2008-01-11 TMAUNAKEA - Laserfiche WebLink

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thought I’d just share a couple of experiences I’ve had about Mauna Kea. And first of all I’m really glad to hear that some of the folks that work down there would support more local use. So maybe another 10 stalls would be good. Because my own experience is somewhat similar to Bill’s but maybe not with a happy outcome. I mean it has only gotten worse since my daughter was, let’s see my daughter is 8 years old and we go down to the beach probably 5 out of 7 days just to maintain sanity and enjoy the scenery down there. And we’ve almost stopped going to the Mauna Kea and Maumae area because it’s so difficult to get a pass. We’re often told that they’re not available. Maumae is impossible anymore, just forget that. And on several occasions my daughter had her heart set on going to, you know how three-year olds to four-year olds get their heart on one particular beach, doesn’t matter that Hapuna is just as good. And so we’d circle back around after we were denied a pass, and I said, well, you know, we’re going to go down for lunch. So we go down and buy some French fries and ice tea, and there would be spaces. So the pass system is broken and I suppose there are certain efficiencies about it. And my experience with the guards are that they’re really nice, but I think they feel that they’re just doing their job. And I don’t know if it’s lack of communication with the lack of spaces down before or message from higher up. But they’re, certainly a sense from those of us that live close by that we’re, you know, feeling discouragement from using the beaches there. So, you know, I hope that can be fixed. And then also I don’t think there’s another resort on the Kohala coast that has a pass system, the Four Seasons Kona, but I know Waikoloa doesn’t, Mauna Lani doesn’t. So I really wonder if there’s a need for that. It certainly sends a message that you’re not welcome. So you’re sitting there waiting for a pass and all these tourists keep going by. They can get right in, no problem. You may wait, wait, wait if you’re even lucky to get in and get a pass. So I think just from a public relations standpoint it might be something that could be reconsidered by the hotel; and it sounds like they may be open to that. So that’s all really good. You know, the last thing I just wanted to offer is the vicinity. I concur I think with Mr. Frankel’s testimony that it would be great to condition that to, tightened to where that, those extra spaces should be. Cause there are situations where I, I don’t whether it’s intentional or not but like the Mauna Lani’s public accesses they’re so far away, and now they won’t let you park anywhere near their employee parking lot. We don’t go there any more because it’s such a long walk; and I think it’s, you know, some people are able to make that journey and I’m glad for them. And I don’t think you have to be overly accommodating to everyone but I think sometimes the parking, well, I strongly believe public parking is placed a great distance away from places people like to be to discourage that type of access. And even if it’s not intentional, it does send that message. So thanks for letting me add my two cents. I think there’s a real opportunity here to kind of change the system and make it work better for everyone. So thank you. WATANABE: Mr. Rho. RHO: Can you elaborate on the wait period, waiting for the pass? BYRNE: I think the most, all right, with a little girl in the back seat, the most we’ve ever -. RHO: Well, maybe you can just explain, you drive up, and then what happens? BYRNE: The most we’ve ever waited is 45 minutes, cause you’re starting to get hot and, you know, you won’t get in. But sometimes we’ve circled around down to Kawaihae, get EXHIBIT B 11