For many Kapahulu residents and lawmakers Wednesday night was a chance to see for the first time conceptual plans for a new office building on Charles street adjacent to Leonard's bakery. But the meeting was also a chance to voice concerns.
"Is there a hight limit as far as the level of the building?" asked Alan Miyamura, Charles street resident.
The architect hired by the land owner, Kee Thelma Inc., says the proposed two-story building would be about 26-feet in height, and will include landscaping and a sidewalk.
"We will be installing a curb, gutter and sidewalk system," says Michael Chu, planner and landscape architect.
The building would also add 20 parking stalls for the four to five office suites.
"We are designing towards office, not designing with any grease traps to accommodate a restaurant," says Chu.
But he says there is no guarantee the building won't also be retail space.
That drew criticism from those in the crowd who say either way the building will create added traffic, congestion and parking problems that are already reaching their limit.
"I want to know how much traffic as in foot traffic or patrons or even by foot or car," says Michelle Matson, Diamond Head - Kapahulu Neighborhood Board.
"On Charles Street, on any given day, we have a lot of tour buses, with Leonard's Bakery and with the addition of the four to five business establishments it's really going to increase traffic on Charles Street," says Miyamura.
Kee Thelma Inc. has begun a traffic study to review the office buildings impact. That process will take up to 60 days to complete. The community will then have another chance to weigh in.
The community's concerns and traffic study will then be compiled and given as part of a formal rezoning application to the city early next year.
