Letter: Housing order will usurp essential laws
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Future housing projects, including ones perhaps similar to the 42-story Ililani tower shown here rising in Kakaako, could have a lighter and quicker regulatory approval process under an emergency order recently issued by Gov. Josh Green.
Gov. Josh Green’s July 17 emergency proclamation should scare everyone (“Gov. Green’s emergency order is under scrutiny,” Star-Advertiser, July 26).
Although attempting to address a significant problem, it goes too far. It guts laws protecting our environmental, historical and cultural treasures. It suspends Sunshine Law provisions. A small “working group,” composed almost entirely of administration officials and individuals tied to developers, can approve projects that harm our environment and cultural resources — all behind closed doors.
The working group leader, appointed by the governor and not confirmed by the Legislature, can personally green-light developments that violate environmental and cultural preservation laws. The proclamation usurps the Legislature’s authority by diminishing the Land Use Commission’s powers, which the Legislature declined to do.
I was born and raised here and love Hawaii. I want our children to be able to stay here. Green has the best intentions. But the best person serving the highest purpose can make mistakes having terrible consequences. This proclamation is a mistake.
Jan Mitchell
Manoa
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