Turtle Bay News

Received this update from Kathleen Pahinui of the Koolauloa North Shore Alliance:

Aloha Alliance Members -

We are still awaiting the referral of SB2423 SD2 HD1 (bill to acquire TBR and associated lands) to the Finance Committee in the House. We fully expect it will be scheduled and will send you information on when to testify when available.

Oral Arguments for Keep The North Shore Country appeal will be heard on April 9th at the Supreme Court. Kuilima Resort Corp. requested a delay until June for orals; KNSC opposed a delay, the Intermediate Court of Appeals concurred and rejected their request for a delay. In addition the Conservation Council submitted an amicus brief in support with focus on the endangered monk seal.

TURTLE BAY ADVISORY WORKING GROUP E-UPDATE - March 21, 2008

Communicate With Us
Residents should visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay for news, meeting minutes, legislative progress, video of the community talk story and much more. The group welcomes the public's ideas and feedback. You can email the TBAWG and ask to receive regular updates at TurtleBayAWG@gmail.com .

Legislation Update
Support for three bills currently moving through the Legislature is important to ensure that the Governor has the full range of negotiating tools available as discussions with the owners, creditors, partners and community move forward.

Acquisition Tools Bill. The bill authorizing the Governor to acquire the Turtle Bay property, through a variety of tools, is moving forward in the House. SB2423 SD2 HD1 passed out of the full Senate, passed through two House committees, and is awaiting hearing by the House Finance Committee.

Land Conservation Fund Flexibility. SB3102 SD2 adds flexibility to DLNR's land conservation fund by allowing public and private moneys to be added and distributed as grants for the acquisition of state conservation lands. This bill passed the Senate, passed through a House committee, and is awaiting hearing by the House Finance Committee.

Transferable Development Rights. SB2997 SD1 would have provided an innovative new mechanism (already used in other states) for the transfer of development rights (TDRs), adding another important tool for preserving valuable undeveloped land. The TDR bill passed the Senate (version SD1) but was recently changed by a House committee (version HD1) to remove TDRs. Discussions are ongoing about this bill now pending before the House Judiciary Committee.

You are encouraged to contact state legislators to express support for these measures. Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov , go to "Bill Status & Documents," and check for updated versions of the bills, status, and current hearing notices with instructions on how to submit testimony.

Next meeting of the working group is Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 10:00 a.m.