June 14, 2011
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
The intent of the redevelopment is to upgrade essential infrastructure and revitalize existing businesses in alignment with the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan and Hale'iwa Special District guidelines. The redevelopment would also enhance this highly visible and important community asset while continuing to support KS' educational mission.
Kamehameha's community consultation process began in 2007 and has involved discussions with community members including tenants, business owners, residents and surrounding land owners.
Based on community input, Kamehameha proposes a plan that improves pedestrian safety, mitigates traffic congestion and addresses aging buildings while maintaining the area's rural charm and historic plantation feel. In addition to creating new gathering spaces, the project will add more than 100 parking stalls and redirect traffic to the rear of the buildings, providing a more orderly traffic and pedestrian flow.
Kamehameha is committed to perpetuating local cultures and supporting local businesses. One of our top priorities is to provide space for Hawai'i-grown, Hawai'i-made products, and we especially want to encourage a broad range of products from the North Shore.
The planning process involves an environmental assessment (EA). The state Office of Environmental Quality Control has posted an online draft of the EA and is accepting written public comment until July 7, 2011. Your support of Kamehameha's plan would be greatly appreciated.
For instructions on how to submit written comment and to view the EA, visit: http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html
To view details of the KS North Shore plan, visit: www.ksbe.edu/nsplan
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
