In 2005, Laumaka LLC purchased a 45-acre parcel of land in Nuuanu on the island of Oahu and planned to create a new subdivision named Dowsett Estates. The subdivision is designed to have a total of nine lots, with each lot allowed to have a total of two custom homes built on them. However, in recent months, Laumaka LLC has hit strong opposition from neighbors who are very concerned about the problems that are already occuring as Laumaka starts groundwork for the subdivision.
According to the residents of Nuuanu, there have been recent landslides and cracks to existing homes directly caused by the work that Laumaka is doing to prepare for the building of Dowsett Estates. According to city records, there have already been several violations noted by the Department of Planning and Permitting against the developer, but neighbors feel that little is being actually done by the city. Former president of the Nuuanu Valley Association, John Harrison, stated, “The community has lost a lot of faith in their government’s ability to look out for their interests. This project has already caused minor problems. Sooner or later it’s going to cause some massive problems.”
Director of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting, David Tanoue stated, “The Department of Planning and Permitting is aware of the concerns expressed by the neighbors of the project. The developer has submitted revised plans to correct the violations which are currently being reviewed by the department. Other than these violations, the department has determined that the work being performed is within the scope of the building plans. We will continue to monitor the work to ensure the health and safety of all the residents in the area.”
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-27-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
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