According to research conducted by members of the Star Advertiser newspaper staff, contractors, developers and landowners who are directly affiliated with the new construction projects in Kakaako have donated a total of $680,000 to Governor Neil Abercrombie's campaigns over the last two years. The Star Advertiser notes that all the donations do comply with Hawaii's campaign regulations, but add that critics of the Kakaako redevelopment are concerned by how quickly the Hawaii Community Development Authority is approving the new projects. Four of the nine board members on the HCDA are also members of Abercrombie's Cabinet. The other five members were appointed by Governor Abercrombie.
Bill Kaneko, Abercrombie's campaign manager, defended the governor and stated, "Governor Abercrombie's goal is reducing urban sprawl, creating pedestrian-friendly open space and keeping the country country. Building responsibly in urban core areas like Kakaako is the way to do that. Under the Abercrombie administration, we have seen workforce and affordable housing increase substantially. These priorities are driven by the governor's vision and values for smart and sustainable growth. Those who support his vision support him. That has been true through 34 elections over 44 years, a record of campaign integrity by any measure."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-30-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
