HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0687.011 1996-1998 r^
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Kukuihaele Community Association ,
P. O. Box 5099 ~
Kukuihaele, 81 96727
Dominic Yagong, Councilmember 27 January X998
Hawaii County Council
Dear Councilman Yagong -
I will be unable to attend the Committee on Public Works & Parks meeting on
3 February, 1998 concerning the resolution to ban peddling at the Waipio
Valley Lookout. Therefore, please consider my written input.
As you know, the Kukuihaele Community Association (KCA) had a general
membership meeting to discuss this issue. There was general consensus that
the ban on peddling in this area is supported by the KCA. There are two
concerns.
First, peddling in this area is undesirable for two reasons. The Waipio Valley
Lookout area is very congested. The shoulder of the two lane road leading to
the lookout is used for parking by residents and visitors; therefore, the active
roadway must be used by pedestrians. The lookout parking lot is very small
and the maneuvering room for car, truck, and bus traffic is very limited. This
area must be used for traffc entering and leaving the valley to prepare their
vehicles for four wheel operation. All this makes the lookout area a high
safety risk. Chief Asia of the Honokaa Fire Station expressed his safety
concerns since the lookout is the only area from which to stage often needed
emergency rescue efforts into Waipio and Waimanu valleys.
Also, the Waipio Valley Lookout is a very important visitor destination. Its
combination of natural scenic beauty and historic cultural significance make
it a one of its kind "natural wonder" of our island of Hawaii. The clutter of
commercial peddling operations greatly reduces its significance, appeal, and
value to both visitors and residents. There are other commercial
establishments selling food and drink within one-half mile of the lookout area.
Second, the current peddler is well known and well liked by many of the
residents of Kukuihaele. Therefore, while they do not want peddlers in general
cluttering this special lookout area they will not speak out against him. No
one wants to see this man lose his livelihood, but the rules should be the
same for all people. There are two other alternatives for this peddler. One, he
could operate at the end of state highway 240 on the edge of the proposed
restricted area. There is much more shoulder space for parking and the area is
highly visible to all traffic going to and from Waipio Valley. Or two, he could
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make arrangements to operate from another area. This would remove him
from the congested traffic area.
Our committee, in coordination with the Waipio Farmers Association, is
moving along with our idea to improve the lookout area, put up signs and
provide tourist information similar to that in Volcano National Park. We have
a volunteer designer, writer, and workers and will be requesting grants for
funding by mid March 1998.
The bottom line is that the approval of the resolution to ban peddling at the
Waipio Valley Lookout and along that section of the Old Honokaa-Waipio
Road is in the best interest of the community and the island's economy.
Sin//Acerely/,
D,"E'E_ COATES
President