Kahuku Sugar Mill, 1890-1971

By the KVA Board of Directors

Aloha, the Directors of the Kahuku Village Association would like to update you about the history and the current projects, relating to the old plantation homes in Kahuku. It all began over 30 years ago, when the past plantation workers formed a non-profit association. They called it the Kahuku Village Association otherwise known as the KVA.

In a joint partnership, the City and County of Honolulu began working with KVA to provide affordable housing for the residents. The first three phases of the City development were completed mauka behind the Hospital. The fourth phase was stalled because it could not meet the Department of Planning and Permitting requirements for sub-division within a flood hazard district. This fourth phase, located adjacent to the Sugar Mill, consists of 177 lots of which over half have been committed to through a lottery held in 1980. These families are still patiently waiting and the KVA has been continually pursuing ways to alleviate the flood issues and provide affordable housing for the residents.

In 2004 KVA began meeting with Campbell Estate representatives requesting to purchase the remaining residential properties. These properties, known as Phase V, are located makai of the highway between Puuluana Street (Golf Course Road) and Malaekahana Stream. Unfortunately, Campbell Estate was not willing to subdivide their land, which included the Phase V properties, into smaller parcels for sale to the residents.

So in 2006 when they liquidated all of their assets, they sold most of their remaining properties in Kahuku in one large sheet to Continental Pacific (CP). The purchase included residential, commercial, and agricultural lands, including the hospital, golf course, beachfront, Adams Field, and ranch land. Continental then sold the Malaekahana Ranch Land, 400 acres of agriculture land (located behind the Catholic Church), commercial lands and a 4-acre parcel along Kamehameha Highway to four different local residents/developers.

A comprehensive plan which included the Phase V properties was developed between Continental Pacific (CP), the Mayor and representatives from Campbell Estate. The original plan was a master planned subdivision, processed under the provisions of HRS 201H for affordable housing. It consisted of 18 beach front Ag2 lots (to be sold at market rates to offset the development and flood mitigation costs and to subsidize the current tenants purchase of homes and lot for approximately $75,000), upgrades to the existing golf course, 12 agricultural lots, 65 in-fill residential lots, and affordable fee simple home ownership and rental units to the existing residents.

A Draft Environmental Assessment was published for the project and CP began preparing the Final Environmental Assessment. Based on adverse comments from the community the City requested a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). CP decided it was not in their best interests to continue forward with the extremely expensive EIS, so they put the original plan aside.

Instead, in the best interest of the residents, CP has moved forward by obtaining from the City recognition of the 72 existing residences as “non-conforming dwelling units”. Up until that time the Phase V homes were not formally entitled by the City to exist and could not obtain building permits for repairs or replacement. As “non-conforming dwelling units” the 72 homes were allowed to obtain permits for minor repairs (no more than 10% of the homes replacement value per year), but were still vulnerable to permanent loss: if at any time a home was more than 50% destroyed it could not be rebuilt.

In order to relieve these limitations and entitle the homes to be rebuilt, CP submitted two Existing Use Permit (EUP) applications, to the Department of Permitting and Planning, for the 72 Phase V residences. The Existing Use Permits have been approved by the City, with conditions. The EUPs entitle all 72 homes to exist and to obtain building permits for renovations or replacement.

CP is now actively working to address the EUP conditions, which include:

• Construction of all-weather surface driveways for emergency vehicles;
• Ensuring adequate water infrastructure for fire protection; and,
• Creation of 25 new in-fill house lots outside of the floodway, with access and utilities, for the relocation of residents living in the floodway.

This process will take approximately two years to complete and will include creation of CPR (condominium property regime) lots to divide the parcels for purchase or lease to the existing residents. CP is committed to making the purchase price for the existing tenants as affordable as possible. The purchase price will depend on the costs of improvements, including infrastructure and utilities, required by the City and State.

Kahuku Village Association’s Board of Directors, who was elected by the village residents to represent them, is supporting Continental Pacific in this process to obtain entitlements to secure affordable homeownership for the residents of Kahuku Village. Kahuku Village is using its resources in support of these efforts in the goal to keep it affordable for their tenants. Because of our current economic times and Continental Pacific’ financial commitments they do reserve the right to list the properties on the open market. They will however continue to pursue the entitlements to allow all the current residents to purchase or lease the property within the Phase V parcel.

The Kahuku Village Association in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and Continental Pacific needs your support to "Hoolaulima." Working together our efforts to complete the Phase IV and Phase V projects will help secure affordable housing and rental units for all of Kahuku’s residents. Our office is located within the Kahuku Community Center building off Kamehameha Highway. We welcome your questions or comments. We can be reached at kahukuvia001@hawaii.rr.com or call our office at 293-4488.

Mahalo Nui Loa.

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Biking and walking along the Koolauloa coast to go to school, work, or visit family and friends will soon become easier and safer. A 7,400-foot path linking Laie and Kahuku is planned for the mauka (inland) side of Kamehameha Highway in Malaekahana.

The land is owned by Hawaii Reserves, Inc. (HRI) of Laie. Pending permit approvals, the groundbreaking will be by summer’s end.

As part of Envision Laie, a community planning process for Laie, workshop participants expressed support for a network of bike paths and sidewalks connecting destinations within the community and keeping cars off the road. Laie is already pedestrian and bike-oriented.

“Our quality of life is getting a great boost with the Malaekahana bike path,” said Pane Meatoga, Laie Community Association president. “This Envision Laie project is an investment in our community’s safety and wellness, and it can help ease transportation concerns.”

“Our goal with the Malaekahana bike path is to begin creating a region where cycling and walking are made easy, safe and accessible for all ages – especially our school kids,” said R. Eric Beaver, president of HRI.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann praised the newly announced project. “This project complements the City’s Honolulu Bicycle Path Master Plan for bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, where biking becomes a viable and popular travel choice for students, commuters, families and visitors. It’s wonderful to see this kind of partnership between a private entity and the larger community to help improve the safety and health of residents.”

The meandering path, nearly a mile-and-a-half long, will be set back about 15 feet from the highway. It will run between the Kahawainui and Malaekahana bridges. The 8-foot-wide path is a collaboration between HRI, the Laie Community Association (LCA) and community residents. HRI will provide the land and materials; LCA, residents and local businesses will provide labor.

“It’s a community partnership project, and we invite residents, neighbors, family and friends to help out. The work will be a lot of fun and something we can all feel good about,” said Meatoga.

Neighbors in the Kahuku community are excited about the project, according to Ralph Makaiau, Kahuku Community Association president.“ We’re looking at helping out with the Malaekahana path and exploring ways to create something similar from Kahuku to the Turtle Bay area and beyond,” he said.

Envision Laie represents a diverse group of residents and stakeholders of Laie, Kahuku, Hauula and Koolauloa who are working together to study Laie and plan for its future possibilities, especially a future that protects quality of life and emphasizes the values of the people who live in the Koolauloa region. For more information, visit http://www.envisionlaie.com.

Miss Tahiti 2010 (second from right), Luçie Poehere
Hutihuti Wilson of Laie

By Scott Nagata

Luçie Poehere Hutihuti Wilson of Laie, Hawaii, became Miss Tahiti 2010 on June 25 in Papeete. It was the 50th anniversary of the pageant and has gone through many changes since its inception, the latest being last year when the pageant was purchased by investor Narii Faugerat.

Born and raised in Laie on the North Shore of Hawaii, this young woman has had a long history of pageantry, winning countless competitions as a young girl and later claiming titles in Hawaii and Las Vegas. She has been performing at the nearby Polynesian Cultural Center (also one of her main pageant sponsors) for most of her life and recently was the nightly featured soloist at the evening show Ha Breathe of Life. In addition, she belongs to the PCC's promotional team, representing the Center traveling throughout the country and trips to Asia and the South Pacific.

Luçie has excelled in academics and is majoring in International Business at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. She also completed a one-year business internship in Japan and is a 2007 recipient of the Fukunaga Foundation Scholarship. However, most have noticed how much she excels and stands out when she is performing. For example, her most recent Tahitian dance, or Ori Tahiti title was this past March at Heiva I Honolulu where she claimed the overall vahine title.

Lucie's parents, Christian Wilson and Patricia Hutihuti, have been ecstatic and extremely proud of her accomplishments. They have always encouraged her to build upon her abilities and strive to focus on enriching her own life, her family and those close to her.

Her younger sister, Kiana Wilson — an aspiring journalist at Kahuku High School and budding scientist, has spearheaded documenting Luçie's activities and set up a special Facebook page dedicated to keeping friends, relatives, and the media abreast of happenings. She also is a member of the PCC's promotional team. Kiana represented Hawaii in last year's International Science & Engineering Fair in Reno, Nevada, and competed in the Speech & Debate state finals this year for Kahuku High & Intermediate.

Miss Tahiti 2010 Pageant activities have been going on for several months, including preliminary pageants, interviews, photo shoots and rehearsals in Papeete and the surrounding areas. Twelve finalists competed at the culminating event that took place at Place Toata, the same location where Heiva i Tahiti takes place each year.

Luçie succeeds Puahinano Bonno, Miss Tahiti 2009, and will next represent Tahiti and French Polynesia at the Miss France 2011 competition in December. Tehani Hautea Maono of Moorea, was awarded first runner up, and Mehetia Hsiao, also of Moorea, was second runner up. The Miss Heiva 2010 title went to Poerani Taiarui, of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: As a sponsor and extended family, Black Pearl Designs would like to congratulate Luçie (Poehere). As a featured model for us through the years, we've watched her grow into a beautiful, confident young women and wish her only the best.]

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Scott is a former resident of Laie and Polynesian Cultural Center alumnus.]

— Photos courtesy of RFO Radio

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Kahuku High Athletic Director Joe Whitford recently gave Kaleo his final reports on 2010 spring sports as well as an assessment of the Red Raiders’ performance over the past school year.

Track and Field

”In track and field, our major spring sport, Zhane Santiago did really well. In the OIA East championships, she won six individual events, including the 100 meter hurdles, the 300 hurdles, the triple and long jumps, and she was on the 4x100 relay,” he said. “Then we ended up third in the state finals.”

In the HHSAA/Island Movers State Girls Track and Field Championships, held May 15 at Kamehameha, Santiago repeated several of her wins, taking the top titles in the 100m hurdles — setting a new state record of 14.71 seconds — and long jump. She also placed second in the triple jump and 800m hurdles.

Other Kahuku girls placing in the state meet included Nalia Tafua, fourth in discus; Joshlyn Noga, fourth, shot put; and Kayla Taulapapa and Alysha Cummings, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the long jump.

“Overall we took third behind Punahou, first, and Iolani, second. Punahou is especially tough: They won 10 out of 12 state titles this spring,” Whitford continued. “I wish we had a couple more girls like Zhane: She’s one of a kind, and she’s only a junior, so she’ll be back next year. She’s also a really good athlete in soccer."

Judo

Whitford noted that on May 8 the Kahuku boys took third in the HHSAA Judo Championships in the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawaii/Manoa campus, and the girls team tied for seventh place.

”Punahele Soriano won the state title in the 178-pound division,” Whitford said. “He doubled this year: He was also a state wrestling champion.”

Other Kahuku judoka included Gaston Carr, third, 162 pounds; Warren Mamizuka, fourth, 198 pounds; Jheryl Makaiau, third, 220 pounds; and Amber Ah Sue, second, 154 pounds. “Jheryl, who is also a state wrestling champion, is only a junior and will be back next school year,” Whitford added.

Girls water polo

Bolstered by three goals from junior Marissa Del Ray in overtime, the Lady Raiders won the OIA championship on May 1 by defeating Roosevelt, 12-11 bringing their season record to 13-1; and the team came in third in the HHSAA State championships, behind Punahou and Iolani. “They lost to Iolani in the semifinals, 9-8,” Whitford said. Penn Anderson of Kahuku was named to the State All-Tournament Team.

”Last year was the first time they didn’t win the OIA championship,” he added. “So, in seven years, we’ve won the OIA title six times. The girls are going to a camp in California next week., and five out of the seven starters will be coming back next year, so they’ll be pretty good.”

Boys volleyball

”Our boys didn’t do very well. They didn’t win one game all season,” Whitford said. He attributed this to some of the boys not coming out. “We had the same issue in basketball, so we have to come up with a strategy to encourage the kids, especially the upper classmen, when the coaches are counting on them.”

Girls softball

”The girls did really well, and made it to the playoffs,” Whitford said, noting the girls won their first game at that level, but were eliminated with a second-round loss.

”We’ve already decided we’re going to move down to the OIA White Division next school year, which is more even with their level of ability to play; we can’t compete in the Red Division.” He added another 15-16 girls are playing in a summer league. “That’s why we’re really optimistic about next year.”

Baseball

”We came in second in the OIA East,” he continued, “but lost to Kaimuki, 6-5, in the playoffs.” He added that Kaimuki ended up spending $3,000 going to the Big Island for the next round, where they lost 22-0 and were eliminated.

Tennis

Whitford reported that Josh Christensen was the only Kahuku player to go to states this year, “but he lost in the first round. He’s a junior, so he’ll be back next year and will hopefully do better.”

Golf

”We didn’t even make the playoffs,” Whitford said. “We have a relatively young team, so we should be better next year.”

Spring football

”It was only a 40-play scrimmage, and we didn’t go red against white this year; we just went offense against defense in spring football practice,” Whitford said.

”In August we’ll have the first inter-league game at home: St. Louis is coming out for the first-time for the past decade. Normally we go to the stadium,” he continued. “Then we travel to play Bingham, Utah, on September 11. They’re one of the better teams over there. We wanted to play Timpview, but we had to settle for the best team. Bingham will be good competition for us.”

He added Kahuku will also play Kaiser again this coming season, and Moanalua a couple of times. “Both teams were in the OIA White Division last year.”

The school year in sports

Whitford pointed out that while Kahuku athletes won individual championships, Red Raiders did not win any state titles this past school year. “We took second in girls wrestling — that’s the best we did this year; but I think overall, we’re still very competitive in many of the sports. We could do better, but it’s not as if we’re lagging behind. We’re still competitive, and next year’s going to be a very good year for us athletically. For example, we won the most state titles of any public school in the past decade.”

In other developments for the coming school year, Whitford said he just learned the school needs a new air riflery coach, “and we’re going to bring back bowling, which we took out last year because of budget cuts. Also, we won’t have JV tennis girls, but we do have varsity girls.

— Photos and video by Mike Foley

It all felt very friendly and familial: For example, to those who didn’t know, Mayor Hannemann has relatives on both his maternal and paternal sides who live in the Koolauloa area, such as the Soliai and Cravens families, Susan Kunz and Eric Beaver, and of course, his uncles Edwin Soliai and T. David Hannemann as well as others.

"When I grew up in Kalihi, Laie was my second home," the mayor explained. "My mom's family, the Soliais, lived out here. My father's family was also out here, so Laie was very much a part of my childhood; and as an adult, it certainly has taken on extra meaning, because now I'm in a position to help Laie grow the way that you want to grow."

Mayor Hannemann said his decision to run for the state's top office was "probably the worst-kept secret," but he stressed that he had "always been taught to take care of first things first, making sure that your family [or the City of Honolulu] is in a good position, and that's what I've been doing."

"I really believe the issues we face today are so critical, and one of the reasons I want to run for governor is to continue to pull together this community and move this place forward," he continued, listing education and the economy as the "two most important issues facing our state. The two go hand-in-hand, as far as I am concerned."

He said his education, preparation and "extensive executive experience…as the mayor of the twelfth largest city in the United States," where he oversees a multi-billion-dollar budget, qualifies him for the office. "I will bring that experience to the job, and also a collaborative style of leadership." On the latter point, Mayor Hannemann referred to his close work with the other three island mayors in Hawaii.

"As the next governor of the state, you're going to see unprecedented cooperation among the four counties of Hawaii," he said, adding the same sentiment about the state legislature and congressional delegation. "That's not to say that we're going to agree 100 percent on everything, but it's important for you to know that there will be less time bickering and more time…moving us forward."

Asked where he stands on the pending civil union legislation (HB444), the mayor replied, "The party that I belong to, the Democratic Party, as a whole supports House Bill 444. In many people's minds that's the wrong thing to do."

"Let me tell you where I stand: I believe in the home and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. I'll not only say this here, I'll say it in downtown Honolulu…and among my fellow Democrats [in their recent state convention]."

"It's a tough position to take," he continued. "My mom and dad always taught me, you do what is right, not what is popular. I also want you to know that I adhere to the teachings of the [Latter-day Saints] church that we abhor discrimination of people, regardless of their background, regardless of their orientation. That's what I believe in."

Consequently, Mayor Hannemann explained when people hear he is in support of legislation that bans discrimination against couples in areas of housing, employment and hospitalization rights, "don't be alarmed: As long as it doesn't cross that line that's tantamount to legalizing marriages, I feel that I need to do that. Mom and dad also raised me to not be prejudiced, to not discriminate and to treat people fairly." He added recent legislation in Utah "supports my same position."

Mayor Hannemann also said he uses principle-based management techniques in his adminstration, and "that I pray for every decision that I make… That's important for you to know. That's how I will lead the state."

On or before the July 20, 2010, Primary nomination deadline, Mayor Hannemann will officially resign his City and County of Honolulu office and begin campaigning fulltime.

A committee headed by Junior Ah You of Laie organized the event. Other committee members included his wife, Almira Ah You and son, Kingsley Ah You, Eric Beaver, Wendy Anae, Esther Crawford, Kanamu Tollefsen and others.

(Left-right) The mayor's brother, Nephi Hannemann, uncle
Edwin Soliai, Mayor Hannemann and Soliai relatives

— Photos and story by Mike Foley

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—Photos, video and montage by Mike Foley