A planned project to build two homes near the entrance of a popular hiking trail in Aina Haina has stirred questions from some area residents who worry the project will lead to more construction.
Art Mori, past president and treasurer of the Aina Haina Community Association, said residents fear more homes will be built on 9.5 acres of land. He added that one of the proposals includes a project for all 9.5 acres.
"That’s a real red flag to us," he said.
Soil conditions, archaeological sites and access to the trail are other concerns raised by residents.
The community association will hold a 7 p.m. meeting today at the Aina Haina Park Pavilion to discuss the project by developer Jeff Stone to construct two two-story, single-family dwellings at 1055 and 1057 Hao St., near the trail head of Wailupe Loop Trail. Stone and officials from the city Department of Planning and Permitting were invited to attend.
Last month the Planning Department issued building and grading permits to Residences at Aina Haina LLC, which is owned by Stone.
Stone could not be reached for comment.
Jiro Sumada, acting planning director, said the property owner met all the requirements for the building and grading permits. "These permits are ministerial in nature. As long as they meet the requirements and codes for the city, we will issue a building permit," he said, adding they cannot deny a person’s use of his or her land as long as the rules are followed on the property.
Sumada said the department received a couple of calls from the community concerning possible archaeological sites on the land. The property, he said, has not been flagged or identified by the State Historic Preservation Division as having any archaeological sites. Sumada said he spoke with Administrator Pua Aiu to convey the community’s concerns and that the division recommended an archaeological survey be done. Sumada spoke with the developer Monday regarding the survey requirement.
The Planning Department also requested the property owner resubmit plans concerning the proposed fence, retaining wall and gate.
"They cannot block the trail," Sumada said.
Regarding soil stability issues, a soil engineering report conducted by a private contractor hired by the owner met the department’s satisfaction. The report stated there will be someone observing construction during the project. "If there are any measures to be taken to minimize and eliminate any soil conditions, that will be taken care of by the on-site inspector," he said.
Mori said soil stability concerns were raised because several homes in the area are sliding.
Mori also said they saw no mention of trail access in the plans. According to city records, the project involves a maximum 6-foot-high chain-link fence, a maximum 15-foot-high retaining wall, a 20-foot-wide driveway and an electric gate for vehicles.
Resident Nancie Voyce, who lives at the end of Hao Street with her husband, Don, said hundreds of people use the trail.
"There’s a concern that it will be blocked off," she said. Voyce, who has lived at her Hao Street home for almost 20 years, also worried about how more homes could affect the neighborhood’s drainage system.
