PL-SLU-2022-008-PL-REZ-2022-039 06.14.23 E. Flores Opposition Testimony within 48 hrs

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Chapter 4: Waimea Town Plan the Farm Lots" between this proposed road and the existing Lalamilo Farm Lots, and in particular an organic farm that would be adversely affected by the new road. Bicycle facilities and pedestrian paths should be included in the design of this road. Strategy 5.8 Work with the State Department of Transportation to resolve the best alignment for the proposed Waimea/Kawaihae Road Bypass Highway — This major state highway project has been studied and debated for some thirty years. This Bypass Highway would be a major regional arterial 2-1ane highway that would provide a new route for traffic between East Hawai'i and Kawaihae Harbor. The most recent proposed alignment for this road in the vicinity of Waimea extends from near the Mud Lane/Mamalahoa Highway intersection, through the upper sections of the DHHL Pu'ukapu Homesteads, through Parker Ranch lands just north of the Waimea Airport, across Mamalahoa Highway south, and then south of the Lalamilo Farm Lots and the Waimea Field System. There appears to be a strong community consensus that this highway must be built and that it is absolutely critical not only to the preservation of the culture and character of Waimea Town, but to the safety and convenience for all the residents and businesses of East, North, and West Hawai'i and would clearly solve the current as well as the future ills facing the traffic through Waimea Town. Much community input has indicated that the alignment should be south of, rather than north of, the Airport (see page 62). Some community members have commented that the entire alignment of this road in the vicinity of Waimea as proposed by the State is not acceptable, and that the alignment should be farther south of Waimea Town (see Figure 4.4). Also, some members of the local Hawaiian community are opposed to any highway construction within Pu'ukapu Homesteads. An "Environmental Impact Statement" for this project has been "in the works" for approximately 10 years. Actual design and construction of this bypass highway may take another 10 years or more. Any plans for this Bypass Highway should include designation of this road as a "Scenic Highway" with appropriate controls on future development of lands with highway frontage. Adequate right-of- way width to include future widening and bike lanes should also be included in the design of the road. 4.3 ACTION PROGRAMS FOR WAIMEA 4.3.1 ACTION PROGRAM — "PROTECT THE PU'U OF WAIMEA" The Need for Action The green pu'u above Waimea Town and their associated sloping acreage have great cultural, historical, ecological, and visual importance for the community. Together with the grand views of Mauna Kea to the southeast of the town, the pu'u define the special landscape "sense of place" of Waimea. The pu'u are also important spiritual and resource areas for Waimea's Native Hawaiian people. Many of these pu'u have been used as grazing lands for generations, while some are forested. These pu'u and their associated lands are of vital importance to the health of the Waimea watershed. Generally, by "protection of the pu'u" the CDP means continuing pasture and forest use of the pu'u and not allowing residential or commercial development. The pu'u that most strongly define the mauka landscape of Waimea are the large, green pastureland pu'u that are located outside of the State's Forest Preserve area. Moving from west to east, these pu'u are: South Kohala CDP November, 2008 FINAL Page 76