An agency executive director can now enter five-year leases for state-owned property in Kakaʻako at below-market rates without board approval or public notice.

The proposed commercial center on donated West Oʻahu land has run into significant opposition this year. But the proposal has evolved and on Tuesday the commission agreed to move forward.

The owner of the land tied to a former sugar mill wants to develop housing on the site but must make sure hazardous plantation-era remnants are cleared.

The Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority is closing in on a final plan for Kalaeloa but major infrastructure needs mean it will be years before new development can begin. 

Kamehameha Schools has yet to release its plan for Kamilonui Valley. But the school’s history of development in the area is stoking fears about what will happen to Hawaiʻi Kai’s last farmlands.

The lawsuit argues that Kapalua’s water shortages are not simply the result of less rainfall in the area, but rather Maui Land & Pineapple’s failure to maintain its water system.

Demolition is still planned to start in late August, but a larger master contract covering the entire site is still being negotiated.

The contracts have not been publicly released, but officials promised to publicize the documents after they’re signed by all parties.

Preservationists decry Gov. Josh Green’s late decision to approve a measure to remove an obstacle to development.

Residents have argued the luxury development would go against original incorporation agreements.