HAWAI`I SENATE VOTES TO DUMP PLDC
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 19, 2013
The Hawai`i state Senate has voted unanimously to get rid of the heavily criticized Public Land Development Corp.
The move comes after the state House passed a separate proposal last week abolishing the agency, which has been denounced for its broad power to develop public lands.
Despite the similar outcomes, Hawai`i senators avoided the fanfare that accompanied the House vote, when a number of representatives stood up to say the agency was a mistake. Rather, the Senate repeal sailed through without comment.
The bill creating the land agency originated in the Senate two years ago.
Although both chambers have affirmed proposals to get rid of the organization, the bills still have a long way to go before they can become law.
Both chambers must consider each other’s bills in committees and work toward a draft they both can agree upon. The Senate version of the repeal is similar to the House bill adopted last week, but the two aren’t exactly the same.
Unlike the House bill, the senators propose to keep some of the land agency’s personnel, including the executive director, by transferring them to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Since its creation, the agency has been a constant source of contention between the state and county leaders, who have condemned the agency for its ability to develop public lands without regard to local zoning or permitting laws.
The bill approved by the Senate originally started as a proposal to curtail urban sprawl, but it morphed into a repeal of the public land agency after being heard by the Senate committees on economic development and land.
Sen. David Ige, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, cited the agency’s excessive power in his report to the Senate president recommending that the agency be killed.
He said that repealing the law creating the agency is in the public’s best interest.
Showing posts with label Public Land Development Corp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Land Development Corp. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2013
HOUSE REPEALS PLDC - SENDS BILL TO SENATE
Honolulu Civil Beat - February 14, 2013
As expected, the Hawaii House of Representatives passed House Bill 1133 repealing the Public Land Development Corporation.
The vote was unanimous.
Rep. Cindy Evans, who oversaw a five-hour hearing on HB 1133 and other PLDC-related bills Saturday, said public opposition to the PLDC was overwhelming.
“Clearly, the way it was structured, the public came to a point of understanding that the authority we gave the corporation bypassed county plans and zoning laws,” she said. “The public felt it had no say in what was going to happen in their community.”
Noting that the bill that set up the PLDC was changed significantly with little notice during the legislative process two years ago, Rep. Cynthia Thielen described the repeal of Act 55 as “a victory for the people of Hawaii.”
Several lawmakers called the public reaction to the PLDC “a teachable moment.”
HB 1133 now goes to the Senate for consideration, where senators have been tinkering with their own version of PLDC-related bills. Read Civil Beat’s recent coverage of the legislation.
Honolulu Civil Beat - February 14, 2013
As expected, the Hawaii House of Representatives passed House Bill 1133 repealing the Public Land Development Corporation.
The vote was unanimous.
Rep. Cindy Evans, who oversaw a five-hour hearing on HB 1133 and other PLDC-related bills Saturday, said public opposition to the PLDC was overwhelming.
“Clearly, the way it was structured, the public came to a point of understanding that the authority we gave the corporation bypassed county plans and zoning laws,” she said. “The public felt it had no say in what was going to happen in their community.”
Noting that the bill that set up the PLDC was changed significantly with little notice during the legislative process two years ago, Rep. Cynthia Thielen described the repeal of Act 55 as “a victory for the people of Hawaii.”
Several lawmakers called the public reaction to the PLDC “a teachable moment.”
HB 1133 now goes to the Senate for consideration, where senators have been tinkering with their own version of PLDC-related bills. Read Civil Beat’s recent coverage of the legislation.
Monday, February 11, 2013
PLDC - MISGUIDED HANDOUT TO PROFITEERS MUST GO
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 10, 2013
A state agency established to streamline private development on public lands was widely decried Saturday as a misguided handout to profiteers.
At a five-hour hearing at the state Capitol, critics urged lawmakers to scrap the Public Land Development Corp., which was given broad exemptions from land use regulations as an incentive to attract private development on underused state property.
But public opposition has kept it from developing a single project since its creation in 2011.
The PLDC has been criticized as giving too much power to developers.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie has proposed a 21st-century schools initiative to develop underutilized public school land and a new development authority for harbors and parks, but those alternatives have been clouded by the PLDC.
Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser urged lawmakers to resist tinkering with the PLDC and repeal the law.
“Bad process, bad policy and bad politics have combined to make the perfect storm, and the only way to calm this storm, and to right the canoe — to right that canoe we’re always talking about — is to pass a complete and full repeal of the PLDC,” he said. “No morphing. No amending. No name changes.
“The public wants to know that our lawmakers listen to them. The public believes that the fix is in, and has little confidence in us or in the institutions in which we serve. Please, please pass a full and complete repeal today, and help restore the faith and confidence of the people of our state in their government.”
Mahina Martin, a Maui community leader, said neighbor island residents have had to struggle to have their voices heard by what she called an Oahu-centric PLDC board, despite the fact that much of the public land that could be developed is on the neighbor islands.
“Today, we are too far gone past the ‘Trust us, we’re going to fix it and amend it or adjust it,’ whatever you call it,” she said. “The level of patching and fixing required will give us legislation again that would be bad law.”
Abercrombie, who will consider a PLDC repeal but wants the Legislature to look closely at alternatives, said his 21st-century schools initiative was on the administration’s radar before the PLDC. The governor estimated that public school land from Hawaii Kai to Farrington High School in Kalihi alone could be assessed at more than $1 billion, and said that redevelopment could help generate money to modernize the state’s aging public school infrastructure.
“I’m hoping that we’re not going to start thinking about, ‘Let’s see, what kind of dangers can I foresee?’ and then focus on that as opposed to, ‘How can we have a positive outcome here that is entirely compatible with what is most likely to happen?’” he said.
Rep. Cindy Evans (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea-Halaula), chairwoman of the House Water and Land Committee, said lawmakers would hold committee votes Monday afternoon on the 21st-century schools, new harbors and parks authority, and PLDC-related bills.
She said lawmakers will likely support a PLDC repeal.
“I think at this point in time it’s looking pretty good that we’re going to have repeal,” Evans said. “I believe that our representatives represent their constituents. And I believe that they feel they have to represent their positions.
“So what I saw in terms of testimony that was coming from statewide, it was overwhelmingly ‘repeal.’”
Many of the same environmental, progressive and labor activists who stormed hearings last year on the PLDC’s administrative rules attended the hearing on Saturday. Lawmakers, expecting a large audience, held the hearing in the Capitol auditorium and staff set up a television in the hallway for an overflow crowd that never materialized.
Activists have successfully pressured lawmakers to frame the debate around a PLDC repeal, and as several warned, it will be difficult to discuss the Abercrombie administration’s 21st-century schools initiative or a new harbors and parks authority until the future of the PLDC is resolved.
“We don’t trust you after the Public Lands Development Corp.,” Hawaii County Councilwoman Margaret Wille told lawmakers. “And we need to look at these things holistically and have adult conversations, and not one that combines questions in a way that it looks like we’re opposed to education if we’re opposed to a certain privatization process.”
Sen. Malama Solomon (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea-North Hilo), chairwoman of the Senate Water and Land Committee, told senators earlier this month that she would not hear a PLDC repeal bill and would instead wait to see what emerges from the House. Senate leadership, however, has committed to addressing the PLDC if the House decides not to move a repeal bill.
Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Wheeler-Wahiawa-Schofield), who, with Solomon, was behind the PLDC as a concept that could help raise revenue for the state, wants to prove that much of the opposition to the PLDC is driven by politics and not public policy.
Dela Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Economic Development, Government Operations and Housing Committee, has scheduled a joint hearing with Solomon’s committee Monday afternoon on a bill that would not only repeal the regulatory exemptions for the PLDC, but exemptions that had been previously granted for the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Agribusiness Development Corp., the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and other state agencies.
The two senators have also dusted off the “recreational renaissance” legislation that was proposed by Sen. Laura Thielen (D, Hawaii Kai-Waimanalo-Kailua) when she was director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources during the Lingle administration. The proposal involved, among other items, the development of state land to generate revenue.
Thielen has been among those calling for a PLDC repeal.
“We need to review exemptions as a policy issue which is much, much larger than the development corporation,” Dela Cruz said in an email. “Authorities, corporations and exemptions were established over the years to be more responsive and proactive. That seems to be the preferred route instead of structuring government. Are they working? We need to hear from the agencies.
“The renaissance program was an earlier attempt to create revenue to pay for operations and maintenance. These earlier approaches also should be revisited. We need alternatives to raising taxes and fees that also help create jobs.”
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - February 10, 2013
A state agency established to streamline private development on public lands was widely decried Saturday as a misguided handout to profiteers.
At a five-hour hearing at the state Capitol, critics urged lawmakers to scrap the Public Land Development Corp., which was given broad exemptions from land use regulations as an incentive to attract private development on underused state property.
But public opposition has kept it from developing a single project since its creation in 2011.
The PLDC has been criticized as giving too much power to developers.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie has proposed a 21st-century schools initiative to develop underutilized public school land and a new development authority for harbors and parks, but those alternatives have been clouded by the PLDC.
Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser urged lawmakers to resist tinkering with the PLDC and repeal the law.
“Bad process, bad policy and bad politics have combined to make the perfect storm, and the only way to calm this storm, and to right the canoe — to right that canoe we’re always talking about — is to pass a complete and full repeal of the PLDC,” he said. “No morphing. No amending. No name changes.
“The public wants to know that our lawmakers listen to them. The public believes that the fix is in, and has little confidence in us or in the institutions in which we serve. Please, please pass a full and complete repeal today, and help restore the faith and confidence of the people of our state in their government.”
Mahina Martin, a Maui community leader, said neighbor island residents have had to struggle to have their voices heard by what she called an Oahu-centric PLDC board, despite the fact that much of the public land that could be developed is on the neighbor islands.
“Today, we are too far gone past the ‘Trust us, we’re going to fix it and amend it or adjust it,’ whatever you call it,” she said. “The level of patching and fixing required will give us legislation again that would be bad law.”
Abercrombie, who will consider a PLDC repeal but wants the Legislature to look closely at alternatives, said his 21st-century schools initiative was on the administration’s radar before the PLDC. The governor estimated that public school land from Hawaii Kai to Farrington High School in Kalihi alone could be assessed at more than $1 billion, and said that redevelopment could help generate money to modernize the state’s aging public school infrastructure.
“I’m hoping that we’re not going to start thinking about, ‘Let’s see, what kind of dangers can I foresee?’ and then focus on that as opposed to, ‘How can we have a positive outcome here that is entirely compatible with what is most likely to happen?’” he said.
Rep. Cindy Evans (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea-Halaula), chairwoman of the House Water and Land Committee, said lawmakers would hold committee votes Monday afternoon on the 21st-century schools, new harbors and parks authority, and PLDC-related bills.
She said lawmakers will likely support a PLDC repeal.
“I think at this point in time it’s looking pretty good that we’re going to have repeal,” Evans said. “I believe that our representatives represent their constituents. And I believe that they feel they have to represent their positions.
“So what I saw in terms of testimony that was coming from statewide, it was overwhelmingly ‘repeal.’”
Many of the same environmental, progressive and labor activists who stormed hearings last year on the PLDC’s administrative rules attended the hearing on Saturday. Lawmakers, expecting a large audience, held the hearing in the Capitol auditorium and staff set up a television in the hallway for an overflow crowd that never materialized.
Activists have successfully pressured lawmakers to frame the debate around a PLDC repeal, and as several warned, it will be difficult to discuss the Abercrombie administration’s 21st-century schools initiative or a new harbors and parks authority until the future of the PLDC is resolved.
“We don’t trust you after the Public Lands Development Corp.,” Hawaii County Councilwoman Margaret Wille told lawmakers. “And we need to look at these things holistically and have adult conversations, and not one that combines questions in a way that it looks like we’re opposed to education if we’re opposed to a certain privatization process.”
Sen. Malama Solomon (D, Kaupulehu-Waimea-North Hilo), chairwoman of the Senate Water and Land Committee, told senators earlier this month that she would not hear a PLDC repeal bill and would instead wait to see what emerges from the House. Senate leadership, however, has committed to addressing the PLDC if the House decides not to move a repeal bill.
Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Wheeler-Wahiawa-Schofield), who, with Solomon, was behind the PLDC as a concept that could help raise revenue for the state, wants to prove that much of the opposition to the PLDC is driven by politics and not public policy.
Dela Cruz, the chairman of the Senate Economic Development, Government Operations and Housing Committee, has scheduled a joint hearing with Solomon’s committee Monday afternoon on a bill that would not only repeal the regulatory exemptions for the PLDC, but exemptions that had been previously granted for the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Agribusiness Development Corp., the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and other state agencies.
The two senators have also dusted off the “recreational renaissance” legislation that was proposed by Sen. Laura Thielen (D, Hawaii Kai-Waimanalo-Kailua) when she was director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources during the Lingle administration. The proposal involved, among other items, the development of state land to generate revenue.
Thielen has been among those calling for a PLDC repeal.
“We need to review exemptions as a policy issue which is much, much larger than the development corporation,” Dela Cruz said in an email. “Authorities, corporations and exemptions were established over the years to be more responsive and proactive. That seems to be the preferred route instead of structuring government. Are they working? We need to hear from the agencies.
“The renaissance program was an earlier attempt to create revenue to pay for operations and maintenance. These earlier approaches also should be revisited. We need alternatives to raising taxes and fees that also help create jobs.”
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"NOT MISLED, BUT DEAD"
The Oppositionʻs Widespread Because Everyone Wants The PLDC Dead, But Instead Hawai`iʻs Politicians Have Simply Misled.
Itʻll Be The Same, But Just Under A Different Name.
So Now Itʻs Up To You To Not Believe Their Lies Or Buy This Disguise.
Watch This To Learn How You Can Let Them Know Their PLDC Schemes Are A No-Go.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"NOT MISLED, BUT DEAD"
The Oppositionʻs Widespread Because Everyone Wants The PLDC Dead, But Instead Hawai`iʻs Politicians Have Simply Misled.
Itʻll Be The Same, But Just Under A Different Name.
So Now Itʻs Up To You To Not Believe Their Lies Or Buy This Disguise.
Watch This To Learn How You Can Let Them Know Their PLDC Schemes Are A No-Go.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"PRESSURE ON TILL ITʻS GONE"
Thereʻs No Doubt Everybody Wants The PLDC Out.
Yet Would You Believe Some Want It Concealed In Yet Another Dirty Deal?
Itʻs Time To Stay Awake Because Thereʻs Much At Stake.
With The Feeling So Widespread, Watch This & See How You Can Make Sure Itʻs Dead.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"PRESSURE ON TILL ITʻS GONE"
Thereʻs No Doubt Everybody Wants The PLDC Out.
Yet Would You Believe Some Want It Concealed In Yet Another Dirty Deal?
Itʻs Time To Stay Awake Because Thereʻs Much At Stake.
With The Feeling So Widespread, Watch This & See How You Can Make Sure Itʻs Dead.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
PLDC - ABOLISH & START OVER
Honolulu Star Advertiser - December 12, 2012
By Jon K. Osorio
Governor Neil Abercrombie and House Speaker Calvin Say have wisely said that they will consider a repeal of the Public Land Development Corp.
Say has tried to defend his approval of a waiver that gave the public less than two hours notice for a public hearing on the bill that established the PLDC ("PLDC bill hearing waiver was not unprecedented or premeditated," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 29).
He also said he does "not believe that the PLDC would abuse the exemption authority."
The reality, however, is that government does not operate on personal beliefs. There is no mechanism in the PLDC law to ensure it upholds its constitutional obligation to protect the public's interests,
The public response that originally Abercrombie described as "hysteria" was actually a widely diverse resistance coming from environmentalists, farmers, labor unions, Hawaiian sovereignty and independence groups, schools, counties and individuals — all united against a law that would have allowed a small group of individuals to spur the commercial development of public lands, including the "ceded lands," without input and opposition from the public or following the state's own land-use, zoning or construction laws.
Here is the reality - Better management of state-controlled lands is a necessity. Hawai`i has incredibly rich resources, many of which — like fisheries and agricultural lands — have been wasted or hustled into development because it provides short-term jobs and revenues for the state.
For example, sacred lands have been leased to the university for multimillion-dollar telescopes on Mauna Kea for $1 a year, without considering the environmental costs and the insult to Native Hawaiian cultural beliefs.
Yet, Hawaii's resources are part of a "public trust," originally created by the Hawaiian monarchy and adopted in the state Constitution.
The government is mandated to properly manage and balance the use of these lands, in conjunction with the people.
Management requires intelligent consultation that is not simply a wholesale genuflecting to business and commercial interest.
Proper management must include input from cultural practitioners, farmers, fishermen, environmentalists, labor, business people, educators, planners — a wide body of the community that can help the government make balanced decisions about our special places in the context of future use of Hawai`i's lands.
And all of this must be done with the recognition that Hawaiian political claims to these lands could result in a profound change to that management.
Handing the storehouse keys to developers and real estate agents will not ensure prosperity. Wider consultation and participation is a far better alternative.
Repeal the PLDC and start over.
Honolulu Star Advertiser - December 12, 2012
By Jon K. Osorio
Governor Neil Abercrombie and House Speaker Calvin Say have wisely said that they will consider a repeal of the Public Land Development Corp.
Say has tried to defend his approval of a waiver that gave the public less than two hours notice for a public hearing on the bill that established the PLDC ("PLDC bill hearing waiver was not unprecedented or premeditated," Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 29).
He also said he does "not believe that the PLDC would abuse the exemption authority."
The reality, however, is that government does not operate on personal beliefs. There is no mechanism in the PLDC law to ensure it upholds its constitutional obligation to protect the public's interests,
The public response that originally Abercrombie described as "hysteria" was actually a widely diverse resistance coming from environmentalists, farmers, labor unions, Hawaiian sovereignty and independence groups, schools, counties and individuals — all united against a law that would have allowed a small group of individuals to spur the commercial development of public lands, including the "ceded lands," without input and opposition from the public or following the state's own land-use, zoning or construction laws.
Here is the reality - Better management of state-controlled lands is a necessity. Hawai`i has incredibly rich resources, many of which — like fisheries and agricultural lands — have been wasted or hustled into development because it provides short-term jobs and revenues for the state.
For example, sacred lands have been leased to the university for multimillion-dollar telescopes on Mauna Kea for $1 a year, without considering the environmental costs and the insult to Native Hawaiian cultural beliefs.
Yet, Hawaii's resources are part of a "public trust," originally created by the Hawaiian monarchy and adopted in the state Constitution.
The government is mandated to properly manage and balance the use of these lands, in conjunction with the people.
Management requires intelligent consultation that is not simply a wholesale genuflecting to business and commercial interest.
Proper management must include input from cultural practitioners, farmers, fishermen, environmentalists, labor, business people, educators, planners — a wide body of the community that can help the government make balanced decisions about our special places in the context of future use of Hawai`i's lands.
And all of this must be done with the recognition that Hawaiian political claims to these lands could result in a profound change to that management.
Handing the storehouse keys to developers and real estate agents will not ensure prosperity. Wider consultation and participation is a far better alternative.
Repeal the PLDC and start over.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"SUSPECTED TO BE CONNECTED"
Itʻs No Myth This Is What They Want To End Up With.
Connect The Dots & Youʻll Understand A Lot.
Itʻs Presently Shrouded In A Cloud, But Weʻre Talking Looters, Not Computers.
So Watch This & See Why They Want To Find A Way To Make This Pay.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"SUSPECTED TO BE CONNECTED"
Itʻs No Myth This Is What They Want To End Up With.
Connect The Dots & Youʻll Understand A Lot.
Itʻs Presently Shrouded In A Cloud, But Weʻre Talking Looters, Not Computers.
So Watch This & See Why They Want To Find A Way To Make This Pay.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
PLDC CREATION A SLAP IN THE FACE
By Gary Hooser
The Public Land Development Corp. (PLDC) was created by the Legislature in a manner that at best was unprincipled and at worst corrupt and illegal.
Those responsible owe the people of our state first an apology and then a complete repeal.
Senate Bill 1555, which became Act 55 and created the PLDC, was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 26, 2011. Initially, while establishing a quasi-independent development corporation intended to maximize the development and revenue generation of public lands, SB1555 did not contain broad exemptions from land-use laws. Also, when first introduced, the original PLDC board included full neighbor-island representation.
As if by design, on March 18, 2011, after sailing through the Senate with only minor amendments and no controversy, the House Water, Land and Ocean Resources Committee (http://tinyurl.com/ dyg32jn) inserted the exemption provisions and stripped away neighbor- island representation on the PLDC board.
The only opportunity for public input in response to these critical amendments was on April 7, 2011, in the House Finance Committee(http://tinyurl.com/d4ujr97). It was here that Finance Chairman Marcus Oshiro, with the approval of Speaker of the House Calvin Say, waived the normal 48-hour public notice rule and gave Hawaii residents only 115 minutes public notice to offer their mana‘o on a measure that could dramatically accelerate the development of public lands statewide.
These two maneuvers, executed quite deftly by the House, enabled the measure to reach the all-important joint conference committee without incurring any serious public scrutiny.
Once in "conference" where public testimony is not allowed, the final work on the establishment of the PLDC was a fait accompli.
The Legislature passed out SB1555, HD2, CD1 on May 5, 2011, which created the PLDC, took away "home rule" from the counties and granted the PLDC and its private partners extraordinary powers over the development of public lands.
They made the development of public lands exempt from all county zoning, planning and land use laws, gave all of the power to control this development to three appointees of the governor and took away all neighbor-island representation on the PLDC board.
Along the way, the House Finance Committee said effectively: "Oh, by the way, if you don't like it you have 115 minutes to get down to the Capitol and provide testimony — and if you live in Puna, Hana or Kekaha … too bad...."
The House Finance Committee essentially thumbed its nose at the Constitution and at the general public — claiming it held a public meeting yet making it impossible for the majority of the public to attend, or in fact to even know that the meeting was being held.
The legislative history of the PLDC represents a shameful and incredibly arrogant attitude of entitlement by many at the Legislature. The public is seen as a bothersome impediment and rules are seen as obstacles to be circumvented whenever possible....
It is no wonder people are outraged and demanding a repeal.
By Gary Hooser
The Public Land Development Corp. (PLDC) was created by the Legislature in a manner that at best was unprincipled and at worst corrupt and illegal.
Those responsible owe the people of our state first an apology and then a complete repeal.
Senate Bill 1555, which became Act 55 and created the PLDC, was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 26, 2011. Initially, while establishing a quasi-independent development corporation intended to maximize the development and revenue generation of public lands, SB1555 did not contain broad exemptions from land-use laws. Also, when first introduced, the original PLDC board included full neighbor-island representation.
As if by design, on March 18, 2011, after sailing through the Senate with only minor amendments and no controversy, the House Water, Land and Ocean Resources Committee (http://tinyurl.com/ dyg32jn) inserted the exemption provisions and stripped away neighbor- island representation on the PLDC board.
The only opportunity for public input in response to these critical amendments was on April 7, 2011, in the House Finance Committee
These two maneuvers, executed quite deftly by the House, enabled the measure to reach the all-important joint conference committee without incurring any serious public scrutiny.
Once in "conference" where public testimony is not allowed, the final work on the establishment of the PLDC was a fait accompli.
The Legislature passed out SB1555, HD2, CD1 on May 5, 2011, which created the PLDC, took away "home rule" from the counties and granted the PLDC and its private partners extraordinary powers over the development of public lands.
They made the development of public lands exempt from all county zoning, planning and land use laws, gave all of the power to control this development to three appointees of the governor and took away all neighbor-island representation on the PLDC board.
Along the way, the House Finance Committee said effectively: "Oh, by the way, if you don't like it you have 115 minutes to get down to the Capitol and provide testimony — and if you live in Puna, Hana or Kekaha … too bad...."
The House Finance Committee essentially thumbed its nose at the Constitution and at the general public — claiming it held a public meeting yet making it impossible for the majority of the public to attend, or in fact to even know that the meeting was being held.
The legislative history of the PLDC represents a shameful and incredibly arrogant attitude of entitlement by many at the Legislature. The public is seen as a bothersome impediment and rules are seen as obstacles to be circumvented whenever possible....
It is no wonder people are outraged and demanding a repeal.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"IN RETREAT & FACING DEFEAT"
Heʻs Having Second Thoughts, Now That His Plans Are Coming To Naught.
The Oppositionʻs On A Mission Which Is PLDC Abolition.
Itʻs Neat Heʻs Feeling The Heat, But Donʻt Stop Until This Defeat Is Complete.
So Watch This To See Why Their Worst Fears Are Becoming Real & Hawaiian Kingdom Lands They Might Not After All Be Able To Steal.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"IN RETREAT & FACING DEFEAT"
Heʻs Having Second Thoughts, Now That His Plans Are Coming To Naught.
The Oppositionʻs On A Mission Which Is PLDC Abolition.
Itʻs Neat Heʻs Feeling The Heat, But Donʻt Stop Until This Defeat Is Complete.
So Watch This To See Why Their Worst Fears Are Becoming Real & Hawaiian Kingdom Lands They Might Not After All Be Able To Steal.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Friday, November 23, 2012
PLDC IN DENIAL
Honolulu Weekly - November 21, 2012
By Joan Conrow
As the Public Land Development Corp. considers a set of revised rules for its activities, citizens are keeping up a drumbeat to repeal Act 55, which created the controversial agency.
The issue is shaping up as a conflict between those who view the PLDC as a tool for stimulating the economy, and those who see it as a means for accelerating development with little oversight by the public and government agencies.
“When you look at countries like Spain, Greece, what they’re going through, ladies and gentleman, I think it’s really clear that we have to be looking toward opportunity and not knocking something that hasn’t even presented its first project,” said Shannon Alivado, testifying to the PLDC board Nov. 13 on behalf of the General Contractors Assn.
Jocelyn Doane, senior public policy advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said the revised rules fail to address concerns that OHA and others raised in the first round of hearings.
“There’s been little change in the rules that would ensure transparency, due diligence and accountability in PLDC projects, community input on proposals carried out by PLDC, . . . consultation with applicable agencies . . . and cultural sensitivity for all projects,” Doane testified.
Gary Hooser, who is on leave from his post as director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control and was just elected to the Kaua`i County Council, noted that while the proposed rules expect PLDC projects to comply with Chapter 343, that statute merely requires the disclosure of environmental impacts, not their mitigation.
Hooser also said he was “very disturbed” that the PLDC held only one hearing, in Honolulu. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of the land falling under PLDC’s purview is on the neighbor islands, and “a third of the state’s population has been left out of the process,” Hooser said.
“We are expected to put our trust in an agency that seems to be unable or unwilling to comprehend the level of value the public places in genuine good-faith community dialogue,” Maui resident Mahina Martin testified, adding that it was unfair for neighbor islanders to have to bear the cost of flying to O`ahu to be heard.
The Board did not take any action on its revised rules.
Honolulu Weekly - November 21, 2012
By Joan Conrow
As the Public Land Development Corp. considers a set of revised rules for its activities, citizens are keeping up a drumbeat to repeal Act 55, which created the controversial agency.
The issue is shaping up as a conflict between those who view the PLDC as a tool for stimulating the economy, and those who see it as a means for accelerating development with little oversight by the public and government agencies.
“When you look at countries like Spain, Greece, what they’re going through, ladies and gentleman, I think it’s really clear that we have to be looking toward opportunity and not knocking something that hasn’t even presented its first project,” said Shannon Alivado, testifying to the PLDC board Nov. 13 on behalf of the General Contractors Assn.
Jocelyn Doane, senior public policy advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said the revised rules fail to address concerns that OHA and others raised in the first round of hearings.
“There’s been little change in the rules that would ensure transparency, due diligence and accountability in PLDC projects, community input on proposals carried out by PLDC, . . . consultation with applicable agencies . . . and cultural sensitivity for all projects,” Doane testified.
Gary Hooser, who is on leave from his post as director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control and was just elected to the Kaua`i County Council, noted that while the proposed rules expect PLDC projects to comply with Chapter 343, that statute merely requires the disclosure of environmental impacts, not their mitigation.
Hooser also said he was “very disturbed” that the PLDC held only one hearing, in Honolulu. An estimated 80 to 90 percent of the land falling under PLDC’s purview is on the neighbor islands, and “a third of the state’s population has been left out of the process,” Hooser said.
“We are expected to put our trust in an agency that seems to be unable or unwilling to comprehend the level of value the public places in genuine good-faith community dialogue,” Maui resident Mahina Martin testified, adding that it was unfair for neighbor islanders to have to bear the cost of flying to O`ahu to be heard.
The Board did not take any action on its revised rules.
Monday, November 19, 2012
ANTI-SUPERFERRY FORCES OUT TO SINK PLDC
The Garden Island - November 18, 2012
People for the Preservation of Kaua‘i, one of the driving forces behind the fight against the Hawai`i Superferry, has reformed with a new mission — to squash Act 55 in court.
On May 20, 2011, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Act 55, creating the Public Land Development Corporation, comprised of five board members, none from Kaua‘i, who have broad powers to allow commercial development on public lands — including 1.8 million acres of ceded lands — while circumventing county zoning laws.
PLDC’s intent is to generate additional revenue for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, a state agency which has in its mission a pledge to protect the state’s limited natural, historic and cultural resources.
PPK Chairman Rich Hoeppner said his group — which is made up of an executive committee, working with two “top-notch” lawyers — is “revived, alive and well,” ready to fight what he describes as a “ridiculous” bill.
“Our goal is to raise funds to get this bill to the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of Act 55,” Hoeppner said Friday. “It is just total insanity what they are proposing … we’re going after this thing.”
Hoeppner, along with other opponents in the community, believes that the bill allows for large corporations to come to Kaua`i and develop public lands with no accountability.
“The only way we are going to beat them is to go to court … just like we did with Superferry....”
“...We’re going to beat it,” he said. “No doubt in my mind....”
The Garden Island - November 18, 2012
People for the Preservation of Kaua‘i, one of the driving forces behind the fight against the Hawai`i Superferry, has reformed with a new mission — to squash Act 55 in court.
On May 20, 2011, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Act 55, creating the Public Land Development Corporation, comprised of five board members, none from Kaua‘i, who have broad powers to allow commercial development on public lands — including 1.8 million acres of ceded lands — while circumventing county zoning laws.
PLDC’s intent is to generate additional revenue for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, a state agency which has in its mission a pledge to protect the state’s limited natural, historic and cultural resources.
PPK Chairman Rich Hoeppner said his group — which is made up of an executive committee, working with two “top-notch” lawyers — is “revived, alive and well,” ready to fight what he describes as a “ridiculous” bill.
“Our goal is to raise funds to get this bill to the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of Act 55,” Hoeppner said Friday. “It is just total insanity what they are proposing … we’re going after this thing.”
Hoeppner, along with other opponents in the community, believes that the bill allows for large corporations to come to Kaua`i and develop public lands with no accountability.
“The only way we are going to beat them is to go to court … just like we did with Superferry....”
“...We’re going to beat it,” he said. “No doubt in my mind....”
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
DEVELOPING OUR PUBLIC LAND$
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - October 28, 2012
Quiet enactment of a law that the Abercrombie administration backs to create state-and-private partnerships for development projects has now erupted in vocal questioning, adamant protests and even calls for repeal.
These concerns over the Public Land Development Corp.'s powers, its intent and jurisdiction, are prompting state lawmakers to reconsider their support heading into the next Legislature.
Some who voted for the proposal are prepared to support its repeal in the 2013 session, while others contend that the opposition has resulted from misinformation about the new PLDC agency, created by the Legislature in 2011.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie has rejected the criticism on that basis, but opposition persists. A repeal would require two-thirds of each legislative chamber.
The law creating PLDC says it "shall be exempt from all statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules of any government agency relating to special improvement district assessments or requirements: land use, zoning, and construction standards for subdivisions, development and improvement of land; and the construction, improvement and sale of homes."
State Rep. John Mizuno, who voted for the bill, now says he will vote for the law's repeal because it "eliminates the ability of the public as well as many government environmental and building review agencies to have the objective oversight to ensure proper protections and safety for area residents and the environment, prior to a developer starting a project in our state."
The agency's five-member board, comprised of three selected by the governor and two by the Legislature, "will be allowed to exempt any project from many land use, environmental and even building permits," Mizuno says....
Honolulu Star-Advertiser - October 28, 2012
Quiet enactment of a law that the Abercrombie administration backs to create state-and-private partnerships for development projects has now erupted in vocal questioning, adamant protests and even calls for repeal.
These concerns over the Public Land Development Corp.'s powers, its intent and jurisdiction, are prompting state lawmakers to reconsider their support heading into the next Legislature.
Some who voted for the proposal are prepared to support its repeal in the 2013 session, while others contend that the opposition has resulted from misinformation about the new PLDC agency, created by the Legislature in 2011.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie has rejected the criticism on that basis, but opposition persists. A repeal would require two-thirds of each legislative chamber.
The law creating PLDC says it "shall be exempt from all statutes, ordinances, charter provisions, and rules of any government agency relating to special improvement district assessments or requirements: land use, zoning, and construction standards for subdivisions, development and improvement of land; and the construction, improvement and sale of homes."
State Rep. John Mizuno, who voted for the bill, now says he will vote for the law's repeal because it "eliminates the ability of the public as well as many government environmental and building review agencies to have the objective oversight to ensure proper protections and safety for area residents and the environment, prior to a developer starting a project in our state."
The agency's five-member board, comprised of three selected by the governor and two by the Legislature, "will be allowed to exempt any project from many land use, environmental and even building permits," Mizuno says....
Monday, November 12, 2012
HELP DUMP THE PLDC!
Public Land Development Corp Hearing Tomorrow
Where - Dept. Of Land & Natural Resources, Land Board Room 132, Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St.
When - Tomorrow, November 13th, 10:30 AM
What To Do Now - Submit Written Testimony NOW!
Email To joy.y.kimura@hawaii.gov
Why - Demand The Repeal Of Act 55 & The PLDC
Public Land Development Corp Hearing Tomorrow
Where - Dept. Of Land & Natural Resources, Land Board Room 132, Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St.
When - Tomorrow, November 13th, 10:30 AM
What To Do Now - Submit Written Testimony NOW!
Email To joy.y.kimura@hawaii.gov
Why - Demand The Repeal Of Act 55 & The PLDC
Saturday, November 10, 2012
LET THEM KNOW YOUR OUTRAGE!
Public Land Development Corp Hearing This Coming Tuesday
Where - Dept. Of Land & Natural Resources, Land Board Room 132, Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St.
When - Tuesday, November 13th, 10:30 AM
What To Do Now - Submit Written Testimony NOW!
Email To joy.y.kimura@hawaii.gov
Why - Demand The Repeal Of Act 55 & The PLDC
Public Land Development Corp Hearing This Coming Tuesday
Where - Dept. Of Land & Natural Resources, Land Board Room 132, Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St.
When - Tuesday, November 13th, 10:30 AM
What To Do Now - Submit Written Testimony NOW!
Email To joy.y.kimura@hawaii.gov
Why - Demand The Repeal Of Act 55 & The PLDC
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"SCHEME TEAM"
Itʻs Unreal What Theyʻre Trying To Steal.
Thereʻs A Lot At Stake Because Of What Theyʻll Take.
Not Only Has It Been Carefully Planned & They Go Hand In Hand, But Weʻll Even Show It Was Done Over A Century Ago.
Watch This To Find Out What These Two Will Do & Why This Pair Causes Plenty Of Despair.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"SCHEME TEAM"
Itʻs Unreal What Theyʻre Trying To Steal.
Thereʻs A Lot At Stake Because Of What Theyʻll Take.
Not Only Has It Been Carefully Planned & They Go Hand In Hand, But Weʻll Even Show It Was Done Over A Century Ago.
Watch This To Find Out What These Two Will Do & Why This Pair Causes Plenty Of Despair.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"UPDATES YOUʻLL HATE"
Weʻll Tell It Straight - This Youʻre Gonna Hate.
Theyʻre Forging Right Ahead Even With Opposition So Widespread.
Whatʻs More, Youʻll Be Stunned At The Discovery Of Misappropriated Funds.
So Watch This To See How You Can Let Them Know You Feel Betrayed, That Itʻs Not OK & You Want This Whole Thing To Go Away.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"UPDATES YOUʻLL HATE"
Weʻll Tell It Straight - This Youʻre Gonna Hate.
Theyʻre Forging Right Ahead Even With Opposition So Widespread.
Whatʻs More, Youʻll Be Stunned At The Discovery Of Misappropriated Funds.
So Watch This To See How You Can Let Them Know You Feel Betrayed, That Itʻs Not OK & You Want This Whole Thing To Go Away.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Saturday, October 06, 2012
PROTEST THE PUBLIC LAND DEVELOPMENT CORP
Protests On Each Island This Coming Monday
Go HERE For More Info
Go HERE For More Info
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"YOU LET THEM KNOW ITʻS A NO-GO"
We Asked You To Keep The Pressure On To Make Sure This Would Be Gone.
Sure Enough, You Made It Clear You Want It To Disappear.
Now Politicians Have Heard Your Demand, So It Looks Like It May Be Banned.
Even Though Thereʻs Still More To Do, Watch This To See What Caused The Big Breakthrough.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"YOU LET THEM KNOW ITʻS A NO-GO"
We Asked You To Keep The Pressure On To Make Sure This Would Be Gone.
Sure Enough, You Made It Clear You Want It To Disappear.
Now Politicians Have Heard Your Demand, So It Looks Like It May Be Banned.
Even Though Thereʻs Still More To Do, Watch This To See What Caused The Big Breakthrough.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"ITSʻ STRANGE WHAT THEY WANT TO CHANGE"
You Wonʻt Believe What They Want To Achieve After All The Criticism Theyʻve Received.
We Bet Youʻll Get Upset When You Learn Theyʻre Totally Unconcerned.
Instead Of Taking To Heart What Everyone Thinks, Theyʻve Come Up With Something That Really Stinks.
So Watch & Get The Facts So You Can Give This The Ax.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK
"ITSʻ STRANGE WHAT THEY WANT TO CHANGE"
You Wonʻt Believe What They Want To Achieve After All The Criticism Theyʻve Received.
We Bet Youʻll Get Upset When You Learn Theyʻre Totally Unconcerned.
Instead Of Taking To Heart What Everyone Thinks, Theyʻve Come Up With Something That Really Stinks.
So Watch & Get The Facts So You Can Give This The Ax.
Then Share This Video With One Other Person Today.
Friday, September 21, 2012
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL VOTES UNANIMOUSLY AGAINST PLDC
West Hawai`i Today - September 18, 2012
Overwhelming testimony supporting a resolution asking the state to abolish the Public Land Development Corp. preceded the Hawai`i County Council’s Planning Committee’s unanimous favorable vote on the measure Tuesday morning.
Donald Wessels, testifying in Hilo, said the PLDC is usurping the counties’ authority.
“The Public Land Development Corp. is legalized theft,” Wessels said. “Send a message to the state that you, the elected representatives of the County of Hawai`i will not sit still while the State of Hawai`i gives away your authority.”
Other testifiers questioned the governor’s and legislators’ motives in approving the measures creating the PLDC. One testifier noted only Puna Rep. Faye Hanohano, among all of Hawai`i Island’s legislators, opposed the measures.
“What really concerns me is the non-transparency of the thing,” Patricia Shaner Knudsen said in Kona. “We won’t see the public hearings perhaps we should. This is a very, very important issue for the state, for the island in particular....”
West Hawai`i Today - September 18, 2012
Overwhelming testimony supporting a resolution asking the state to abolish the Public Land Development Corp. preceded the Hawai`i County Council’s Planning Committee’s unanimous favorable vote on the measure Tuesday morning.
Donald Wessels, testifying in Hilo, said the PLDC is usurping the counties’ authority.
“The Public Land Development Corp. is legalized theft,” Wessels said. “Send a message to the state that you, the elected representatives of the County of Hawai`i will not sit still while the State of Hawai`i gives away your authority.”
Other testifiers questioned the governor’s and legislators’ motives in approving the measures creating the PLDC. One testifier noted only Puna Rep. Faye Hanohano, among all of Hawai`i Island’s legislators, opposed the measures.
“What really concerns me is the non-transparency of the thing,” Patricia Shaner Knudsen said in Kona. “We won’t see the public hearings perhaps we should. This is a very, very important issue for the state, for the island in particular....”
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