Too much, too fast?

State House Majority Leader Scott Saiki, concerned that the Hawaii Community Development Authority has been unresponsive to public complaints about rapid development in Kaka­ako, wants to curtail the authority’s power.

Several high-rise condominium projects have been approved in Kaka­ako as private developers seize on the economic recovery and the market demand caused by Hono­lulu’s low real estate inventory. Gov. Neil Abercrombie and others hope Kaka­ako will help revitalize Hono­lulu’s urban core with the kind of mixed-use development envisioned when the authority was created in 1976.

But some in Kaka­ako complain that the HCDA has catered to developers at the expense of infrastructure, traffic and the ocean and mountain views of existing residents. Others cringe at luxury penthouses designed to lure wealthy mainland and foreign investors when high-rise units designated as affordable are priced out of reach of many residents.

Saiki (D, Downtown-Kakaako-McCully) acknowledged that HCDA is responding to market conditions that are favorable to development. "I think what’s happened is that along the way they have not adequately answered questions that have been raised by the public about the direction of Kaka­ako and the extent of the buildup in the area," he said.

Saiki has introduced a package of eight bills that would restrict the HCDA’s power, including a few intended to send a message that the authority is moving too fast. Bills that would repeal the HCDA, zero out the authority’s budget or impose a one-year moratorium on the approval of plans in Kaka­ako are signals that lawmakers are uncomfortable with the explosive growth.

Lawmakers might, however, move on bills that would restructure the HCDA’s board and reduce the governor’s discretion to appoint members. Lawmakers might also impose legislative oversight over the authority’s functions.

Saiki has proposed to enshrine building limits, infrastructure expectations and affordable-housing requirements into state law, which would restrict the HCDA’s ability to grant exceptions for developers. He has also proposed a contested-case process so individuals can challenge HCDA decisions and empower citizens to sue to enforce the authority’s rules.

"All of the issues that are raised in these bills have been brought to HCDA’s attention over the past year, and there was no movement or effort on the part of HCDA to address them," Saiki said.

Saiki’s legislative broadside against the HCDA also indirectly splatters on Abercrombie, who has been enthusiastic about Kaka­ako’s potential as a model for urban growth.

"I had hoped that the governor would have engaged in this over the past year, and he did not," Saiki said. "And that’s why we had to bring this to the Legislature."

Abercrombie said Kaka­ako had been neglected for 35 years. "That is no longer the case," the governor said in a statement. "The HCDA is revitalizing Hono­lulu’s urban core by providing more commercial and industrial space, as well as more housing, parks and other open spaces. HCDA’s vision is finally becoming a reality — one of creating vibrant communities in underutilized urban areas."

Anthony Ching, the HCDA’s executive director, said the authority has been responsive to public comments about development in Kaka­ako.

"I believe that we have tried to be very measured and inclusive in creating opportunities for the public to comment and register their opinions," he said. "And I believe that we have never turned away anybody or not offered individuals multiple opportunities and forums in which to express themselves.

"And we believe sincerely in that."

Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galu­te­ria (D, Kaka­ako-McCully-Waikiki), who has supported the redevelopment of Kaka­ako, said the HCDA may have to revisit some of its procedures to satisfy community concerns.

"Certainly there is a signal being sent from the Legislature," he said.