The Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board heard a presentation by Brigham Young University-Hawaii about proposed campus growth at its September 13th public meeting. The appearance before the board came after months of public outreach and community presentations by the university and affiliated land manager, Hawaii Reserves, Inc. 

Steven Wheelwright and David Lewis present university growth plans to the neighborhood board

BYU-Hawaii is proposing replacement of aging academic buildings and construction of new student housing, with a rough timeline of 2014 to 2018. The project will allow the university to serve more students and will facilitate greater sustainability through an increase of enrollment to around 3,700 students. Proposals include significant campus and community drainage solutions.

Dozens of residents packed the Hauula Community Center to learn more about plans for BYU-Hawaii, ask questions, and provide input and testimony. Many wore blue Envision Laie t-shirts to show their support for the proposed growth. 

As explained at the meeting, the next steps for the project include a written application to the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Planning & Permitting, expected to be submitted near the end of this month. Following the submittal, the public will have several more opportunities to provide input at hearings before the City Planning Commission and Honolulu City Council.

We thank the many residents who attended the meeting to show their support. We will keep you updated as we move forward.