LIHU‘E — In the face of several supporters of a community center honoring one of the largest cultural and ethnic groups on the island, Kaua‘i County Council members leaned favorably to grant land for the project. But a few unresolved questions pushed back the council’s decision at least two weeks.
Several local residents crowded the council chambers last week in support for a license agreement granting 3.49 acres in Puhi to be used by the Kaua‘i Philippine Cultural Center as the location of a community center.
“This is an island of many cultures, and (Filipinos) will embrace all of them,” said former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, adding Filipinos have supported Kaua‘i 100 percent over many years. “It is time for us to return that to them, and support them.”
Kusaka, also a former teacher, praised Filipino members of the community for their emphasis on education, respect and family values. She said that at any given time, Filipinos represent 19 t0 23 percent of the island’s population.
“They will work so hard to get this center up and running … in no time,” Kusaka told the council July 11.
A string of testifiers, including those not of Filipino ancestry, voiced their opinions, stating why they would support a proposed community center.
Some of the supporters included Randy Francisco, from the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, Evelyn Desnayo, from the Kaua‘i Visayan Club, Jose Bulatao, self-described “Kekaha Dinosaur,” teachers and other local residents.
Council members also seemed favorable toward the center and had many praises for the Filipino culture and contribution to Kaua‘i. But they also had several questions for the administration, and before a final decision, they wanted some answers.
County Finance Director Wally Rezentes, Jr. said the administration did not know how much was the land’s market value, as the lot was a piece of land to be separated from a larger parcel. The administration was still waiting on answers from the county Real Property Assessment Division, he said.
County Attorney Al Castillo said he did not know why the contract was a license agreement rather than a lease, although he said he did not see a difference between a license agreement and a lease regarding the mechanics of the contract.
Councilman KipuKai Kuali‘i wanted to find out why was it a 99-year agreement, and if the county had similar arrangements with other organizations.
Council Vice Chair JoAnn Yukimura said the council has a fiduciary duty in crafting an agreement that will last for 99 years.
“I have so much confidence in the existing leadership, which is so entrepreneurial in doing good planning, and built such confidence in us that the project will be done well,” she said. “But in 50 years, in 25, 30 years, we still need a guiding document for what the intention is here.”
Because the project is “breaking new ground in terms of public/private partnership,” she said, there has to be some thought about the document.
And then there were the skateboarders, who could have been kick-flipped to the curb with the center occupying a place previously planned for a skateboard park.
“That parcel has been slated to the kids of Kaua‘i … as the skateboard park,” Yukimura said. “We need to know where this skateboard park will now be located, because that’s part of our promise to the kids.”
Councilman Mel Rapozo also had concerns related to language and grammar on the document.
Councilwoman Nadine Nakamura wanted some clarification in the usage of the community center and was also concerned with some possible typos on the document.
Councilman Tim Bynum said some members of the community may be disappointed to see a two-week deferral, but getting clarity on some issues is the council’s due diligence.
Council Chair Jay Furfaro said he wants to vote on the issue soon, and reminded the administration that there is some urgency on answering the questions from council members, as the project is tied to a grant.
The council unanimously deferred the issue to July 25.
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∫ Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
