Waimanalo residents tell DHHL construction on TMK 4-1-008-008 worsened drainage; ask for halt and remediation

Residents of Waimanalo Olulo told the Hawaiian Homes Commission on April 21 that development activity on a DHHL parcel (TMK 4-1-008-008) had altered drainage patterns and contributed to flooding and erosion in neighboring yards.

Kanela Kamaha, who said she represents the grassroots advocacy group Pono Loa Loa, listed impacts she attributed to construction tied to a direct lease approved Feb. 13: altered drainage flows, increased runoff, loss of vegetation including 25 papaya trees and an avocado tree, and a 4-foot retaining wall that residents say funneled sediment into adjacent properties. “These impacts have been directly tied into construction activities occurring on that subject parcel,” Kamaha told commissioners, and she asked DHHL to halt development activities until permit, environmental review (HRS Chapter 343) and drainage compliance are fully verified.

Meleisa, another Waimanalo witness, said pump trucks were observed moving flood water and sediment from the project site and dumping it near streams, and that no geotechnical or environmental surveys were completed prior to the earthmoving. “The soil and water needs to be tested,” she said, citing concerns about buried trash, septic material, heavy machinery spills and unknown contamination.

Why it matters: witnesses argued that even if the governor’s emergency proclamation applies, trust obligations and environmental protections still bind DHHL and its partners, and that beneficiaries should not bear the burden of increased flood risk or degraded food-security lands. Testimony cited case names and legal principles about fiduciary duties to beneficiaries.

What was asked: residents asked DHHL to (1) immediately halt grading and filling activities at the site until compliance is confirmed, (2) require testing of soil and water for contaminants, (3) restore altered drainage and remove or re-grade fill to pre-project elevations where appropriate, (4) coordinate enforcement and review with Board of Land and Natural Resources and county agencies, and (5) add Waimanalo items to future Commission agendas for updates and mediation.

DHHL response and next steps: Commissioners and staff heard the testimony but did not issue an immediate stop-work order during the session; residents were told staff would review the concerns and that additional follow-up could be scheduled. Testimony included requests for transparency on permit status and remediation plans; the commission was asked to require full permitting and geotechnical clearance before resuming heavy earthwork.

No formal action (motion or vote) was recorded at the meeting on this item; residents asked the commission to add the site for continued review at future meetings.