The Villages at Aina Le’a is back in the news again. DW Aina Le’a Development LLC filed a preemptive lawsuit against the State Land Use Commission last week Thursday. DW Aina Le’a is attempting to invalidate the commission’s decision to revert the project’s land classification back to agriculture. In addition, Bridge Aina Le’a LLC, DW Aina Le’a Development’s project partner, filed a concurrent lawsuit against DW Aina Le’a Development and the State Land Use Commission on the same day.
Bridge Aina Le’a LLC’s lawsuit against the State Land Use Commission
DW Aina Le’a Development’s lawsuit against the State Land Use Commission
The Villages at Aina Le’a website has been updated. DW Aina Le’a Development is soliciting support for Rep. Cindy Evans’s resolution. They’ve also created a Facebook page and published a project newsletter.
I believe Rep. Evans’s resolution is a red herring. The developer has insufficient funding to complete the affordable housing component, failed to comply with previously agreed promises, and haven’t paid the contractors on time for work completed. In addition, this legislation has no weight in law. The final decision regarding Aina Le’a's land use classification will be made by the State Land Use Commission.
On a related note, the Hawaii Office of State Planning replied to my inquiry about the Aina Le’a project. The State LUC claimed the developer discussed ways the Aina Le’a project could move forward with the Office of State Planning. However, the developer hasn’t submitted any new proposals to them.
Related items:
Mauna Lani Resort Association Filed A Lawsuit Against The Villages At Aina Le’a And Hawaii County
The Villages At Aina Le’a Project May Turn Into The Next Hokuli’a
May 29th, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Hi Aaron,
Based on your follow ups of this Aina Le’a trail, and the subsequent events and proceedings, may I know what your thoughts are ?
Do you think that this project might actually work out and be profitable and benefit all parties ?
Thanks and regards,
Joe
May 29th, 2011 at 6:40 AM
Joe,
The developers should’ve sought out additional financing years ago. This would’ve allowed them to meet the deadlines imposed by the LUC. However, they were not able to do this.DW/Bridge Aina Le’a have two major issues to address instead of one (financing and land classification) as a result. The developer’s ability to secure additional financing is limbo until the Court reverses the LUC’s decision to reclassify the property. So, the future viability of this project hinges on how the Court decides the developer’s lawsuits.