Report Title:

Waterfront Master Plan Development; Board

 

Description:

Establishes a board to develop a master plan of the Honolulu waterfront from Aloha Tower to Kakaako.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

692

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the honolulu waterfront.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Honolulu waterfront, from Aloha Tower to Kakaako, is a special public asset that serves as the State's principal harbor and provides boundless opportunity for economic development, public enjoyment, and civil identity. Much planning and several major developments have already taken place in the waterfront area, albeit on an ad hoc nature. At present, different agencies handle the development of contiguous areas, which has resulted in a lack of any cohesive plan. By coordinating efforts, this prime waterfront location can be made more attractive and functional, and become a crown jewel in our State's waterfront areas.

The legislature further finds that the time is optimal for instituting a visionary but pragmatic planning process to review proposed projects and make recommendations for future development. Currently, there are plans for an underground parking lot for Irwin Park, and ample room and reason for development of a Smart Park in the Kakaako area as the nurturing ground for high technology industries whether in biotechnology, telecommunications, or various other combinations thereof. Before these new opportunities can prudently be considered, a cohesive assessment by all agencies of all projects and plans should be undertaken.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a Honolulu waterfront board to concert the efforts and jurisdictions of the department of transportation, Hawaii Community Development Authority, and Aloha Tower Development Corporation. The board shall develop a comprehensive and integrated vision for the future of the Honolulu waterfront in a master plan.

SECTION 2. There is established, for administrative purposes, under the department of business, economic development and tourism, a Honolulu waterfront board. The board shall consist of one representative from each registered business organization in the district, to be chosen by the respective organization and from the Hawaii Community Development Authority, Aloha Tower Development Corporation, the department of transportation, and the adjacent communities. Each agency shall appoint one member to the board. All members shall continue in office until their respective successors have been appointed. The board, by a majority vote, shall elect a chairperson from within its membership.

The board shall cooperatively develop a master plan for the Honolulu waterfront, from Aloha Tower to Kakaako, that assesses, coordinates, and prioritizes all pending, proposed, and envisioned projects for the area.

SECTION 3. The cost of the Honolulu waterfront master plan shall be borne by some or all of the three agencies.

SECTION 4. The board shall submit the Honolulu waterfront master plan to the legislature no later than June 30, 2002.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. This Act is repealed on June 30, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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