Haleiwa Backyards Progress sparks Community Debate Over Housing adn Traffic
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By david Harrison, World Today News
HALEIWA, Hawaii – A proposed development, dubbed Haleiwa Backyards, is facing significant opposition from community members concerned about its impact on local infrastructure and quality of life. The project plans to construct approximately 150 two-bedroom, long-term rental units on a vacant lot situated behind the Ace Hardware store.
Residents like Zaz Dahlin argue that the development prioritizes profit over community needs. “Nothing about it is for our community,” Dahlin stated. “It’s just going to get worse, especially with all the infrastructure set up already.”
The proposed rental rates for the units range from $2,500 to $3,800 per month, with about one-third of the homes designated as affordable. Dahlin expressed concern that these prices are out of reach for essential community workers.”I know the backbone of our community is basically the lifeguards, the teachers, the restaurant workers, the retail shop workers,” she said. “And I know they make near the amount to pay what they’re proposing back here.”
A primary concern among residents is the potential for increased traffic congestion. Haleiwa is already a popular tourist destination, and the addition of new housing units is expected to bring more vehicles to the area. “Our traffic in the country here in Haleiwa, in a 1.5 miles, it’s a madhouse,” commented area resident Earl Dahlin.”We get traffic, takes you 20 minutes just to get through the town.”
Waialua resident jack Reid echoed these sentiments, explaining his avoidance of Haleiwa during peak hours. “I don’t come to town. I live Waialua side. I do not come into this town after 10 o’clock in the morning. You can’t,” reid said. “From Waialua to the harbor takes me 20, 25 minutes.That’s ridiculous.”
Developer D.G. “Andy” anderson, however, suggests the development could alleviate traffic issues by providing housing for local workers who could then walk to their jobs.He also emphasized the need for more housing to retain local families in Hawaii.
The Honolulu City Council is scheduled to discuss the Haleiwa Backyards project on Monday.
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Evergreen insights: haleiwa Development Context
Haleiwa, a historic surf town on Oahu’s North Shore, faces ongoing challenges balancing its agricultural roots and tourist appeal with the need for affordable housing. Similar development proposals in the past have often ignited passionate community discussions regarding infrastructure capacity, environmental impact, and the preservation of local character. Understanding the past context of development pressures on oahu’s North Shore is crucial to grasping the nuances of the Haleiwa Backyards debate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Haleiwa Backyards
- What is the Haleiwa Backyards development?
- The Haleiwa Backyards development is a proposed project to build approximately 150 two-bedroom, long-term rental units on a vacant lot in Haleiwa.
- What are the main concerns regarding the Haleiwa Backyards project?
- Primary concerns include increased traffic congestion, the affordability of rental units for local workers, and the overall impact on Haleiwa’s infrastructure.
- What are the proposed rental prices for the Haleiwa Backyards units?
- Rental prices are expected to range between $2,500 and $3,800 per month.
- How many affordable units are planned for the Haleiwa Backyards development?
- About one-third of the proposed homes would be designated as affordable.
- What is the developer’s outlook on the Haleiwa Backyards project?
- The developer believes the project could reduce traffic by allowing local workers to live closer to their jobs and emphasizes the need for more
