A Draft Environmental Study has been released for an Aiea development that some worry could block views and worsen traffic. Others say it will bring much needed jobs and community assets.
The project, called "Live Work Play Aiea," would redevelop the Kam swap meet area into retail, hotel, office housing and public spaces.
The Aiea site that hosts the Kam swap meet three days a week has a new future in store.
After more than 100 community and stakeholder meetings since 2010, the owners have submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed re-zoning for what they call an urban village.
Robertson Property Group says, "Our plans for the former Kamehameha Drive-In site are in line with the City's plans for Oahu that call for growth in urban areas while preserving the rural parts of the island to 'keep the country, country.'"
RPG answered concerns such as this in the EIS process:
"It is a congested area. Every time there's Christmas or any holidays, or superbowl was a good example, it is super congested here," said nearby resident Jerry Angle.
Traffic mitigations proposed include widening Moanalua Road and Kaonohi Street, and creating a new main street through the project.
They say mixed use zoning has less traffic impact than commercial-only would. Up to 1,500 residential units could be built in five buildings up to 350 feet tall.
"My uncle is a Pearl Harbor survivor.... Every day I look out there that's my heartthrob, so if they build up and obstruct our view over there, that's gonna be bad for me," Angle said.
The EIS shows how the project would attempt to orient buildings perpendicular to Pearl Harbor to preserve Mauka-Makai views.
As for the swap meet...
Melvyn Soyangco, who's been a swap meet vendor since 1987, said, "the economy is so hard, and this is the only thing we're doing, so it affects us economically."
"We come here three times a week, we come here Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays," said Nita Dadulla, from Jimmy's Produce. "I think we will feel it, yeah."
Developers told those with concerns about the future of the swap meet that they are considering including a farmer's market on certain days of the week, and finding a suitable alternative site for existing vendors.
The nearly $750 million build-out would take about 13 years. Public comments on the EIS are being accepted through march 23. Visit www.hawaii.gov/health/environmental/oeqc/index.html for more information.
