HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0047.034 2020-2022 fll 217
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From: g reg
Sera: Saturday, December 19, 2020 7:03 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 217 Testimony Waipi'o Valley access
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Aloha Council Members,
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I appreciate that our island leadership has looked into many management strategies for Waipi'o Valley over many years. Waipi'o is in desperate need of
increased management. The Council has a responsibility to find balance between cultural and ecological preservation,economic survival and tourism,public
safety,and protecting public access to public beaches and trails. However,Bill 217 is heavily out of balance and would have severe unintended
consequences. This bill serves a small group of people,but is not in the best interest of our island as a whole.
This bill would deny local kids from Honokaa,Hilo or Kona their right to walk to the beach with bodyboards because they are not residents of Waipi'o_
This bill would overstress the Pololu Valley trail and parking area with many more visitors.
This bill would do severe damage to Honoka'a small business owners and employees at an extremely fragile time.
This bill has no clear definition of who is considered a cultural practitioner,unfairly making the information officer liable for that decision. [here would be
conflict over this.
This bill is being considered without the critical information of the unfinished geotechnical study of the road's condition.
]'his bill would only increase vehicular traffic with no timeline for enforcing rental car prohibitions,which is the much larger problem.
]'his bill world reverse the traditional use of the road as an ancient walking trail.
Putting information officers at the lookout was a smart solution. We have other successful management examples,like Haena on Kauai. Build a visitor
center,create a walking path,limit daily visitors with a permitting/fee system,install restrooms in the valley,create a shuttle system,establish clear
communication for tourist management,give visitors formal opportunities to volunteer and give back to the residents of Waipi'o,}dace information officers in
the valley as well as topside to reduce trespassing. Many solutions have been put forth by the community that are beneficial for everyone_ As a BlueT,oncs
island,hiking is a healthy,wholesome activity that we should encourage,not discourage. A huge majority of hikers(locals and visitors alike)are specifically
hiking because they appreciate and have respect for the'aina,
l'lnere are no quick and easy solutions. If we work for the betterment of our island as a whole,the future of Waipi'o is bright. Thank you to the County
Council for your dedication to our island,and please vote no on Bill 217.
tn-eg Seivert
Kukuihaele Resident
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Comm. No. 4114
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Bate 21020