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r^ ~..--r^ Kukuihaele Community Association , P. O. Box 5099 ~ Kukuihaele, 81 96727 Dominic Yagong, Councilmember 27 January X998 Hawaii County Council Dear Councilman Yagong - I will be unable to attend the Committee on Public Works & Parks meeting on 3 February, 1998 concerning the resolution to ban peddling at the Waipio Valley Lookout. Therefore, please consider my written input. As you know, the Kukuihaele Community Association (KCA) had a general membership meeting to discuss this issue. There was general consensus that the ban on peddling in this area is supported by the KCA. There are two concerns. First, peddling in this area is undesirable for two reasons. The Waipio Valley Lookout area is very congested. The shoulder of the two lane road leading to the lookout is used for parking by residents and visitors; therefore, the active roadway must be used by pedestrians. The lookout parking lot is very small and the maneuvering room for car, truck, and bus traffic is very limited. This area must be used for traffc entering and leaving the valley to prepare their vehicles for four wheel operation. All this makes the lookout area a high safety risk. Chief Asia of the Honokaa Fire Station expressed his safety concerns since the lookout is the only area from which to stage often needed emergency rescue efforts into Waipio and Waimanu valleys. Also, the Waipio Valley Lookout is a very important visitor destination. Its combination of natural scenic beauty and historic cultural significance make it a one of its kind "natural wonder" of our island of Hawaii. The clutter of commercial peddling operations greatly reduces its significance, appeal, and value to both visitors and residents. There are other commercial establishments selling food and drink within one-half mile of the lookout area. Second, the current peddler is well known and well liked by many of the residents of Kukuihaele. Therefore, while they do not want peddlers in general cluttering this special lookout area they will not speak out against him. No one wants to see this man lose his livelihood, but the rules should be the same for all people. There are two other alternatives for this peddler. One, he could operate at the end of state highway 240 on the edge of the proposed restricted area. There is much more shoulder space for parking and the area is highly visible to all traffic going to and from Waipio Valley. Or two, he could (:a~.~, Ya. 7 cc_ sr ~ P~esenfed PWPG Ibt. ~ FE1? 3 198