Relating To The Oahu Community Correctional Center Site.
The legislation proposes to establish the OCCC site redevelopment working group, which will be tasked with exploring the best uses for the site post-relocation. This group will encompass stakeholders from various sectors, including state and county agencies, private entities, and members of the community. Their purpose will be to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the needs of local residents and enhances community safety and economic development, effectively improving the area’s housing inventory and employment opportunities.
SB453 aims to address the inadequacies of the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) by facilitating its relocation and subsequent redevelopment of its existing site in Kalihi, Hawaii. The bill highlights the importance of modernizing correctional facilities and acknowledges that the current location no longer serves the needs of its inmate population or the surrounding community. Critically, the site is situated in a region that may impede future transit development, notably the Honolulu rail transit project, which underscores the urgency for relocation and redevelopment efforts.
Debate surrounding SB453 may center around the extent of community involvement in the planning and redevelopment process, as well as concerns regarding the efficacy of proposed zoning changes. Some community members may fear that redevelopment could lead to increased gentrification, which might displace existing residents rather than benefit them. Additionally, managing infrastructure issues, like the recently discovered contamination concerns near the site, will be pivotal, raising questions about accountability and safety as plans progress.