Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! As we begin 2013 we have two great updates to share with you.
Laie Chevron to Remain Open
Good news: the Laie Chevron will remain open until further notice. On-going discussions between land manager Hawaii Reserves, Inc., and Chevron resulted in an agreement to keep the station open on a month-to-month basis, for as long as possible.
The goal is to eliminate the break in service between a new gas station opening in the Laie Shopping Center and the closing of the existing station. That will depend on a number of factors, including the time it takes for the developers of both the gas station and the hotel to obtain financing, complete design, obtain building permits and finish construction.
"We are pleased to keep the gas station open for as long as possible, and appreciate Chevron's flexibility to switch to a month-to-month arrangement during this transition period," said Eric Beaver, president of HRI. "We will keep everyone informed as we make progress, with more details about the new site as they become available."
Progress on Wailele Flood Control Study & Funding
The Honolulu City Council recently approved a critical funding amendment for a flood control study for Laie. City Council resolution 12-306, adopted unanimously on December 5, 2012, allows a cost sharing arrangement between the federal and city government, and Hawaii Reserves, Inc., to complete a flood control study for the Wailele Stream.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study commenced in the early 1990s but stalled for various reasons. The $600,000 plus required to finish the study will be funded 50% by the federal government, 25% by the city and 25% by HRI.
"The Wailele Stream accounts for the majority of the flooding in our community during heavy rain events, so this represents an important step for Laie," said Eric Beaver, president of land manager, Hawaii Reserves, Inc. Beaver noted that the current outfall for Wailele is about 900 cubic feet per second (CFS), but the stream receives over 5500 CFS in heavy rain events.
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| Wailele Stream during heavy rain event |
"The water quickly backs up at the outfall under the highway near the PCC and flows towards the Laie community, flooding homes; finishing the Army Corps study for Wailele and finding a solution with government is a priority for all of us," remarked Beaver.
Pane Meatoga, president of the Laie Community Association, and Beaver both expressed their appreciation for outgoing Mayor Peter Carlisle and City Council Chair and district area representative, Ernie Martin, who introduced the bill. "This funding arrangement is a perfect example of a public-private partnership geared towards solving a difficult community challenge," said Martin. "I look forward to continue working with community leaders and residents on this important issue."
As always, we'll keep you informed as we move forward.
Mahalo,
The Envision Lā'ie Team
