New Hearing for Hoopili Grows Heated

Sophie Cocke/Civil Beat

Dozens of people packed a hearing before the state Land Use Commission Thursday to debate whether a 12,000-home master-planned community near east Kapolei should move forward.

Developer D.R. Horton is seeking approval to reclassify 1,500 acres of prime agricultural land for urban use for the Hoopili development, a project that would be one of the largest residential communities in Hawaii with five schools and room for retail space. The company says the project would create about 27,000 jobs during construction and development.

The project has pitted those who see development as vital to Honolulu's economy against those who want to preserve farm lands and encourage food security.

The hearing room in downtown Honolulu was overflowing. Supporters wore T-shirts reading, “Hoopili Now!” On the other side of the aisle, “Save Oahu Farmlands” was the message.

For the most part, speakers made their points to the commission in an orderly fashion. But at times, the proceedings grew more heated. The commission stopped one man's testimony, gaveling down the speaker.

Supporters of the Hoopili development stressed the need for jobs.

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