In 2012, the State transferred nine parcels of land in Kakaʻako Makai to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. This settlement was a result of the $200 million in back revenues that were owed to OHA.
Two rounds of community meetings were held throughout the pae ʻāina in 2012 and a Master Planning Process began in 2015 under the management of OHA’s Commercial Properties Division.
To update the community on OHA’s Kakaʻako Makai planning activities since 2015, the Commercial Properties Division reconnected with the community in May and June of this year. There were eight meetings held to date, and facilitated by the Hawaiian strategies firm, DTL, LLC., who was responsible for coordinating the community engagement efforts since 2015.
Highlights of the presentation included an overview of OHA’s preferred land use scenario, which utilizes existing entitlements, retains OHA’s ownership, and expedites the activation of various parcels. OHA will begin with a request for proposals for the development of Parcel A (old Fisherman’s Wharf lot). Other Kakaʻako Makai lots will be considered in the future. Each lot is expected to incorporate design themes such as Kīpuka, Hālauāola, and Kūlia ʻAnuʻu to honor the balance between old and new; provide sustenance for physical, spiritual and mental health; and a place to connect kānaka through Hawaiian culture and other inspirational features. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be conducted as part of the planning process.
The Kakaʻako Makai planning team of WCIT Architecture and PBR Hawaii was also in attendance to answer questions regarding the Master Plan and EIS which will look at the all the parcels under their current entitlements.
Next steps for the project include submitting final assessment reports to the EPA and applying for the Brownfield Grant to conduct cleanup. The draft EIS is targeted for completion by the fourth quarter of 2017, followed by the final EIS in the second half of 2018. OHA will begin preparing the RFP for the development of Parcel A concurrently with the EIS process and estimates that it will be released by end of the year.
To view the presentation and submit questions and comments, visit www.oha.org/kakaakomakai.
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