2010-04-16 TKAWAIHAE - Laserfiche WebLink

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We also pledge to seek federal and private funds that the NPS is eligible to apply for to assist with both State and County programs that meet our joint mission In February of this year a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State of HawaiÒi Î Lieutenant Governor Aiona and a director person, Theilan, of DLNR were present Î HawaiÒi County Î MayorÓs representative Wally Lau was there Î as well as the Deputy Regional Director for the Park Service. We all gathered at the Spencer Park less than a month ago, and signed the Memorandum of Understanding to implement our Comprehensive Management Plan. So thatÓs some background. Regarding this current application, as it is our mission to preserve and protect ancient and historic alignments and to administer the management of a continuous public access system of routes within the Ala Kahakai corridor Î following the footsteps of the ancestors Î we are an affected party to any proposed development within the trail corridor. Our objective here is to assure the preservation of the shoreline routes that will connect communities, north and south, via a safe and well managed footpaths to cultural sites, recreational, educational and commercial activities in the town and surrounding areas of Kawaihae thus promoting and encouraging, particularly to the youth and elderly, healthy lifestyles, connections to the past, and less reliance on fossil fuels. We also know that the shoreline is frequented often and that without a doubt shoreline trails existed in ancient and historic times. In 2002, I walked this segment of the shoreline, and revisited the site yesterday accompanied by our staff archaeologist who is in the audience with us today, Rick Gmirkin, and a member of the Hawaiian Homelands community north of the area. And I just want, this is not written in my testimony, but we were not consulted with on any of the applications regarding this development. The lateral shoreline trail we walked on is within the subject property boundary stakes, and it is obvious that any trail alignment makai or seaside of these stakes would place anyone laterally accessing the shoreline in harms way. The area, that the applicant has indicated is adequate for access, is boulder strewn, particularly in the north part of the property, severely uneven, slippery, and subject to waves during high tide. We also noted that the shoreline is experiencing erosion and severe erosion along the northern section of the propertyÓs shoreline. As such, it is recommended that a permit condition be made that will require the lessee to provide for safe and appropriate lateral access within the property boundaries as appropriate, and that this setback will accommodate future shoreline erosion. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and our partners in the community offer our assistance to the applicant to meet this recommended permit condition. It is our hope that all of our needs both the applicant, the State, County and the public are met. Mahalo. HOUSEL: Any questions from Commissioners? 11 EXHIBIT A