Privatization & Development Of Public Lands To Ignore Zoning & Land Use Laws
ilind.net - June 22, 2011
DBEDT director Richard Lim’s recent speech at a meeting of the Hawaii Economic Association spelled out his view that public lands represent a significant resource and opportunity for private development.
Now a bill signed into law by Governor Abercrombie provides muscle to move Lim’s vision towards reality.
Here’s what Lim had to say about development of public land.
"The State has vast land resources which currently represent a drain on the State’s coffers due to heavy maintenance costs. We cannot afford to pay for adequate upkeep so facilities are in disrepair and, consequently, become underutilized. Most residents don’t use them which often results in them attracting undesirable elements.
By engaging in public-private partnerships, we hope to turn this situation around. We will find private sector partners who are willing to make the requisite investments to renovate and revitalize our underutilized lands.
There are a number projects that can improve our infrastructure and provide improved facilities for the enjoyment of locals and tourists. And, partnering with the private sector minimizes the need for State funding or additional personnel.
Of course, there will always be the vocal minority that will object. Think of the Superferry. And, there have been other projects that have been derailed by well heeled NIMBY’s and special interests.
While I am all for protecting the environment, we need to strike a balance. We can do responsible and sustainable development."
SB1555 CD1, quietly signed into law by the governor on May 20 as Act 55, will create a potentially very powerful Public Land Development Corporation to implement Lim’s strategy for privatizing public resources.
Lim will sit on the 5-member board along with the director of Finance and the Land Board chairman.
Two additional members will be appointed by the House Speaker and Senate President, and those members must have “sufficient knowledge, experience, and proven expertise in small and large businesses within the development or recreation industries, banking, real estate, finance, promotion, marketing, or management.”
Conservation? Environment? Public interests? No seat at the table.
The new PLDC is charged with selecting land from the state inventory and promoting private development for projects that but are not “limited to office space; vehicular parking; commercial uses; hotel, residential, and timeshare uses; fueling facilities; storage and repair facilities; and seawater air conditioning plants.”
The PLDC is broadly empowered to guarantee loans for developers, issue bonds to finance projects, and take other steps to push for development. It looks like a piggy bank for private investors and developers.
