Hurdles cleared for Hoopili, Koa Ridge

Illustration: courtesy of D.R. Horton
 

Two development proposals in Ewa Beach and Central Oahu cleared hurdles yesterday, while the debate continued over whether agricultural land should be used for residential.

Several news outlets reported on the City Council’s approval of the Ewa Development Plan yesterday. Some of the opposition for the plan revolved around rezoning agricultural land for residential development. That’s good news for the Hoopili project, a planned community that would add homes and jobs to the area between Ewa and Kapolei.Opponents of the plan weren’t as happy with the council’s unanimous approval, however, because of the loss of prime agricultural land, as well as the potential impact on traffic on already congested highways.

You can find out more about Hoopili at hoopilioahu.com.

Meanwhile, the Honolulu Planning Commission yesterday approved a zoning change between Waipio and Mililani that could allow the controversial Koa Ridge project to move forward.

Koa Ridge would add 3,500 new homes, commercial areas, open space and a medical center that could take some of the burden from Wahiawa General Hospital. In addition, developers say the project would address Oahu’s housing shortage, while adding 1,000 badly needed construction jobs, along with 2,300 permanent ones.

Some of the concerns over Koa Ridge are similar to those raised over Hoopili — the loss of agricultural land and increased traffic. The zoning change doesn’t necessarily mean Hoopili will go forward, however. The project still needs City Council approval.

What do you think about the development proposals? Are more homes and jobs needed on the Ewa plain and in Central Oahu, or should the areas be preserved for agriculture? Email me or comment here with your thoughts.