Preservation plan for part of North Shore advances
By Will Hoover
Advertiser North Shore Writer
Even though a bill to ensure state financing to save more than 1,000 acres of scenic North Shore land overlooking Sunset Beach and Pipeline from development failed to pass the just-concluded legislative session, those working to keep the property undeveloped remain upbeat.
"We are right on the cusp of reaching an awesome victory," said Blake McElheny, representing the North Shore Community Land Trust, which is part of a federal, state, local and private coalition trying to acquire the 1,129-acre Pupukea-Paumalu property.
The coalition also includes The Trust for Public Land, the state of Hawai'i and the City and County of Honolulu.
The landowner is asking $12 million for the property.
McElheny said although the House bill that would have appropriated that amount failed to win approval, it succeeded in drawing attention to the issue.
The important thing is that the Legislature did budget $1 million for the land, he said. That money, coupled with around $7 million in federal money earmarked for the project, plus $3 million Mayor Harris wants the city to contribute, would come to within $1 million of the total needed.
Rep. Michael Magaoay, D-46th (Kahuku, North Shore, Schofield), who introduced the bill to acquire the land, was optimistic about the prospects for the Pupukea-Paumalu project.
"What we did was put $1 million in House Bill 1800," said Magaoay. "So, that amount is guaranteed for this project. The door's not closed."
Magaoay said he believes the total amount can be raised before the next session.
He said overall he is happy about the outcome because his bill brought the matter to light.
"The public was made aware of the pristine area we have up in the North Shore that can be preserved," he said.
McElheny said the goal now is to get the property off the market as quickly as possible. He hopes the transaction can be closed this summer.
"We're trying to build on the momentum," he said. "And to make sure that the City Council continues to support this investment, because they've passed it through a couple of readings so far."
McElheny said the coalition is preparing for the City Council budget committee hearing on May 24, and the final budget vote on June 4. He urges those who favor the coalition's plan to contact their City Council representatives to let them know.
"For many years people have had this community vision of making agricultural, educational and recreational activities available for the public benefit," he said. "There was no clear path for how to achieve that. Now, with this property being put on the market and with interest from so many groups, it's amazing how so many things have lined up to make it happen."
At one time the Pupukea-Paumalu land was the proposed site for a 500-home development. Although that plan went nowhere, the coalition doesn't want to risk another developer acquiring the property.
"Like any free-market situation, you have to act quickly to take advantage of the opportunity so that someone else doesn't do it first," McElheny said.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set the direction of the North Shore ... for the benefit of the public."
Reach Will Hoover at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8038.
