Disappeared News

by Larry Geller

John Bond reports:

Friday night a special meeting of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale [Neighborhood Board] voted to oppose Bill 1329 for a proposed race track in the Ewa residential areas for reasons which included the 48 minute public notice and no prior proposals submitted for public review and consideration by the neighborhood board.

HB1329 is the controversial bill that was part of an agenda given only 48 minutes notice before it was heard by FIN on March 5. The waiver of 48-hour notice was requested by House Finance chair Sylvia Luke and granted by the Speaker. The bill enables the creation of a motor racetrack on Ewa Field, a historic battlefield.

Strangely (?), the proponents of the bill, including the assumed future racetrack operators, their attorney and others connected to the project, were able to submit testimony in support of the bill. The public at large was locked out by the outrageously short notice, so there was no testimony in opposition. All in favor, none opposed. That is what the record will show—there is no indication that only 48 minutes notice was given.

See also:

• Sunshine? Bills Slip Through During 'Total Solar Eclipse' (Hawaii Free Press, 3/5/2015)
• Outrageous: House gives 48 minute (not 48 hour) notice of hearing—one bill commits $100 million in state bonds (3/10/2015)
• Motorsports bond bill speeds through House, now in Senate as a “blank check” (3/16/2015)

John also reported:

At the meeting one suggested alternative area brought up was the State owned former Hawaii Feedlot which is located in the Campbell Industrial area where the engine noises would be the least disruptive and where many car repair shops are already located.

While a smaller area, the Hawaii Feedlot site may actually be a more appropriate area considering that past local race track ventures have had financial difficulties and would not support a major mainland type of racing facility.

The bill is now in the Senate, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on
Economic Development and Technology (chair: Glenn Wakai).

Note: The Neighborhood Board did not take a position opposing the concept of a racetrack:

At the meeting one suggested alternative area brought up was the
State owned former Hawaii Feedlot which is located in the Campbell
Industrial area where the engine noises would be the least disruptive
and where many car repair shops are already located.

(this point was omitted in the original article here)

Permalink posted by Larry @ 3/21/2015 12:26:00 PM