Over 130 members of various nonprofit organizations joined together under the banner of "Save Our Kakaako" over the weekend to protest the proposed redevelopment of the neighborhood which they believe is proceeding unchecked. The biggest concern seems to be focused around two Office of Hawaiian Affairs-backed bills that would allow for residential development to occur on the Makai Kakaako parcels that are now owned by OHA. In 2006 a law was passed that prohibited projects on the ocean-facing side of Ala Moana Boulevard, but at that point the land was owned by the state and not the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Ron Iwami, the president of Friends of Kakaako, stated, "We want to keep the makai lands residential-free for all the people of Hawaii, including Native Hawaiians." Sharon Moriwaki, the president of Kakaako United, added, "This is a people's war. HCDA, the steward of this land, has sold us out. We have no chance. We have to get to our legislators."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 3-9-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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