Envision Lā‘ie in Hawaii Business

The January 2010 Spin Zone at HawaiiBusiness.com features an editorial from HRI President Eric Beaver on Envision Lā‘ie. Here is a brief excerpt of his arguments in favor of a process that has involved “100 values interviews, 600-plus workshop participants, a scientific survey of 696 respondents, 1,200 resident signatures, and favorable votes from the Koolauloa Neighborhood Board, Laie Community Association and Kahuku Community Association.”

I grew up in Lā‘ie, a great place for children, a haven for families. My wonderful childhood, spent largely on the water and in the mountains…

[At] BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center…I received a wonderful education and valuable work experience, which helped me eventually to make a living and a home for my family in Koolau Loa.

Sadly, the opportunities for that “better life” are disappearing. Families are being driven out…

Even BYU-Hawaii and the PCC, economic anchors, face an unsustainable situation.

That’s why Envision Lā‘ie was formed — a collaboration of local residents and Lā‘ie’s major institutions…promoting a balance of economic, social and environmental priorities.

People who live here want to decide their future and, with Envision Lā‘ie, everyone can express their views…

Participants’ support for affordable housing at Malaekahana, jobs and future growth options for the university and cultural center has been overwhelming…In every public forum, the vast majority of residents supported Envision Lā‘ie.

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Legacy of Lā‘ie

A recent series of articles in The Mormon Times profiles the legacy of Lā‘ie, with the first article chronicling the famous Lā‘ie Hukilau (see 1960 Flyer at right).

“The Hukilau was an expansive luau organized by members of the Laie Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a way of raising money to rebuild their chapel, which burned to the ground in 1940. The word “Hukilau” literally describes the process of pulling (huki) the ropes from fishing nets, woven with leaves (lau) along the outside, in from the sea. Laie is a good hour’s drive from Honolulu today, and was even more remote in the 1940s, so it didn’t see that many visitors then. But some of those who did come — many of them servicemen — would stop and watch men fish at a beach just off the highway, offering to pay if they could help pull the large nets from the ocean.”

Over time, the Hukilau evolved into the Polynesian Cultural Center and the No. 1 paid tourist attraction in Hawaii. Many of the residents interviewed in the article also provided their voices to the The Story of Lā‘ie video produced by BYU-Hawaii students for Envision Lā‘ie. In fact, images of the Hukilau and early days of the PCC are featured in the video.

Other articles in the series detail the efforts of Labor Missionaries, The Polynesian Cultural Center, and the proposed new hotel to replace the Lā‘ie Inn.

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1,000 Plus Sign Envision Lā‘ie Petition

One of the first questions people ask about Envision Lā‘ie is whether the community supports the potential for growth in Lā‘ie. Here are a few facts:

Research: Since October 2008, Envision Lā‘ie has engaged the community, first through quantitative scientific research polling 696 Oahu residents with 174 from Ko‘olau Loa. Envision Lā‘ie also commissioned qualitative research, including in-depth interviews with 100 residents. You can download the results supporting gradual growth that benefits the community here. In fact, 74 percent of Ko‘olau Loa residents and 92 percent of Lā‘ie residents said “the Ko‘olau Loa Sustainability Plan should find another location close to Lā‘ie where affordable housing can be placed and allow BYU-Hawaii the space to grow.”  The National Council on Public Polls verified the survey.

Workshops: In April 2009, workshops (see picture) were held where more than 600 residents provided direct feedback through a mapping exercise. The workshop also included anonymous instant polling which allows people to freely express their views. The anonymous instant polling results overwhelmingly showed support for growth, with 67 percent saying growth in Malaekahana is a “very good thing” while another 24 percent said it’s “somewhat a good thing.” The PowerPoint slides presented at the workshops and a summary presentation can be downloaded on our web site.

Petition: More than 1,100 residents have signed a petition supporting a more sustainable community. This petition was the result of door-to-door efforts to take the pulse of the community rather than an online petition open to those who are not residents. The petition specifically states that, “We support creating a more sustainable community by including in the City plan land for BYU-Hawaii campus growth, housing in Malaekahana for pent-up demand, BYU-Hawaii and PCC growth and community sustainability, land for PCC to expand, future village centers in Lā‘ie and Malaekahana, connecting communities with restored Cane Haul road, and pedestrian and bike path network and recreational opportunities.”

Community Associations: Both the Lā‘ie Community Association and Kahuku Community Association have voted and expressed support for Envision Lā‘ie. You can download KCA’s letter here.

Neighborhood Board: In July, the Ko‘olau Loa Neighborhood Board voted 7-4 to support Envision Lā‘ie. Video of the event can be found on our YouTube Channel or you can read an in-depth story on the meeting in Kaleo.

Kupuna: Representatives from Envision Lā‘ie have met with kupuna from Lā‘ie several times for briefings and counsel. This included individual and in-depth interviews with more than 10 elders from the community on subjects ranging from the history of Lā‘ie to ideas for the future.

We will continue to engage the community throughout the process to ensure the voice of the majority is heard.

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