Posted on: Thursday, February 21, 2002

Council takes Kahalu'u action

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

The City Council yesterday approved condemnation of three parcels of property in Kahalu'u to restore two families' street access to their driveways, which was ripped out on Christmas Eve by billionaire landowner Gensiro Kawamoto.

The council approved the move unanimously yesterday. City officials estimated the cost of acquiring the property at a token $30 or $10 per street because the properties have been used as city streets since the 1950s.

Kawamoto is preparing to build a home on his 130-acre hillside lot. Kawamoto's action cut off the access of longtime resident Cecilia Murakami, an 83-year-old woman who uses a walker to help her get around. That left her with the choice of crossing her neighbors' property or climbing over a four-foot wall.

It also cut off the driveway of her neighbors, Jeffery and Mercedes Schade.

The council action calls for extending Huna'ahi, Honekoa and 'Iu'iu streets. City Corporation Counsel David Arakawa said the city will quickly move for condemnation on the grounds that the action is needed to ensure safe traffic conditions in the Windward O'ahu neighborhood.