Posted on: Thursday, May 24, 2001

City reaches compromise on Luana Hills Golf Course

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

Officials from the city and the Weinberg Foundation have forged a compromise that would allow the Luana Hills Golf Course to operate, but would also seek to limit development for the nearby agricultural area.

The struggle over the Mauna-wili golf course and lands near the foot of Mount Olomana stalled a key step in approving the city's construction budget for the upcoming year. That budget, also known as the capital improvement program, has increased to $581 million this year, up from $299 million last year.

The budget is scheduled for final approval May 30.

Council budget chairman Steve Holmes, who also represents that part of Windward O'ahu, has been pushing to include $8.1 million in the construction budget proposal to condemn the 190 acres that include the Maunawili golf course and clubhouse.

Another $4 million is already in the recently approved supplemental budget to buy another 900 undeveloped acres in the area.

Holmes favors purchasing the golf course and the land to preserve the area as green space and to provide access to those who hike the popular scenic trails. Hikers now get to the trails through a residential subdivision.

But other Council members oppose the plan, balking at a move to condemn it when the private landowner wants to run the course. Critics also question whether the city can afford to operate and maintain the hilly and difficult course as a public enterprise.

"I don't like to go into an area and displace a business ... that does not want to leave," said Councilman John DeSoto.

DeSoto said it's clear that Weinberg affiliate HRT Ltd. would have to return to the Council if it wanted to rezone the land to residential. Company officials have expressed a desire to keep the area "pristine" and not offer it for sale.

Under the compromise, the foundation would continue to keep and operate the golf course.

The city could then tap into the $8.1 million to negotiate with and pay the foundation for a conservation easement which would restrict or ban development in the area.

Councilman Romy Cachola said the idea of keeping $8.1 million more in the budget that could be used to purchase a conservation easement makes him note that Weinberg paid $12 million for all 1,084 acres last year.

Cachola said that meant Weinberg could be getting quite a deal. "They'll be having the golf course and club house for free," he said.

But Weinberg consultant Keith Kurahashi pointed out that the agreement would lock the company into certain uses for the land.

Councilman Duke Bainum, who supports the Luana purchase, had mixed feelings about the compromise. "This is a tremendous conservation opportunity that will benefit our community for hundreds of years to come."

Bainum said existing deed restrictions prevent any development on the property until 2006.

Jim Corcoran, of the Maunawili Community Association, testified that three community associations and the Kailua Neighborhood Board oppose development.

He said they are "somewhat fearful" that later on Weinberg may consider building houses on the property.