Haseko has been and continues to be a good neighbor to the residents of Ewa Beach.

Our relationship with the community is rooted in honor and respect for the rich cultural heritage of the Ewa region and a sincere desire to ensure it can thrive and prosper.

Assertions that we have not lived up to our commitment to nurture and support Ewa Beach are hurtful and a disservice to the residents of this close-knit community who have worked tirelessly in making Ewa Beach what it is today.

Since the early 1990s, Haseko has worked with Ewa Beach residents to enhance the community. Culture and history run deep through these lands, and since acquiring the project the company has sought ways to maintain the connection of the past while promoting a bright future.

To ensure a meaningful partnership, Haseko and the community formed the Ewa Beach Community Benefits Coordinating Committee in 1989. For nearly two years, the community shared ideas with Haseko and collectively came up with a benefits package that identified ways Haseko could contribute to the sociocultural environment, the area’s economy and ocean recreation.

In 1992 and 1993, community members and Haseko presented these ideas to the City Council. The final community benefits package included modifications by City Council members and is embodied in a unilateral agreement. Because of the community input, the agreement contains many unique benefits that are above that ordinarily required in agreements for other developments. This unilateral agreement, dated Nov. 29, 1993, is a legal document tied to land use approvals and development of the land. It remains in full effect today. Haseko has complied with legal requirements and regularly files status reports with the city.

Since the agreement was adopted, many have ensured that the community receives benefits in the time frame accorded by this agreement. Thus far, the requirements in the agreement have either been fulfilled or are in progress.

For example, the city is now reviewing construction plans for the remaining 18.75 acres of a 20-acre district park. (The city approved 1.25 acres from the original 20 acres for Seagull Schools to provide a child care facility.) It should be noted that although Haseko’s commitment under the unilateral agreement was to grade, grass and irrigate the park before dedicating it to the city, Haseko will also construct the first phase of improve- ments requested by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation so that the community will have facilities to enjoy immediately upon its dedication.

In addition, Haseko is honoring the $2 million commitment for a community trust fund. The Ewa Beach Community Fund, administered independently by the Hawaii Community Foundation, has been giving out grants to Ewa Beach organizations since 1996. Haseko has contributed more than $500,000 to the endowed fund. The remaining balance will be paid when a certificate of occupancy for the permanent golf clubhouse at Hoakalei Country Club is obtained.

Haseko’s relationship with the community is not confined to the unilateral agreement. Over the past 30 years, Haseko has made significant investments in area schools and provided financial support to numerous community organizations. We are committed to improving the quality of life for area residents and have also established two endowed funds to support the community in perpetuity.

Haseko’s decision to pursue a recreational waterfront/lagoon rather than a marina was not an easy one. While we understand that boaters are disappointed that they will not have public boat launching ramps or boat slips, the decision to move forward with a lagoon was based on time. We can develop a vibrant waterfront community within the next several years.

We believe there is a much larger public benefit with a recreational lagoon. Hawaii, Oahu and Ewa Beach will have a recreational resource that is unprecedented in Hawaii.

This, we believe, has a higher and larger benefit for our residents and future generations.

Tom Sagawa is president of Haseko.