LÄ'IE — The Koçolauloa Neighborhood Board last night voted 7-4 to endorse a plan by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to develop a 1,200-home community in Mälaekahana.

The vote came at the end of the 3 1/2-hour community meeting attended by an estimated 300 people at Läçie Elementary School. Forty-seven people testified, expressing their support or caution about a plan that would double the size of Läçie.
More people spoke in favor of the plan than against it.
The neighborhood board vote is of advisory nature only, and the Mormon Church would need to obtain land-use approvals from the state and county before moving forward.
Last night, some people said they welcome the prospect of more homes and job opportunities in the area, while others worried about traffic, congestion and other potential effects to their rural lifestyle.
Many of the supporters wore gold T-shirts expressing support. Some called it an answer to their prayers for more jobs closer to home and more housing so their children could remain in the community.
Kealii Haverly, a Hauçula resident, said the plan is an opportunity for local people to own homes. Too often homes go to non-residents, he said, but the plan would be set up to keep the homes affordable.
“This opportunity can be the template for the future of Oçahu,” Haverly said.
Kahuku resident Kevin Kelly called “more of the same — a bigger PCC, a bigger BYU, a bigger demand for afforable housing, fewer good jobs.”
Kelly asked the neighborhood board to send the plan back to the planners to create a real vision of opportunity for the area.
Envision Laçie, a collaborative effort by some Koçolauloa residents and three affiliates of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented the plan at last night’s meeting. In addition to homes, the plan includes a shopping center, churches, parks and light industrial complex.