Waimea Valley Coalition


Home News-Events Who We Are About Waimea Valley Join Here Donate Here Mahalo		News Gary Gill Departs, OHA Searching for New Executive Director of Hi`ipaka LLC (posted April 12, 2008) ************ Gary Gill Is New Project Manager for OHA's LLC Overseeing Waimea Valley (posted Sept. 29, 2007) Dear SWVC supporters: It has been awhile but as many of you have already probably heard – there are new and very positive developments at Waimea Valley! We have all waited many (many) months for the future of Waimea to become clearer and brighter. The sad news that the National Audubon Society and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) decided to part ways on management of the Valley, announced in January 2007, seemed like a big step back. But, the recent news is now not only good, but great for the future of Waimea! On Friday, September 28, 2007, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs appointed Gary Gill as the new project manager of OHA"s LLC that will own and manage Waimea Valley -- called Hi`ilei Aloha. For the full article, see: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/NEWS01/709290333. We are relieved and pleased that the Valley is in such good hands. Gary's long experience in public service, his personal connections to the North Shore, and his strong support of Waimea all bode well for a bright future for the Valley. Some of you who were at the fateful City Council hearing way back on December 7, 2005 will recall Gary's testimony to his former colleagues on the City Council. He admonished them to not think in the short term but to focus on the future. In the long run, he said, no one will remember if the City pays a bit more than originally anticipated for the valley, but people will remember that the City Council and all of the people in the room helped to save Waimea. Gary's testimony was one of many strong voices -- along with yours and many other leaders -- that helped change the fate of Waimea. Now, with Gary at the helm, working to guide's OHA's stewardship of the Valley, we can all breathe easier that the valley is in good hands. He will be giving a brief update on Tuesday, October 23 at the North Shore Neighborhood Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center at Alii Beach Park. Try to attend if you can. Keep in touch with Waimea and let's all help Gary, OHA, and our North Shore community succeed! Please forward this email to anyone who may share our interest in the welfare of Waimea Valley. Best wishes to all of you, Denise Antolini, Gerry Meade, and Kathleen Pahinui Coordinators, Save Waimea Valley Coalition ********** Waimea Valley Audubon Director Calls "Community Heritage Meeting" for July 10 (posted July 9, 2006) Waimea Valley Audubon Director Rona Rodenhurst and her staff have called a "Community Heritage" meeting for Monday, July 10, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Valley to discuss "the future of the restoration and interpretation of heritage resources in this ahupua'a." Everyone is encouraged to attend. ******** Celebrating OHA's New Ownership of Waimea Valley - Title Passes to OHA posted August 12, 2006 ******** Condemnation Action Final - Title to Waimea Valley Passes to OHA (Posted July 9, 2006) After all of the partners funds were put into escrow and a few legal glitches were overcome, the five-year-old condemnation action filed by the City is now finished. Last week, the legal title to Waimea Valley passed formally to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. OHA plans a rededication ceremony for the Valley in August. Negotiations between OHA and Audubon regarding the management lease are continuing, but an interm 90-day lease has been signed to continue current operations. Read the full article on the OHA web site for details: http://www.oha.org/... ******** New Director at Waimea Valley Audubon Center: Ms. Rona Rodenhurst (Posted May 14, 2006) The National Audubon Society has announced the appointment of Rona Dale Rosco Rodenhurst as the director of the Waimea Valley Audubon Center. She comes to the position with 19 years of experience working at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Read the North Shore News story for details. ******** Governor Lingle Thanks Coalition for Supporting Waimea Effort (Posted May 14, 2006) In her regular North Shore News column last week, Governor Linda Lingle wrote: "Aloha! I had the honor last month of joining with members of the Save Waimea Valley Coalition to sign into law the final funding for the acquisition of Waimea Valley. I appreciate all the Coalition has done through their grass-roots community efforts to gain support and awareness in a positive and collaborative way. The end result is something we can all be proud of, for it promises the preservation of one of our most treasured ahupua`a for future generations." For the full story, click here. ******** Posted April 25, 2006 -- Governor Lingle Signs "Act 15" Approving DLNR's $1.6m Contribution to Purchase Waimea On Monday, April 24, 2006, at a joyful signing ceremony at the State Capitol attended by the Waimea Valley partners and representatives from the Save Waimea Valley Coalition, Governor Linda Lingle signed "Act 15" into law. The Act approves HB2400, the bill that passed the Legislature just a few days ago, authorizing emergency funding of $1.6 million by DLNR toward the purchase of Waimea Valley. The Governor emphasized the importance of preserving Waimea Valley for the entire state. She immediately asked her Director of Budget and Finance to "cut the check." This is the last piece of funding needed to fall into place for the partners' purchase -- all of the other funds were deposited into escrow a few weeks ago. Now, the only remaining challenge is wrapping up negotiations, including the terms of a management lease. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Administrator Clyde Namu`o and DLNR Director Peter Young both indicated that negotiations would conclude "soon" and that all parties are pushing hard to conclude the deal. Haunani Apoliona, Chair of the OHA Board of Trustees, promised a celebration of the closing within a few months. Both Director Young and Governor Lingle thanked all of the partners to the negotiations, including the Audubon Society, the Trust for Public Land, the City and County of Honolulu, the Amy, and OHA. They also expressed special gratitude to Representative Michael Magaoay and the Save Waimea Valley Coalition for maintaining community pressure throughout the entire process. The Coalition representatives presented Governor Lingle and Director Young with signed photographs expressing their gratitude for the Administration's support. For the story and photos, see: [ http://www.hawaii.gov/gov - headlines See also the Honoluu Advertiser story: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060425/NEWS03/604250349/1007/NEWS The Star Bulletin story by Tara Godvin: http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/25/news/story08.html ******** April 11, 2006 -- Senate Passes HB2400 by 22-0 Floor Vote The State Senate voted 22-0 on the Floor to pass HB2400, which authorizes the State's contribution of $1.6m toward the purchase of Waimea Valley. For a complete history of this emergency appropriation, see: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB2400 ******** April 1, 2006 -- Senate Ways & Means Committee Approves HB2400 - DLNR's $1.6m Funding "The state's share of a $14 million court-mediated settlement aimed at protecting Waimea Valley from development has cleared one of its last hurdles in the Legislature before going to Gov. Linda Lingle for approval. . . . " For more of the article by B.J. Reyes in the Star Bulletin, see http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/01/news/story07.html ********** Posted March 22, 2006 - Senate WLA to Hear HB2400 this Thursday March 23 This Thursday, March 23, at 1:15 pm, the Senate Committe on Water, Land, and Agriculture (Chair Russell Kokobun, Vice Chair Gary Hooser) will be hearing HB2400 "making an emergency appropriation for Waimea Valley." This is the House bill, crossed over to the Senate, that provides the critical $1.6 million for DLNR's share of the partnership. This bill must survive WLA and WAM to get to conference with the matching SB2147 that is moving through the House. The last-minute notice for this hearing and some other rumblings prompt us to put this hearing on HIGH PRIORITY FOR YOUR SUPPORTIVE TESTIMONY. Please call the Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee members on Wednesday to express your support. Please email or fax in your testimony, if possible, by the end of the day on Wednesday March 22. We NEED TO SHOW BROAD AND STRONG SUPPORT for this last stage of the legislative process. Chair Kokubun: 586-6760 senkokubun@Capitol.hawaii.gov; Vice Chair Hooser: 586-6030 senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov; Other Committee Members: Senator J. Kalani English 587-7225 enenglish@Capitol.hawaii.gov; Senator Carol Fukunaga 586-6890 senfukunaga@Capitol.hawaii.gov; Senator Fred Hemmings 587-8388 senhemmings@Capitol.hawaii.gov The agenda for the meeting with instructions for submitting testimony is pasted in below and at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... To read a copy of the Coalition testimony, click here Thank you for your testimony - all you need is to write a few lines of support for HB2400 - one more time, your strong voices are needed! ********** Posted March 16, 2006 -- Senate Waimea Bill (SB3147 SD1) To Be Heard by House WLO Committee this Friday March 17, 2006 - Testimony Welcome On Friday, March 17, the House Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources (Chair Rep Ezra Kanoho/Vice Chair Brian Schatz) will be hearing SB 3147 SD1 for making a appropriation for Waimea Valley. This is another important vote on making sure the DLNR's $1.6m contribution actually happens. We encourage everyone to send in testimony in support of this bill. The agenda for the meeting is attached here with instructions for submitting testimony. To see the Coalition testimony, click here Thank you for your support. ******** Posted March 16, 2006 -- City Council Approves Final Waimea Settlement On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, the Honolulu City Council finally approved -- by a 5-0 vote -- the historic settlement of the Waimea Valley condemnation action. While negotiations over the details continue, this final vote confirms the City's contribution and acquisition of the public access and conservation agreeements, parallel to the easements to be obtained by DLNR. To read about the hearing, see these news articles: Honolulu Advertiser, Robbie Dingeman, "Council approves legal settelement designed to protect Waimea Valley" - http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060316/NEWS04/603160347/1008/NEWS Star-Bulletin, Crystal Kua, "Coucil approves Waimea settlement" - http://starbulletin.com/2006/03/16/news/story08.html ******** Posted March 12, 2006 -- Honolulu City Council - Final Vote On City's Contribution to Settlement On Wednesday, March 15, 2006, on the 10:00 am agenda, the City Council will consider two related resolutions: http://www4.honolulu.gov/... Reso. 06-017 Proposed FDI: http://www4.honolulu.gov/... The differences between 06-017 and the proposed FD1 are technical or legal wording changes (e.g., changing "title" to "fee simple title") that do not appear to affect the basic terms of the City's involvement. It is likely that 06-017 will be tabled and that 06017 FD1 will be the resolution that PASSES (unanimously, we hope). The key terms of the City's part of the "deal" are stated on pages 3-4 of FD1, and pasted in here FYI: [p 2] WHEREAS, under the terms of the settlement, the City will convey its fee-simple title to said real property to OHA which will thereafter convey back to the City a Conservation easement and a public access easement over and across said real property in perpetuity to preserve the property from future development and to provide for appropriate public access thereto; and [p 3] BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City and County of Honolulu that the Court-mediated settlement in City and County of Honolulu v. Attractions Hawaii, et al., Civil No. 01-1-3622-12, be approved and Resolution No. 01-151 and Resolution No. 02-1 61 be and are hereby amended to authorize the City and County of Honolulu to condemn the fee-simple title to the property for the sole purpose of ultimately acquiring a conservation easement and a public access easement over and across said real property in perpetuity to preserve the property from future development and to provide for appropriate public access thereto in accordance with the following steps: the contributing parties shall deposit their respective contributions into escrow. Subsequently, the court shall issue an order of condemnation of fee simple title to the property in favor of the City whereupon the City shall by Deed convey the property to OHA, who in turn shall execute and deliver a Deed of Conservation Easement and a Right of Entry and Grant of Public Access Easement in favor of the City; and . . . Please note that there are 12 bills that are up for first reading on the City Council agenda before the Waimea Resolution, so it is difficult to predict when this item will be heard. In addition, the Council has a 10:15 am agenda, so it looks as though they anticipate the 10 am agenda moving quickly. The full agenda can be accessed at: http://www4.honolulu.gov/... Please find attached a copy of the Coalition's testimony here. We encourage you to send in testimony in support and to register to testify in person if you are able to do so. We also anticipate full support for the resolution, therefore we suggest that any oral testimony be very short. City Council -- How to Testify: Persons wishing to speak on items listed on the calendar are requested to register by 10 a.m. in the interest of time management as follows: a. use the On-Line City Council Speaker Registration form available at http://www.honolulu.gov/...; b. send a fax to 527-6910 indicating your desire to speak, along with your name, phone number and subject matter; c. fill out the registration form in person; or d. call 523-4236. Written testimonies may also be faxed to 527-6910 or you may e-mail your testimony by going to http://www.honolulu.gov/council/agendas.htm for the e-mail contact; however, you are requested to register to speak if you wish to provide oral testimony. If submitted, written testimonies, including the testifier's address, e-mail address and phone number, may be posted by the City Clerk and available to the public on the City's DocuShare Website. *********** Posted March 12, 2006 -- House and Senate Bills - Crossed Over Last Week - Scheduled for Hearings Soon Crossover was last week, so the Waimea bills that approve the $1.6 million in funding for DLNR's contribution to the partnership are now moving as follows: HB2400 - the Administration bill originating in the House seeking "emergency" authority for the funding - passed out, crossed over, and is soon to be heard by Senate Water Land and Ag, and then Ways and Means. Thanks especially to Rep. Michael Magaoay for moving this issue forward in the House. To keep up on the status, use the capitol web site: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB2400 3/3/2006 H Transmitted to Senate. 3/7/2006 S Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 55). 3/7/2006 S Passed First Reading. 3/7/2006 S Deferred One Day 03-09-06. 3/9/2006 S Referred to WLA, WAM. The favorable report by Representative Kanoho's Water Land and Ocean Resources Committee passing the bill to Finance can be found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... The Finance Committee's favorable report is found at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... SB3147 SD1 - Senator Bunda's bill, as modified, that supports the $1.6m DLNR appropriation - passed out, crossed over, and is soon to be heard by the House Water Land and Ocean Resources, and then Finance. To keep up on the status, check: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=SB3147 3/7/2006 H Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 349) in amended form (SD 1). 3/9/2006 H Pass First Reading 3/9/2006 H Referred to WLO, FIN, referral sheet 27 The favorable report of the Senate Water Land and Agriculture Committee is at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... The favorable report of the Senate Ways and Means Committee is at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... *********** Posted March 2, 2006: Another North Shore News Cover Story "Waimea Valley's new partners proclaim a pono future" The March 1, 2006 issue of the North Shore News has a photo of Kupuna Aunty Betty Jenkins and the piko families who gathered together with the Save Waimea Valley Coalition, other community members, and the settlement partners for the February 11, 2006 "Community Conversation" in Waimea Valley. Editor Ron Valenciana writes: "The new partners of Waimea Valley met together in a solemn gathering with North Shore leaders and residents to announce their cooperation to lead the valley's future in the right direction (pono) on Saturday, February 11, 2006." For the rest of the article and an article on the event by Coalition Coordinator Kathleen Pahinui, click here. *********** Posted March 1, 2006: Final City Council Hearing Rescheduled Again - Now March 15, 2006 The City Council's final public meeting for approval of the settlement is now set for Wednesday, March 15. (This hearing had earlier been announced for February 15 and then bumped to March 1; this March 15 date should stick.) Stay tuned for details on how to submit testimony once the agenda is released. Negotiations on the settlement are continuing among all parties under the supervision of court-appointed mediator Clyde Matsui, with all parties working toward a court deadline of March 15 for final documents. *********** Posted February 28, 2006: Legislative Update - Waimea Bills Are Moving Swiftly Through House and Senate On the House side, HB2400 (supporting the $1.6 million of DLNR's contribution) was approved today by the House Finance Committee by unanimous vote. Mahalo to Representative Michael Magaoay and his staff for continuing to monitor and push this bill along. The Coalition submitted testimony and Coordinator Denise Antolini represented to the Coalition at the hearing. To read the testimony, click here. For a complete status report, see: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... On the Senate side, SB3147 passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on February 27 and is headed for a floor vote, like to take place on March 7. Then we expect this bill (introduced by Senator Robert Bunda) to be reconciled with the House version (Administration version) and passed out by the Legislature. For a status report on SB3147, see: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/... *********** Posted February 28, 2006: Board of Land and Natural Resources Approves Waimea Negotiations and Easements On Friday February 24, 2006, the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved by a 5-0 vote a staff recommendation to give Department Director Peter Young the authority to continue the Waimea negotiations. The Coalition submitted testimony in support of the items - you can read that testimony here. This vote was essential to giving Director Young the support he needed to follow through on finalizing the DLNR's easements for public access and conservation. The entirety of Waimea Valley is zoned State Conservation Land. A copy of DLNR's press release issued on December 7, 2006 is posted on the News Page. *********** February 11, 2006: First "Community Conversation" with Partners at Waimea Valley: A Wonderful Event! On Saturday, February 11, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Pavilion in Waimea Valley, the Save Waimea Valley Coalition held the first "Community Conversation" on the proposed settlement. The morning was a beautiful Waimea morning, with the warm sun following a blessing of light rain as the event began. All of the partners to the settlement were present -- including Mayor Mufi Hannemann, DLNR Director Peter Young, OHA Trustee and Chair Haunani Apoliona, Trustee Mossman, Trustee Stender, Trustee Machado, Trustee Dela Cruz, OHA Administrator Clyde Namu`o, Colonel Howard Killian, Alvin Char, and Joel Godfrey from the US Army Garrison-HI), Josh Stanbro (Trust for Public Land), National Audubon Society President John Flicker, former Waimea Audubon Center Director Diana King, George Lindsey (senior aid to Lt. Gov. Aiona), Rep. Mike Magaoay, Sen. Robert Bunda, Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Councilmembers Nestor Garcia and Rod Tam, City Customer Services Director Jeff Coelho, Deputy Director of Planning and Permitting David Tanoue, and Corporation Counsel Donna Woo -- and many others! Mahalo to all the partners and special guests for joining us for this important event. All of our guests generously shared their mana'o with the community. Most importantly, the community shared its many questions and comments with the partners. Please click here for a copy of the written questions asked by the participants. The Coalition has asked the parters to respond to the questions and will post the replies as soon as they are available. The conversation was productive, positive, and a great foundation for more exchange of information and views in the future. To see the program, click here: Final Program We hope that this web site can provide an ongoing forum for this conversation to continue. Special thanks to the kupuna of the Piko Group who so graciously opened and closed the program. Mahalo to everyone who made this event a big success! Click Here to See More Photos! Aunty Betty Jenkins, Aunty Kanani, and the Piko Group members enjoying closing song. *********** Posted February 8, 2006: Ka Wai Ola: OHA Newspaper Cover Story: "SAVED! OHA To Assume Ownership of Waimea Valley in Landmark Conservation Deal" In his article forthe February issue of Ka Wai Ola, Derrek Ferrar writes: "The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is set to assume ownership of O`ahu's Waimea Valley within the next few months under the terms of a court settlement that will permanently protect the stunning and historic valley, considered to be O`ahu's last intact ahupua`a." For the full article, see: http://www.oha.org/content.asp?ContentId=486 *********** Posted February 6, 2006: Hearing on House Bills for Waimea Set for Feb. 8 The House Committee on Water Land and Ocean Resources will be hearing two similar bills supporting the State's $1.6 million contribution to the purchase of Waimea Valley this Wednesday, February 8, on the 6:00 p.m. agenda. For the Hearing Notice, click here. The bills are: HB2400 -- Making an Emergency Appropriation for the Acquisition of Waimea Valley (submitted by the Governor and DLNR) HB2188 --Making an Appropriation for the Purchase of Waimea Valley (submitted by our Rep. Mike Magaoay and cosponsors) The Coalition has submitted testimony and asks you to support both bills by sending in short (1 page) testimony 24 hours prior - that is, 6 pm Tuesday, February 7: Fax to: 586-6501 (Sgt at Arms office) Email via Public Access Office: testimony@capitol.hawaii.gov (will be distributed via Public Access Room) Put at the top of your testimony: To: Chair Ezra Kanoho and Vice Chair Brian Schatz Committee on Water, Land and Ocean Resources Hearing on Feb. 8, 2006, 6:00 p.m. HB 2400 & HB2188 - Appropriations for Waimea Valley For more tips on how to submit testimony, see the Capitol's Public Access Room newsletter: I'd like to offer my testimony. http://www.hawaii.gov/lrb/par/pub/nl0305.pdf ************* Posted February 7, 2006: Hearing on Senate Bill 3147 (Bunda) Set for Feb. 10 Two Senate Committees will hear the Waimea Valley acquisition bill introduced by Senator Robert Bunda (SB 3147) this Friday, February 10, at 1:15 p.m. The Waimea bill is necessary to support the $1.6 million in funding through DLNR for the acquisition of the Valley. The hearing notice is posted below. Testimony is due 24 hours prior, so please submit by Thursday, Feb. 9, by 1:15 p.m. You can fax short testimony to the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Office at 586-6659 - see instructions below. Please keep your testimony supportive and short! The similar Administration bill to support the DLNR $1.6 on the Senate side is SB2363. When that is scheduled for hearing, we will let you know. *************** Posted February 5, 2006: North Shore News Cover Story: "SAVED!" The February 1, 2006 issue of the North Shore News says it all with a beautiful photo of Waimea Falls and a bold headline: "SAVED!" The story: "In an out of court settlement the future of Waimea Valley is no longer in the hands of potential developers. A consortium of government and public itnerest groups will purchase the Valley for $14 million. Mayor Hannemann said 'This historic agreement will allow us to preserve one of the most pristine and treasured ahupua`a' for future generations." Mahalo to Ron Valenciana, NSN Editor, for his coverage of Waimea! On page 10 of the issue, a group photo of the Save Waimea Valley Coalition gathering on January 15, 2006 and quotes from Coalition Coordinators Gerry Meade, Kathleen Pahinui, and Denise Antolini about the settlement. For a full report, see the Coalition's press release [bruce; insert PR Jan 14 here] On page 14, Rep. Michael Magaoay states in his regular column: "This session I have introduced a bill to provide the necessary funding to help procure Waimea Valley. I believe that this bill will help insure the State's financial responsibility in the purchase of our beloved valley. As most of you know, on Friday, January 13, the City Council reached a settlement that will take Waimea Valley out of the hands of the present private ownership and assure the preservation on this sacred land. Pursuant to the final approval of the proposed settlement, there are two required public meetings. The first one took place on January 25. The second one will take place on Wednesday, February 15. I encourage our community to remain vigilant on this issue until all of the participating parties have signed the agreed upon settlement. Please feel free to call my office if you have questions pertaining to the valley. Also, Save Waimea Valley Coalition will be holding a briefing for the community on Saturday, February 11 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon in the Valley. For more information on the briefing and the latest updates on Waimea Valley, you can check their website at www.waimeavalleycoalition.org" Mahalo Representative Magaoay for keeping the North Shore community informed! On page 28, a gracious letter to the editor from Trustee Rowena Akana: "Waimea Valley shows what can be accomplished if everyone works united toward a common goal." For the full letter, see the listings below. ************* January 28, 2006: OHA Trustee Rowena Akana's Letters to the Editor Supporting Waimea Valley In her Star-Bulletin Letter, "Waimea Valley Saved by United Effort," OHA Trustee Rowena Akan states: "Waimea Valley shows what can be accomplished if everyone works united towards a common goal. Those community members who testified before the City Council to save the valley should be proud of a job well done." Read the full text at: http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/28/editorial/letters.html Read the Honolulu Advertiser Letter at: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/24/op/FP601240315.html Mahalo Trustee Akana! *********** January 25, 2006: City Council Votes 8-0 To Give Preliminary Approval to New Settlement The City Council's first hearing on the new proposed settlement was held on Wednesday, January 25. Reso. 06-017 was "laid over" (approved and forwarded) until the February 11, 2006 hearing, when it should receive final approval. The resolution authorizes the City to obtain a conservation easement and a public access easement to the Valley in lieu of fee-simple interest for its contribution of $5.1 million (funds which the City already deposited with the Court in 2002). The full agenda can be accessed at: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/council/agendas.htm . For the Coalition's press release supporting the City's contributions to the new settlement, click here. *********** January 25, 2006: Waimea Bills Pass First Reading in House and Senate All four of the bills in the State Legislature to support the state contribution to Waimea Valley passed first reading in the House and Senate last week. Representative Mike Magaoay's Bill, HB 2188, has 21 co-sponsors, passed first reading on January 25, and is referred to WLO and FIN. Senator Bobby Bunda's Bill, SB 3147, passed first reading on January 27. The Administration bills also passed first reading on January 25. The Senate bill is referred to WLA and WAM. The House bill is referred to WLO and FIN. Stay tuned for alerts on how to testify or keep checking the Legislature's web site. *********** January 24, 2006: Star-Bulletin: "Waimea Valley Deal Guarantees Public Access" In her article, Crystal Kua reports on the then-pending January 25 City Council hearing to approve the Waimea settlement. "Easements ensuring public access while staving off future development will result from the city's $5.1 million "investment" in Waimea Valley. "These easements are really critical because they will restrict how the land can be used, and also they will ensure that the land is used for public purposes," said Denise Antolini, a University of Hawaii law professor and one of the coordinators of the Save Waimea Coalition." For the full article, go to: http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/24/news/story07.html *********** January 23, 2006: Governor Lingle Asks Legislature To Support Waimea Valley Purchase In her package to the State Legislature, Governor Linda Lingle asked for an emergency appropriation of $1.6 million for the acquisition of Waimea Valley. This would support the contribution committed by Department of Land and Natural Resources Director Peter Young to the newly proposed settlement. The administration bills are HB 2400 and SB 2363. You can track these bills and the bills introduced by Representative Michael Magaoay (HB 2188) and Senator Robert Bunda (SB 3147) on the http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov site (go to Bill Status and Docs). *********** January 20, 2006: The Coalition Announces a "Community Briefing" on February 11 at Waimea Valley In an alert emailed to its supporters today, the Save Waimea Valley Coalition announced plans for a "Community Briefing" on the proposed settlement. The informal event will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Pavilion. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served. Watch this site for details. *********** Posted January 20, 2006: City Council Schedules First Hearing on New Settlement The City Council's first hearing on the new proposed settlement will be held on Wednesday, January 25. Reso. 06-017 is on the morning agenda, starting at 10 a.m. and will probably be heard late in the morning. The full agenda can be accessed at: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/council/agendas.htm. Please submit testimony in advance and register to testify in person if you can come! We suggest that, in supporting the resolution, you encourage the partners involved to engage in a community-based process for finalizing the details of the settlement, and ask them to provide for long-term cultural and environmental preservation that also guarantees reasonable public access to the Valley. You can also email you testimony. Here are Council member email addresses and the email addresses for Council Services. Be sure to reference 06-017 and say your are in support. tapo@honolulu.gov dmdelacruz@honolulu.gov bmarshall@honolulu.gov cdjou@honolulu.gov akobayashi@honolulu.gov rtam@honolulu.gov rcachola@honolulu.gov gokino@honolulu.gov ngarcia@honolulu.gov ktakahashi@honolulu.gov bkmau@honolulu.gov ckumura@honolulu.gov The second required City Council hearing will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2006. When we have the agenda, we will post it. We hope and expect that the City Council will approve the settlement at both hearings. Your voice is needed to ensure that the Council continues its positive leadership to protect Waimea Valley! *********** Posted January 20, 2006: The Coalition Announces a "Community Briefing" on February 11 at Waimea Valley In an alert emailed to its supporters today, the Save Waimea Valley Coalition announced plans for a "Community Briefing" on the proposed settlement. The informal event will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Pavilion. Everyone is welcome. Watch this site for details. *********** January 18, 2006: Rep. Mike Magaoay's North Shore News Column Applauds Community for Waimea Valley "Feat" In his regular North Shore News column, Rep. Mike Magaoay first pointed to the 2005 Legislature's passage of the Legacy Lands Act that will guarantee the acquisition and preservation of valuable lands for future generations. He then added: "We can all take pride in being a part of this Act. However, it is the accomplishments of our community that provide the greatest sense of pride for me. Two such feats immediately come to mind: The first one was the vision to secure and preserve the 1100 acres of Pupukea Paumalu. Through the dedication and perserverance of members of our community, this vision is close to becoming a reality. Mahalo to the visionaries for their endeavors, and for never losing sight of their dream. The second one occurred on December 7, 2005, a day when the voices of our community resonated as one and could not be ignored. Yes, it was the power of your voices that breathed new life into our beloved Waimea Valley. You came, you spoke, and you were heard. Your strength and dedication helped convince the City Council to stand with you in your belief that Waimea Valley had always and should always belong to the people of Hawai`i. These amazing feats speak volumes about the people of our community. I am fortunate to have been born and raised in this little corner of paradise and am deeply honored to be serving as your state representative." Mahalo to Rep. Magaoay for your unwavering support! *********** January 18-24, 2006: Honolulu Weekly Notes Progress on Waimea Valley Honolulu Weekly columnist Chris Haire noted: "What's the difference between $20 million and $14 million? Ifyou said the apparent end to the fight over Waimea Valley, you're right. Last week, New York investor Christian Wolffer decided that he could give up his dream of building a housing in the valley, not to mention whatever the asking price for 1,575 acres of pristine North Shore land will get you on the real estate market these days, in a settlement to turn over the ahupua`a to the city of Honolulu. The lesson here -- never underestimate the power of public outrage, especially when it's combined with the power of the purse. City Council has yet to approve the measure, but according to the Magic 8-Ball, all 'signs point to yes.'" *********** January 18, 2006: Senator Fred Hemming's Opening Day Speech Points to Waimea Valley Effort In his opening remarks to the Legislature, Senator Fred Hemmings pointed to the effort to save Waimea Valley as an example of public-private partnerships that "provide public benefit at less cost." He commented: "It was the synergy created by a public/private partnership that will save Waimea Valley on Oahu." Mahalo Senator Hemmings for your strong support! *********** January 18, 2006: Senate President Robert Bunda's Opening Day Remarks Mention Waimea Valley Senate President Robert Bunda, who represents the North Shore, mentioned the importance of preserving Waimea Valley in his Opening Day Remarks to the State Legislture on January 18. Here is an excerpt: "To properly attend to the people's business, I said earlier that we needed to rise above petty politics. We also need to truly listen to what people are saying -- and to be receptive and responsive to those messages. The recent outcry over the move to subdivide Waimea Valley on the North Shore is a clear case in point. The community cried out against such a move, but more importantly, it mobilized an effort to save the valley. To do so, they enlisted the support of all levels of government along with the private sector to form a partnership that worked. It is an example of what can happen when people make the connection between what we do here and what is important to them." Mahalo Senator Bunda for supporting your community! *********** January 18, 2006: North Shore Outdoor Circle's Letter to Editor Supporting Settlement Read NSOC President Nancy John's Letter in Honolulu Advertiser here [upload]. Excerpt: "Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the State DLNR, the U.S. Army, the National Audubon Society, and the City and County of Honolulu are to be commended for working together to bring this agreement to a fair conclusion for all concerned." . . . "As a member of the coalition to 'Save Waimea,' I feel the people have truly come together to protect the ahupua`a in perpetuity." Thank you North Shore Outdoor Circle! *********** January 17, 2005: Advertiser Editorial Supports Settlement, Cautions Re Details Read the Editorial here *********** January 14, 2006: Gina Mangieri, KHON2 "Deal could save Waimea Valley from development" "Waimea Valley has been saved from development. The city and a group of state, army and nonprofit investors this evening announced an agreement to buy the land at a cost of $14 million. The agreement follows years of court wrangling since the city condemned the property." See the story at: http://khon.com/khon/display.cfm?storyID=10527&sid=1152 January 14, 2006: Denby Fawcett - KITV "OHA Faces Maintenance Costs" "WAIMEA, Oahu - An out of court settlement helped to save Waimea Valley from development. Now the new owner, the Office of Hawaii Affairs, faces millions of dollars in management and maintenance fees to keep the valley pristine. Many people on Oahu's North Shore say the price is worth it." For the full story, see: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10869331/from/RL.2/ *********** January 14, 2006: Crystal Kua & Leila Fujimori, Star-Bulletin: "Agreement Preserves Waimea for $14.1 million" "Waimea Valley will remain pristine open space after the city reached an agreement with a landowner to buy the land for $14 million. Under the deal announced yesterday, A consortium of government agencies and nonnprofits is buying Waimea Valley for $14 million and will keep it undeveloped. . . . ." Read the article at: http://starbulletin.com/2006/01/14/news/story02.html *********** Pacific Business News, "Waimea Valley Saved" (Jan. 14, 2006): "A complex deal to preserve Oahu's Waimea Valley is expected to close in the second quarter, following city council approval of it." . . . Read article at: More here... *********** Will Hoover, Honolulu Advertiser, "Waimea Valley Preserved" (Jan. 14, 2006): "A consortium of government agencies and nonprofits is buying Waimea Valley for $14 million and will keep it undeveloped. . . . ." Read the article at: Click here... *********** January 14, 2006: Coalition Gathering of Thanks On very short notice, over 30 members of the Save Waimea Valley Coalition held an informal gathering in the valley the afternoon of Saturday, January 14, 2006, to express their thanks for the new settlement, announced the day before by Mayor Hannemann, that seeks to preserve the entire ahupua`a of Waimea through a public-private partnership. For photos of the event, see the Who We Are page. *********** Posted January 13, 2006: News Flash! New Settlement Announced On Friday, January 13, 2006, Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced that a new settlement had been reached in the pending condemnation action between the City and Attractions Hawaii, the prior owner of Waimea Valley. Soon, that settlement will be presented to the City Council for public hearings, where the public can testify, on dates to be announced. Please watch this site for annoucements about the Council hearings. According to the press release issued by the Court-appointed Mediator, Clyde Matsui, the new settlement involves a total price of $14 million. First Circuit Court Gary W.B. Chang approved the settlement, in principle, on Thursday January 12, 2006, thereby avoiding the imminent trial scheduled for February 13, 2006. The partners in the settlement and their contributions are: 1) $3.5 million - United States Army Garrison Hawaii: represented by Colonel Howard J. Killian, Commander, and Joel Godfrey, Chief, Environmental Division. The Army's contribution was facilitated by the Trust of Public Land, Josh Stanbro, Hawaii Project Manager 2) $2.9 million - the Office of Hawaiian Affairs: represented by Clyde Namu`o, Administrator, and Trustee Haunani Apoliona, Chairperson. 3) $1.6 million - Governor Linda Lingle and the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, represented by Peter Young, Director; 4) $1.0 million - the National Audubon Society, represented by John Flicker, President, and Ken Kupchak, Hawaii Counsel. 5) $5.1 million - City and County of Honolulu, represented by Mayor Mufi Hannemann and Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Corporation Counsel Donna Woo, and Special Counsel Merv Kotake of the Honolulu law firm Matusbara, Lee & Kotake. For detailed information on the settlement, please see the Mediator's Report, attached here. *********** January 13, 2006: City Press Release: "Hannemann Praises Waimea Settlement" "Mayor Mufi Hannemann today hailed the out-of-court agreement that will allow a consortium of government and public interest groups to purchase Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore for $14 million. 'This historic agreement will allow us to preserve one of the most pristine and treasured ahupua‘a on Oahu for future generations,' said Hannemann. 'The community spoke with one voice about the need to preserve and protect Waimea, and we’re confident this agreement will allow us to do just that.'" For the full press release, click here. *********** January 13, 2006: National Audubon Society Press Release on Settlement In a January 13, 2006 press release, John Flicker, President of the National Audubon Society, "applauded a landmark settlement that will ensure the protection of Hawaii's Waimea Valley for future generations." He added: "This is an unprecedented public/private partnership, in which everybody came together in record time. I applaud the vision and commitment of our partners -- the City of Honolulu, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Trust for Public Land, and the Department of the Army. Their actions demonstrate, in no uncertain terms, that the voices of the North Shore and all Hawaiians have been heard loud and clear. "The National Audubon Society has operated the Waimea Valley Audubon Center, which introduces visitors to the rich heritage and wonders of Hawaiian resources, since 2003. Its programs provide an opportunity to learn about traditional Hawaiian culture as well as enjoy and study the unique flora and fauna of the Waimea Valley ecosystem. "The Waimea Valley Audubon Center is a place where kama`aina and visitors from around the globe can experience the cultural and natural history of this now permanently protected valley." Mahalo to John Flicker for his strong leadership in the settlement process and for National Audubon Society's numerous contributions to this effort! *********** KITV-4, Sources: City Reaches Deal For Waimea Valley (January 13, 2006): " HONOLULU -- The city has reached an agreement with the landowner of Waimea Valley, according to sources. Sources told KITV that the New York investor who owns the land has agreed to turn it over to the city and other organizations for about $14 million." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/6072648/detail.html *********** January 13, 2006: New Settlement Announced To Save Waimea Valley On January 13, 2006, the court-appointed Mediator Clyde Matsui annouced a new settlement that will save Waimea Valley from development and preserve it intact for future generations. Read the Mediator's Report here. Read the Coalition's press release here. See the News page for media reports. The final details of the settlement are expected to be finalized by March 2006 or no later than July 2006. ***********\ December 22, 2005, Community Celebration at Waimea Valley On December 22, 2005, community members gathered at the Pavilion in Waimea Valley to express their gratitude for the City Council's historic 9-0 vote in favor of full preservation of Waimea. Organized by Representative Mike Magaoay's office, the event gathered kupuna, keiki, residents, and other friends of Waimea Valley for an informal program, including hula and refreshments. Special thanks to all of the invited guests, especially Congressman Ed Case, Councilmember Donovan DelaCruz, Councilmember Barbara Marshall, Alvin Char, and Joshua Stanbro. Mahalo also to Waimea Falls Grill for providing the ono food, and to the National Audubon and the Waimea Valley Audubon Center Director and staff for their support of the event. *********** Ka Leo Staff, U.H. Ka Leo, "Save Waimea Valley" (Dec. 12, 2005): "The city council is to be commended for the unanimous decision last Wednesday against dividing Waimea Valley between the city and New York investor Christian Wolffer. This was an unexpected outcome after a preliminary vote came out 5-4 in favor of dividing the region. . . . " See full article at: http://www.kaleo.org/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/12/12/439e65182c0da *********** KITV-4, Mayor Hopes For Settlement Concerning Waimea Valley Land (Dec. 9, 2005): "HONOLULU -- Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he wants to keep the city out of court and work toward a mediated settlement to purchase Waimea Valley." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5497291/detail.html *********** Will Hoover & Robbie Dingeman, Honolulu Advertiser, "Waimea Valley Split Already a Done Deal?" (Dec. 7, 2005): "Indications yesterday were that the 5-4 preliminary City Council vote in favor of dividing Waimea Valley between the city and New York investor Christian Wolffer would stand as today's final decision." Read article at: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Dec/07/ln/FP512070349.html *********** Crystal Kua, Honolulu Star-Buletin, "Group Seeks More Time on Waimea Valley: The Audubon Society wants to delay today's City Council vote on a settlement for the scenic valley" (Dec. 7, 2005): "The National Audubon Society will ask the City Council to postpone a vote on Waimea Valley today so it can help put together a deal that would not include a housing development in the ecologically fragile area. . . . " Read the article at: http://starbulletin.com/2005/12/07/news/story05.html *********** Peter Young, Director, Department of Land and Natural Resourcs, Press Release: DLNR Lends Support to Protect Waimea Valley (Dec. 7, 2005): "HONOLULU- The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has offered to assist the City in the protection of Waimea Valley. "Waimea Valley needs to be protected, and we want to help,” said Chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources Peter Young. . . . " Read more at: http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/chair/pio/HtmlNR/05-N143.htm *********** KITV-4, Council Votes Unanimously Against Waimea Valley Development (Dec. 7, 2005): "HONOLULU -- The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday night unanimously rejected a proposal by a private landowner to subdivide Waimea Valley." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5489046/detail.html *********** Will Hoover, Honolulu Advertiser, "Waimea's Fate Nears Final Vote" (Dec. 5, 2005): "Any development in Waimea Valley — the possible outcome of continuing talks between the city and a private owner — would violate a master-plan agreement designed to preserve the area's unique character, North Shore residents say. . . . ." For the rest of the article, see: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Dec/05/ln/FP512050324.html *********** Catharine Lo, Honolulu Weekly, "Waimea Indivisible: Who Will Save The Valley?" (Nov. 30, 2005): "Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘Aina i ka pono. On Dec. 7, the City Council will convene to make a very difficult decision with regard to the future of Waimea Valley. They will consider whether to affirm their Nov. 21 vote (5–4) in favor of accepting a lawsuit settlement that would divide the ownership of Waimea Valley between the city and New York investor Christian Wolffer, who acquired the valley in 1996 by assuming then-owner Attractions Hawaii’s $12 million mortgage. As it’s been reported, the settlement would split the 1,875-acre valley thusly: 300 acres for the city; 1,575 acres for Wolffer with the option to build an eco-park on the city’s portion and divide his 1,575 acres into as many as eight parcels." Full article at: Click here... *********** Associated Press, KPUA AM 670, "Archaeologist Says Waimea Valley deal could be historic loss" (Nov. 25, 2005): "HONOLULU (AP) _ An archaeologist who recently authored an article on Waimea Valley says splitting ownership of the Oahu valley between the city and a private owner could mean the loss of island heritage sites." Read at: http://www.kpua.net/news.php?id=6883 *********** KITV-4, Council Votes In Secret On Waimea Valley Development (Nov. 22, 2005): "HONOLULU -- The Honolulu City Council met in closed session Monday and voted on whether development should be allowed at Waimea Valley. However, no one will reveal the outcome until a committee report is released." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5379434/detail.html *********** KITV-4, Groups Outraged With Offer To Develop At Waimea Valley (Nov. 17, 2005): "HONOLULU -- Waimea Valley is considered one of the last pristine valleys left on Oahu. Residents and Hawaiian cultural experts were outraged Wednesday when they found out the city is considering an offer to subdivide part of the valley for development." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5343654/detail.html *********** Robbie Dingeman, Honolulu Advertiser, "Waimea Valley Preservation at Issue" (Nov. 17, 2005): "The City Council yesterday discussed a settlement offer that would change the future of Waimea Valley, although it's not clear how because details of the proposal remain confidential. . . . . " Read more at: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Nov/17/ln/FP511170357.html *********** Crystal Kua, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, "Proposed Waimea Valley Settlement Draws Fire" (Nov. 17, 2005): "KUPUNA, environmentalists and North Shore residents opposed a settlement proposal before the City Council yesterday that could lead to part of Waimea Valley being subdivided for homes and a tourist ecological camp. "The whispers of the valley would be those who would weep," said "Aunty" Betty Jenkins, 77, who sits on the Waimea Valley Audubon Stewardship Board. "There's no doubt in my mind that we have an obligation to those generations before us to keep it whole." . . . Read the entire article at: http://starbulletin.com/2005/11/17/news/story09.html *********** Denby Fawcett, KITV-4, "OHA Faces Maintenance Costs for Waimea Valley" (Jan. 15, 2005): "WAIMEA, Oahu, Hawaii -- An out of court settlement helped to save Waimea Valley from development. Now the new owner, the Office of Hawaii Affairs, faces millions of dollars in management and maintenance fees to keep the valley pristine. . . . " For the rest of the story, see: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/6127627/detail.html?subid=10101241 *********** Aunty Kaula Chun, Carol Fukunaga, Tom Lenchenko, Steve Montgomery, Gathering Places, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, "Audubon Best Caretaker for Waimea Falls Park" (Mar. 6, 2003): "Audubon's proposed plan for Waimea Falls Park would combine the best of three worlds: the protection of island resources and culture; the provision of quality jobs and economic opportunity for our community; and the provision of a high-quality educational experience for visitors and residents alike. This is why we encourage the City and County of Honolulu to embark on the path proposed by both the Waimea Falls Park Community Master Plan and the National Audubon Society. . . . ." Read the article at: http://starbulletin.com/2003/03/06/editorial/gathering.html *********** KITV-4, City Takes Ownership Of Waimea Valley (Feb. 27, 2002): "HONOLULU -- The city took control of Waimea Valley Monday, according to the Stewards of Waimea Valley. The City Council approved $5.1 million last year to purchase the property." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/1274261/detail.html *********** KITV-4, Group Working To Buy Waimea Valley For Preservation (Dec. 7, 2000): "HONOLULU -- A deal is in the works for a private organization to purchase the entire 1,800 acre Waimea Valley and keep all of it as park and preservation area, a source told KITV. The National Audubon Society will officially make the offer at a City Council meeting Wednesday to purchase the entire valley, sources said." Full story at: http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5485657/detail.html *********** Bob Stauffer, Honolulu Weekly, "The Winds of Waimea: One of Hawai`i's True Treasure Is Waiting for Us To Act" (Sept. 27, 2000): "You will not soon forget a koa`a bird once you've seen one . . . . " For the rest of the article, see:** Click here...