Hoopili Symbolizes Direction of Oahu's Future
By Sophie Cocke 03/05/2012
It wasnt meant to be a bet. But for D.R. Horton, which paid $70 million for a 1,500-acre tract of farmland in Ewa based on a plan to build 12,000 homes its starting to look that way.
The six-year project has become embroiled in larger policy debates about the direction of Oahus future when it comes to development. And last week, the Hawaii Land Use Commission heard opponents of the project known as Hoopili testify for more than 10 hours about why the development was bad for Hawaii.
I want you to think about this as a decision that affects the next generation and the generation after that, and all the people who have yet to be born who will some day live in Hawaii and need what this land can produce, said Leon Sollenberger, who testified for opponents of the project. The Sierra Club, Friends of Makakilo and Sen. Clayton Hee have all intervened in proceedings before the commission to try to stop Hoopili.
Commissioners must decide by July whether to reclassify more than 1,000 acres of prime agricultural land for urban use. The project will displace two of Oahu's largest farms.
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The developer says he never expected such opposition - excuse me while I go
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keep the country country.