June 1 – The owner of a gate blocking access to a lane that leads to a popular Portlock beach known as “Seconds” estimates the city would need to pay more than $2 million to condemn the lane to keep it open. If the city condemns the private lane, Bert Dohmen-Ramirez told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday, “they have to pay fair market value,” which he pegs at more than $2 million. “Do you think taxpayers would agree to that?”
In the past, the City had made plans to condemn the property, but those plans fell through. A city Department of Planning and Permitting representative lended weight to Dohmen-Ramirez’ statement, saying that while the city is looking to acquire three shoreline access lanes along Portlock Road, liability and budgetary concerns stopped the City Council in the past. [Star-Advertiser, library card required]
May 31 – The Department of Transportation has plans to restripe the Eastbound Waialae Avenue H-1 Offramp. As it is, many use the shoulder lane to wait: traffic often backs up during rush hour and on weekends. [KHON]
May 31 – A fishing hook was removed from the cheek of a baby monk seal at Baby Makapuu Beach. The seal was released and is expected to make a full recovery. [HNN]
May 30 – Residents showed up in force at May’s Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting. At issue is public access to a beach fronting the 300-block of Portlock Road, which is home to a surf spot known as “Seconds.” The question at large is whether the City or State can condemn the land. Currently, no specifice plans to do so exist. [KHON]
May 30 – An arrest has been made in connection to the series of suspicious brush fires plaguing Hawaii Kai. [KHON]
May 29 – Kapiolani Community College’s culinary program opened a new concept restaurant in the Waikiki Parc Hotel. The restaurant gives students experience in the dining industry while serving locals and visitors alike. [UH Press Release]