HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0454.006 1996-1998 ~
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Post Office Box 4514
Kaihia-Kona, Hawaii 96745
July 31, 1997
Mr. Joseph Reynolds
Hawaii County Council n
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25 Aupuni Street r--,>-, ~ ,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 -
8E: is snpport of enforcement for siga lav
Aloha Councilman Reynolds:
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Mahalo for your ongoing efforts to promote community and develop a
stronger local economy. I am along-time resident of Captain Cook.
Concerned about a situation, I'm writing to ask your help.
Despite laudable regulation guarding against such occurrence in
Hawaii County, there has in the past few years been an alarming increase in
the nwnber and size of illegal signs that advertise business activities. Roads,
parking lots, and storefronts are teeming with garish and indiscriminately-
placed signs and banners.
The situation has created some serious concerns for our community.
One issue of magnitude is that of economics. A substantial source of
residents' income and revenue is derived from the tourist trade. Visitors
come to see the island's natural beauty, its picturesque vistas and landscape.
So many unbecoming outdoor advertising devices detract from the island's
attractiveness and have a quantifiable, negative affect upon our tourist trade
and economic well-being. Enforcement of the existing sign law is essential to
ensure that this island's natural beauty prevails.
Another issue is public safety. Precariously-placed signs create a
danger to pedestrians. Moreover, in a humcane each and every "sandwich
board" is a potential "projectile." Further, studies show that outdoor signs
contribute significantly to the number of traffic accidents, as signs detract
from the visibility of traffic signals and distract the drivers' attention away
from the road. Again, enforcement is crucial.
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page two
Letter in support of enforcement for existing sign law
For prevention's sake, the County could offer public education; perhaps
in the form of a brochure that explains sign rights and responsibilities. This
device could be presented to business persons early on in their enterprise(s),
i.e., upon application for a G.E. license, or upon leasing space, or at some
other point in the start-up process.
The Council is urged to take measures to ensure that future violations
are prevented while existing ones are corrected. Clearly, the matter of
enforcement needs to be addressed.
Recently, you and I discussed this matter. I'm very grateful that you
support better enforcement and have pledged to work towards it.
Please note, however, that I am opposed to "reform" of the law. You
mentioned that as an supplement to enforcement. NO! Reform would be
wasteful, an abdication of the Council's role as good custodians of tax
monies, unless adequate enforcement had been attempted and ruled out as
effective. Since it has not, reform should not be considered.
I appeal to the Council to make good planning decisions and provide
for rigorous enforcement of sign legislation. As always, your efforts are
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mary Lou Maberry
cc: All members, Hawaii County Council