REPRESENTATIVE GATES SUBMITS INQUIRY REGARDING MĀKAHA VALLEY RESORT DEVELOPMENT, ORGANIZES TOWN HALL

Pacific Links' renovation announcement met with mixed community response

Representative Cedric Asuega Gates (Waiʻanae, Mākaha, Mākua, Māʻili) submitted an official inquiry to the City & County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, Board of Water Supply, and Pacific Links International to request permitting information regarding the proposed renovation of Mākaha Valley Resort, and is organizing a community town hall to provide residents with the opportunity to give input on the project.

Pacific Links International announced plans to redevelop Mākaha Valley Resort, including creating homes and enlisting professional golfer Tiger Woods to redesign the golf course. Rep. Gates said residents have been responding with mixed reviews. Among concerns are the impacts this resort may have on the fabric of Mākaha's small-town community. On the other hand, many community members shared positive memories of the former resort, touting the past beneficial economic impacts and employment opportunities that it brought to Mākaha.   

"Mākaha is in need of an economic driver. Thirty percent of residents are living in poverty, so having additional employment opportunities within our community could be beneficial," said Rep. Gates. "At the same time, a large portion of residents in Mākaha are renters, so there is valid concern that this project will indirectly raise property taxes for surrounding homes, subsequently leading to a rise in the cost of rent."

Representative Gates noted the City Department of Planning and Permitting is tasked with the administration and enforcement of ordinances and regulations governing the development and use of land, various codes pertaining to the construction of buildings, and City standards and regulations pertaining to infrastructure requirements.

"A project of this magnitude will have a significant impact on the community, environment, natural resources, and transportation infrastructure," said Rep. Gates. "It is crucial for our community to be given numerous opportunities to not only provide input, but to help guide the outcome of this decision."

"Our isolated community is definitely in need of more jobs that are close to home," said Sen. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (Wai‘anae Coast to Kalaeloa). "At the same time, it is important to keep it affordable to live on the Wai‘anae Coast, avoid increasing traffic, and preserve our rich Hawaiian cultural heritage and environment. I look forward to participating in a Town Hall meeting to discuss the development planned in Mākaha Valley."

Representative Gates will be sending out an informational mailer to Mākaha residents to ensure that they are aware of this project and is working to organize a Makaha Community Townhall to provide residents the opportunity to give input on this proposed project.