Sign this petition to the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to reject the monster for-profit development !!! 

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We, the undersigned residents and friends of Manoa Valley, write to express our deep concerns regarding the proposed Aria Lane development. This letter, representing the collective voice of the residents, underscores the severe risks and violations posed by the Aria Lane development and appeals to decision-makers to prioritize the community's welfare and reject the proposed development. Aria Lane, as currently designed, egregiously violates Honolulu City & County Street Standards, endangers the safety of our community, and threatens the character of our neighborhood.

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Violation of Street Standards

The proposed Aria Lane development clearly violates the City and County of Honolulu's Subdivision Street Standards. According to Part 1, Section 1-5 of these standards, a 20-foot roadway like Pamoa Road is designated to support a maximum of 25 dwelling units. However, Pamoa Road currently serves 46 houses, already exceeding the standard capacity. The Aria Lane development proposes up to 172 additional households, which will require use of this narrow road many times daily. The standards mandate a 28-foot roadway width for developments of 101-200 units, which Pamoa Road clearly does not meet. This significant discrepancy raises substantial concerns about the feasibility and safety of accommodating such a large increase in traffic on an inadequate roadway.

Increased Traffic Congestion

The planned development includes up to 360 parking stalls, leading to an estimated addition of over 1,000 daily vehicle trips. This will significantly worsen the existing traffic congestion throughout Manoa Valley, causing gridlock at key intersections such as University Avenue, East Manoa Road and Oahu Avenue. This increased congestion will affect residents' access to essential services, schools, and amenities. It is important to note that Pamoa Road is not solely used by Manoa residents; it is also a crucial access route for University of Hawaiʻi students and employees, as well as East-West Center staff and visitors. These additional users further strain the road's capacity, compounding the traffic issues posed by the proposed development.

Safety Concerns

The increased population density and traffic on the narrow roads of Manoa Valley, particularly on Pamoa Road, poses significant safety risks to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Pamoa Road lacks sidewalks, forcing pedestrians and bicyclists to share the road with a large number of vehicles. This creates an environment ripe for accidents, putting the lives of residents and university affiliates at risk. The increased traffic contradicts the City's Complete Streets Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Moreover, the narrow design of Pamoa Road, combined with the substantial increase in traffic, creates a high-risk environment for accidents, particularly at the intersections of Pamoa Road with Alaula Way and Alaula Way with University Avenue, both of which lack traffic lights. The congestion at these intersections will be severe, especially during the peak hours when Noelani Elementary, Mid-Pacific Institute, and the University of Hawaiʻi are in session.

Inadequate Infrastructure

The existing infrastructure in Manoa Valley, including the narrow roads, is not equipped to handle the massive increase in traffic and population density that the Aria Lane development would bring. Pamoa Road is already overburdened, requiring frequent access by Hawaiian Electric Company and the Board of Water Supply due to its aging infrastructure. The road’s capacity is further strained by garbage, recycling, and green waste trucks, along with daily deliveries from USPS, UPS, and FedEx. The addition of up to 172 households would exacerbate these issues, causing severe road congestion and compromised access for essential services as well as commuter and regular traffic.

Additionally, Pamoa Road experiences frequent traffic from vehicles transporting temporary residents of Youth With A Mission, a Christian-based international program that occupies the eastern side of Hipawai Place. The increased volume of vehicular traffic will further complicate the already strained infrastructure, causing delays and potential hazards.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Risks

Recent fires on Waʻahila Ridge have heightened residents' anxiety about emergency evacuations. Pamoa Road’s narrowness poses a serious risk during emergencies, potentially replicating or worsening the tragic events seen elsewhere in our state. The increased traffic and population density from the Aria Lane development would hinder emergency response and evacuation efforts, particularly in the event of wildfires on the nearby hillsides, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences.

The existing conditions of Pamoa Road already present challenges for emergency vehicles. Increased traffic from the development will severely impede the access of fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles during emergencies, putting residents’ lives at greater risk. The recent wildfires on Waʻahila Ridge in 2020, 2015, and 2011 underscore the need for clear, accessible evacuation routes, which the proposed development does not address.

Misled by the Developer

The Avalon Group has been misleading about the accessibility of Aria Lane. Previously, Saint Francis School had access to Maile Way, which the University of Hawaii has now closed to Aria Lane residents. Therefore, Pamoa Road becomes the primary access point, contrary to the developer’s understanding. This significant change in circumstances must be seriously considered to reflect the true impact on traffic flow and safety. The developer’s failure to acknowledge the closure of Maile Way and its implications for increased traffic on Pamoa Road undermines the credibility of their traffic impact assessments and overall project feasibility.

Cultural and Historical Concerns

The potential destruction of reported Hawaiian archaeological sites is another critical issue. These sites are of cultural and historical significance, and their preservation is paramount. The development must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that these sites are not compromised, preserving the heritage and historical integrity of the area.

Cumulative Impact on the Entire Valley

The spillover effect of traffic from University Avenue onto Punahou Street due to the Aria Lane development will ultimately lead to the entire Manoa Valley being negatively impacted. This increased traffic congestion will affect residents' access to essential services, schools, and amenities, and significantly diminish the quality of life for the Manoa Valley community. The existing infrastructure is not designed to handle such an increase in traffic, leading to potential long-term deterioration of road conditions and increased maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the impact of the development extends beyond immediate traffic concerns. The strain on public services, such as waste management, utilities, and emergency services, will be felt throughout the valley. The cumulative effect of these pressures will degrade the overall livability of the area, making it less attractive for current and future residents.

Impact on Community Character

The proposed Aria Lane development threatens the unique character and livability of the Manoa Valley neighborhood. The project does not align with the character of neighborhoods in its vicinity. It would destroy the tranquil and green character of the St. Francis property and remove many large and beautiful trees. The development would not only visually alter the landscape but also disrupt the sense of community that has been cultivated over generations. The increase in traffic and noise pollution will erode the quiet, residential nature of Manoa Valley, adversely affecting the quality of life for its residents.

The preservation of neighborhood character is crucial for maintaining the cultural and historical integrity of Manoa Valley. The introduction of a high-density development in an area characterized by single-family homes and green spaces is fundamentally incongruent with the existing community. This discordance with the surrounding area contravenes the Honolulu C&C subdivision development standards and fails to align with the area's established character.

Conclusion

The proposed Aria Lane development violates multiple standards and policies intended to protect our community. The addition of up to 178 housing units will exacerbate traffic congestion, compromise safety, and strain already burdened infrastructure. We urge the Department of Planning and Permitting, the Mayor, the City Council, the City Traffic Department, and all other decision-makers to reject the Aria Lane development in its current form. Let us prioritize the safety and well-being of the Manoa Valley community over the financial interests of all involved in the Aria Lane development. Let us work together towards responsible, sustainable development that preserves the integrity of our neighborhood.

We propose that any development of this site should be reconsidered to ensure that it aligns with the existing character of the neighborhood and addresses the critical infrastructure and safety concerns. Furthermore, a comprehensive impact study should be conducted, taking into account the true traffic, safety, and environmental impacts of such a large development on a community already overburdened with limited infrastructure. The voices of the residents, who will be affected by this development, must be heard and considered in the planning process.

We thank you for your attention and consideration of our concerns. We always remain available to answer any questions or clarify any concerns. If you would like to meet in person, please let us know and we would be happy to do so.

Sincerely,

Manoa Valley residents and friends

For more information: https://malamastfrancismanoa.weebly.com/

Sign additional petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-saint-francis-m%C4%81noa