Site for Nu'uanu center debated
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
Plans for a multipurpose center in Nu'uanu Valley are moving forward despite some opposition to the project and no specific site having been selected for the $1.6 million project.
The area vision team and many Nu'uanu Valley residents agree that a community center is needed for public meetings, senior recreation and for youth activities, but few can agree where it should go.
About 5,000 residents, of which 25 percent are senior citizens, live in Nu'uanu Valley, an area with no senior center, community center, public library or park recreation building.
The vision team has proposed to build a 6,000-square-foot multipurpose center that would include meeting rooms, office space, an arts and crafts room, a quiet room for lounging and a play room for children. Also planned is a space for police to file reports and some passive outdoor space for walking and sitting.
Ronald Awa, a city consultant on the project, has conducted public meetings in the past few months and is expected to complete a site selection study next month.
Site selection has been narrowed to three possible locations: Nu'uanu Valley Park, Nu'uanu Elementary School and a Board of Water Supply reservoir site above Pulelehua Way.
All three sites have their opponents, many of whom have written letters to the city to voice their concerns.
The Daughters of Hawai'i, the managers of the Queen Emma Summer Palace, is opposed to the Nu'uanu Valley Park site next to the palace because the park grounds "hold a significant place in Hawaiian history."
The Outdoor Circle opposes the park and reservoir sites as detrimental to preserving open space and trees.
Nu'uanu resident Dr. Bernard Fong prefers the park site, saying the elementary school is already busy and the reservoir site would force many elderly residents to cross busy Pali Highway.
But residents Gary and Terry Jennings prefer the reservoir site, saying the school and park are perfect as they are.
The city Planning Commission last month approved a city request to add a symbol to the public facilities map for a multipurpose facility without knowing the specific site, but agreed with the Daughters of Hawai'i and recommended that the project not be located at the park.
"There is no doubt there is controversy on this project," Awa said. "We've found that there have been supporters of each of the sites and opponents of each site. We are trying to do our best to sift though it."
At the planning commission hearing, resident Mike Ellis testified against the entire project, saying Nu'uanu is best left as is.
"I oppose any new construction of any type of building on all three locations," Ellis said at the hearing. "This is not a project supported by the vast majority of residents."
But Madeline Wong, who pointed out several other senior citizens attending in support of the project, said there is a great need for the facility.
Fred Lee, a retired Nu'uanu resident, testified that he no longer drives a car and getting to senior programs in other areas is difficult.
"Getting from Nu'uanu to other areas by bus requires several bus transfers," Lee said. "It is not easy. Nu'uanu seniors need a place close to home in the valley. It is long past due."
Money to plan the project is included in the city budget now before the City Council, and is expected to pass the final cut. The project requires an environmental assessment to be completed after the site is selected. Construction could begin next year.
Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.
