HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0653.000 2002-2004 CARLSMITH BALL LLP
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May 26, 2004
Mr. James Arakaki, Chairman
County of Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Keauhou Kona Triathlon
Dear Chairman Arakaki:
Please be advised that this office represents Mokuaikaua Church located on Alii
Drive, in Kailua Kona.
The Church has not spoken out on this issue as it has been trying to be a part of all
the events that contribute to the well being of the Kailua Village experience. However, it is with
regret that the Church must now speak out and respectfully ask that you consider their historical
position and their parishioners in Kailua Village, and to inform you that event organizers, in
some cases, are not concerned about the impact on the merchants and the church operations.
As you know, the Church has been an integral part of the Kailua-Kona experience
for many years, for both the kamaaina and visitor alike. The Church has been a focal point for
the town center and its steeple has served as a beacon to those wishing to congregate on Sunday
mornings and share their hopes, dreams and prayers. The Church has also been a model citizen
of the community, both by ensuring a pleasant and clean area in front of the Church, and making
improvements to its landscaping and rock walls for all to enjoy. The Church has also turned the
other cheek when asked to sacrifice its peace and quiet for parades and other secular events
which close Alii Drive, their only functional and realistic access. The Church has gone out of its
way to accommodate many inconveniences with the presentation of various town "oriented"
themes and special days, which also close Alii Drive. The more neighborly coordinators of these
various events that disrupt the flow of traffic in the heart of Kona have always come in to the
Pastor or to the Board to seek ways of ameliorating the circumstances and the inconvenience to
the Church. Many of the events are held on Saturdays so that they are not too disruptive to the
flow of traffic to the Church on Sunday mornings.
Unfortunately, there is an event known as the Keauhou Kona Triathlon, which is
being held on May 30, 2004, a Sunday, which will be terribly disruptive to the peace and quiet
and to the operation of the Church. As you know, the church services occur on Sunday
HONOLULU ~ KAPOLEI ~ HILO ~ KONA ~ MAUI ~ GUAM ~ $AIPAN ~ LOS ANGELES
Comm. No.
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Ref. Date~lill 1 ~
Mr. James Arakaki, Chairman
May 26, 2004
Page 2
mornings. With events scheduled on Sundays and the closing of the surrounding roadways, it is
next to impossible for many of the parishioners to get to their place of worship in the downtown
area.
The Church has been willing to work with event organizers in the past so that the
Kona community is enriched by the cultural and sporting activities that can occur in Kona. It is
willing to continue to assist the event organizers to make sure that their events are cultural,
financial or political successes. However, these event are becoming more and more
commonplace in Kona and many more are utilizing Sunday as their event day.
The Church survives on its operations on the universal day of worship, Sunday.
In order to be successful, it must ensure that its membership is able to seek the sanctity and peace
associated with this worship. The Church would like to request that the County Council give
serious consideration about approving roadway closures for any future "Sunday Events" that will
close down a portion of Alii Drive for their individual benefit. The number of events that require
the closure of Alii Drive is proliferating to the point that, the County Council must set clear rules
and regulations regarding the sporting events and other functions which attempt to close down a
portion of Alii Drive for their individual benefit. The County Council must ensure the tranquility
of the town and ensure that the things that have contributed to the quality of life in Kona are not
lost. There are many other areas on the island that these event could utilize without affecting the
operations of the merchants of Kailua-Kona as well as the access of the church goers. The road
closures for these events on a "Sunday" should not be allowed to utilize county roadways to the
detriment of the rest of the local community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. A response would e appreciated.
V ry t yours
o~
Robert D. Triant
RDT./wta
4834-7292-2880.1.051664-000OI