Bunda) Set for Feb. 10

    Two Senate Committees will hear the Waimea Valley acquisition bill introduced by Senator Robert Bunda (SB 3147*) this Friday, February 10, at 1:15 p.m. The Waimea bill is necessary to support the $1.6 million in funding through DLNR for the acquisition of the Valley. The hearing notice is posted below.

    Testimony is due 24 hours prior, so please submit by Thursday, Feb. 9, by 1:15 p.m. You can fax short testimony to the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Office at 586-6659 - see instructions below.

    Please keep your testimony supportive and short!

    * The similar Administration bill to support the DLNR $1.6 on the Senate side is SB2363.

    When that is scheduled for hearing, we will let you know.

    ************

    Posted February 6, 2006: Hearing on House Bills for Waimea Set for Feb. 8

    The House Committee on Water Land and Ocean Resources will be hearing two similar bills supporting the State's $1.6 million contribution to the purchase of Waimea Valley this Wednesday, February 8, on the 6:00 p.m. agenda. For the Hearing Notice, click here. The bills are:
        HB2400 -- Making an Emergency Appropriation for the Acquisition
        of Waimea Valley (submitted by the Governor and DLNR)
        HB2188 --Making an Appropriation for the Purchase of Waimea Valley
        (submitted by our Rep. Mike Magaoay and cosponsors)

    The Coalition has submitted testimony and asks you to support both bills by sending in short (1 page) testimony 24 hours prior - that is, 6 pm Tuesday, February 7:

    Fax to: 586-6501 (Sgt at Arms office)
    Email via Public Access Office: testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov (will be distributed via Public Access Room)
    Put at the top of your testimony:
        To: Chair Ezra Kanoho and Vice Chair Brian Schatz
        Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources
        Hearing on Feb. 8, 2006, 6:00 p.m.
        HB 2400 & HB2188 - Appropriations for Waimea Valley


    For more tips on how to submit testimony, see the Capitol's Public Access Room newsletter:
    I'd like to offer my testimony. http://www.hawaii.gov/lrb/par/pub/nl0305.pdf


    ************

    Posted January 20, 2006: City Council Schedules First Hearing on New Settlement

    The City Council's first hearing on the new proposed settlement will be held on Wednesday, January 25. Reso. 06-017 is on the morning agenda, starting at 10 a.m. and will probably be heard late in the morning. The full agenda can be accessed at: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/council/agendas.htm.

    Please submit testimony in advance and register to testify in person if you can come! We suggest that, in supporting the resolution, you encourage the partners involved to engage in a community-based process for finalizing the details of the settlement, and ask them to provide for long-term cultural and environmental preservation that also guarantees reasonable public access to the Valley.

    You can also email you testimony. Here are Council member email addresses and the email addresses for Council Services. Be sure to reference 06-017 and say your are in support.

    tapo@honolulu.gov
    dmdelacruz@honolulu.gov
    bmarshall@honolulu.gov
    cdjou@honolulu.gov
    akobayashi@honolulu.gov
    rtam@honolulu.gov
    rcachola@honolulu.gov
    gokino@honolulu.gov
    ngarcia@honolulu.gov

    ktakahashi@honolulu.gov
    bkmau@honolulu.gov
    ckumura@honolulu.gov


    The second required City Council hearing will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2006. When we have the agenda, we will post it.

    We hope and expect that the City Council will approve the settlement at both hearings. Your voice is needed to ensure that the Council continues its positive leadership to protect Waimea Valley!

    * * * * *

    Posted January 20, 2006: The Coalition Announces a "Community Briefing" on February 11 at Waimea Valley

    In an alert emailed to its supporters today, the Save Waimea Valley Coalition announced plans for a "Community Briefing" on the proposed settlement. The informal event will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Pavilion. Everyone is welcome. Watch this site for details.

    * * * * *

    Posted January 13, 2006: News Flash! New Settlement Announced

    On Friday, January 13, 2006, Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced that a new settlement had been reached in the pending condemnation action between the City and Attractions Hawaii, the prior owner of Waimea Valley. Soon, that settlement will be presented to the City Council for public hearings, where the public can testify, on dates to be announced. Please watch this site for annoucements about the Council hearings.

    According to the press release issued by the Court-appointed Mediator, Clyde Matsui, the new settlement involves a total price of $14 million. First Circuit Court Gary W.B. Chang approved the settlement, in principle, on Thursday January 12, 2006, thereby avoiding the imminent trial scheduled for February 13, 2006.

    The partners in the settlement and their contributions are:

    1) $3.5 million - United States Army Garrison Hawaii: represented by Colonel Howard J. Killian, Commander, and Joel Godfrey, Chief, Environmental Division. The Army's contribution was facilitated by the Trust of Public Land, Josh Stanbro, Hawaii Project Manager

    2) $2.9 million - the Office of Hawaiian Affairs: represented by Clyde Namu`o, Administrator, and Trustee Haunani Apoliona, Chairperson.

    3) $1.6 million - Governor Linda Lingle and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, represented by Peter Young, Director;

    4) $1.0 million - the National Audubon Society, represented by John Flicker, President, and Ken Kupchak, Hawaii Counsel.

    5) $5.1 million - City and County of Honolulu, represented by Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Corporation Counsel Donna Woo, and Special Counsel Merv Kotake of the Honolulu law firm Matusbara, Lee & Kotake.

    For detailed information on the settlement, please see the Mediator's Report, attached here.

    * * * * *