27th October 2009
Posted in Updates

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.