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Though the owner of CliftoÓs has known the dangers of trash pile-up, vehicle abandonments,
<br />squatting, and other negative use of this property which has been going on since he owned the
<br />property, Mr. Morris has chosen to do little, if anything, to be a caretaker of that land. Now,
<br />apparently, he intends to simply take a non-holistic quick-fix approach to solving the problem of
<br />trash and squatting by erecting a gate which would, in fact, possibly negatively affect many more
<br />people than it would help, just as NELHA has done with arbitrary and narrowing shoreline
<br />access (including less parking, no camping and shorter hours) that has become alarming to the
<br />areaÓs regular users. And a few portable lua and a passing caretaker, with the ability/authority to
<br />evict those who are long-term camping, would positively affect not only the homeless problem
<br />but the trash as well. In that type of approach, Mr. Morris could also contribute to this
<br />community by allowing much-needed, free, wilderness-style campin
<br />and until a coastal recreation area is created in cooperation with the Kohanaiki parcel.
<br />However, if the gate is erected on the mauka-makai jeep trail, it should be set back from the
<br />highway with plenty of room for cars to park outside of it, just as that Kekahakai State Park.
<br />This would ensure 24 hours a day, seven days a week pedestrian access to the shoreline, which is
<br />used for every sort of activity from fishing, surfing, jogging, everything. Hours of the gate
<br />opening and closure should be far more lenient and fair than those now set by NELHA. IÓd like
<br />to see them set, if there is a SMA permit, IÓd like to see it in the permit that a gate at Ooma
<br />should be opened from no less than 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round,
<br />Kohanaiki and NELHA, so that the public can access the shoreline for all the activities that now
<br />pursues there, fishing, camping, surfing, diving, jogging, etc.
<br />And NELHA, this is important because NELHA has made it difficult, if not possible, for, before-
<br />and after-workers to enjoy this coastal area, especially in summer when daylight hours are
<br />longer, people are up earlier, and leave the beach later in the evening. By requiring these
<br />restrictions in the SMA permit, the County would be approaching shoreline access in a balanced,
<br />proper way and acknowledge increasingly worrisome decrease in the ability of the public to
<br />access the shoreline without overburdening this owner. And to remind you, this jeep access road
<br />has been in nearly continual public use since 1976.
<br />In conclusion, if you decide to give the go-ahead to this SMA permit, I think itÓs imperative that
<br />the strictest conditions are put on that permit, as well as ensure the enforcement of those rules.
<br />Having already dealt with Mr. Morris regarding the trash, I feel that he needs to have things
<br />written in stone for him to actually contribute and do the things that heÓs supposed to do to make
<br />this area safe, healthy and better for the community.
<br />Commission Members are asked to remember that this property is an area uniquely used and
<br />uniquely remaining as all other coastal land is approved and developed for largely private use,
<br />and is enjoyed by growing numbers of people in this growing community. Thank you again for
<br />allowing me to speak regarding this proposal which will affect the lives of all Kailua-Kona
<br />residents.
<br />SPRINGER:Thank you, Janice. Commissioners, do you have any questions or
<br />comments for the testifier? Joel?
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