More than three decades ago, the city adopted a General Plan that designated a directed growth policy. The city and state set out to create a "second" or "new" city in West O'ahu, not just to provide new communities for the population but also as a means to ensure the protection of country areas in other parts of the island.

In the 1980s, studies on infrastructure and concurrency were completed, with initial studies focused on Central and 'Ewa plains. Outreach to landowners and developers identified the potential for residential and commercial developments emerging throughout 'Ewa, Waikele and the greater Mililani areas.

This early research was honed into the first 'Ewa Development Plan in the 1990s. At that time, extensive community outreach and discussion focused on the amount of development, its phasing, and the provision of public infrastructure in a timely manner. Additionally, it was recognized that certain lands must be protected for agriculture, realizing that the area was in the beginning phases of transition from mono-crop agriculture.

The development plan was prepared to direct and help shape the future communities in the 'Ewa plains, while creating transparency and certainty in determining land use and in the allocation of precious resources for the benefit of all.

Adopted by the city in 1997, the 'Ewa DP states that growth in the area will include community building — not project development — with communities designed to enhance residential, business, employment and recreational opportunities, to reduce automobile dependency, and to be connected via a network of greenways. To prevent urban sprawl, the 'Ewa DP establishes an Urban Growth Boundary.

The adopted urban growth boundary is a line. It identifies the areas planned for urban expansion in 'Ewa and Central O'ahu on one side of the line. At the same time, on the other side of the line, it identifies and protects lands mauka of H-1 and in Central O'ahu for agriculture and conservation.

As a result of the designated growth policy in the 'Ewa Development Plan considerable commercial, industrial, resort, residential, and government investment has occurred and will be ongoing over the next 20 years. This is part of the city's master plan to transform 'Ewa into Hawai'i's second-largest city and urban center. Current developments in the region include the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu campus, the completion of downtown Kapolei, the Salvation Army's Kroc Center, the proposed Ho'opili community, regional shopping centers, new roads, and new public and private schools.

New regional roads and highways, as well as the city's rail-transit system, were identified, planned and funded based on the adopted General Plan and 'Ewa Development Plan. Examples of these are North-South Road and its interchange with H-1, widening of Fort Barrette and Fort Weaver Roads, Kapolei Parkway, and other regional connector roads. The rail-transit system will provide additional transportation capacity and an alternative to private automobile travel.

We fully understand and appreciate the importance of preserving productive agricultural lands for agricultural use, but the policies of the General Plan and the 'Ewa DP have already provided for that need.

The importance of adhering to these plans is that it promotes transparency and predictability in approaching future developments. That predictability is important to those who live and work in local communities, to long term government investments, and to investors and developers. With predictability, investment in public and community facilities, such as schools, churches, and community centers starts to emerge.

The debate over individual projects should respect the integrity of long-term planning. The city's Development Plans and Sustainable Community Plans have already balanced the preservation of agriculture, conservation and open space lands with the need for residential, commercial and industrial lands for the long-term benefit of our residents and from an islandwide perspective.