Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0330.006 1996-1998 JUN-18-97 WED 07:44 AM HUILIH IKAIIIDICK&KEHAU-BW 18©88895553 P. 02 IILiI LIiIIKAI r CITIZENS FOIZ PROTECTION OF THL NOR"1'H KOHALA COASTLINE `9'1 JUi~ to Fig '1 `i~:! P.O. BOX 76, HA~VI HAlNAII 96719 PH/FAX 889-5553 June 17, 1997 CC i\Ir. James Arakaki CCU, v l ~ i ~~,'d;'.! Chairman Hawaii County Council RF;: Bill 96: (Draft 2) Dear Chairman Arakaki, Would you please share this faxed testimony with the other Council members. A number of concerns about this project have been raised by others ie: view plains, pollution of shoreline habitats, legality of zoning, potable water, what are the covenants and conditions for this project, and much more. I will address only ttvo concerns. Opposition to any up coning or development until a firm plan is in place that will protect the basic open and scenic values of this unique resource. Secondly the coastal trail. The State Legislature and earlier County Councils have passed resolutions in support of preserving the North Kohala Coast coast as is. In order to give any credence to these wishes a plan must be in place that will guarantee it's preservation. This plan must be statute. Next is the Coastal Trail. Last week the County Planning Commission visited the site. I walked the coastal section with Rodney Oshiro, chief of the big island Di,NR's Na Ala Hele. Na Ala Hele is the section of DLNR charged with maintaining the trail systems. After doing so ive made the following observations and a suggestion: 1. It will be very difficult if not impossible to build a safe shore line trail if a strict high tide/ beginning of vegetation guideline is observed. The terrain in some locations is extremely steep and hazardous. The developers tivill need to be flexible in their interpretation of the shoreline certification. In many cases even 10 feet will not allow for safe passage. 2. As a possible solution we suggested that if the developer is sincere in wanting to keep lateral access available to the public, that they could sit do~ti'n with Mr. Oshiro and lus staff and work out a plan for a reasonable and safe trail configuration. The Big Island is on the brink of becoming a part of the National Trail System. Let's be sure that when hikers get to Kawaihae, they dori t have go along Akoni Pule Highway past Kohala Ranch before they can return to the coast. A4ahalo for your consideration. ~~~i~ Richard Boyd, Co-Chair Hui Lilukai >u0. 330.0 6 rtte iro. z N G lKt~ Ref 70~ Presenfed t ou.vc~~ Rei. .AIN t ~ 1997 _