HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0687.012 1996-1998 Doug and Diana Andrews
Box 1286
Honoka'a, HI 96727
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Februazy 2, 1998 RE: Peddline at Waioio Valley~:odkout
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Dominic Yagong
Councilmember
County Council of Hawaii
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuna Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Hawaii County Council and Councilmember Yagong:
We regret that we will be unable to attend the February 3 meeting on the matter of
allowing peddlers at the Waipio Valley Lookout, so we are hereby presenting written
testimony summarizing our position.
As owners of property immediately adjoining the Lookout parking lot, our position on
this issue is based upon our extensive observations of activity at this site. When we
chose this site for our home, we knew that we could easily exploit it commercially due to
the constant stream of residents and visitors to the area. It became apparent very quickly,
however, that this was a truly special place, where deeply felt love and respect for the
aina is paramount. It is our home, and in chosing to live here we also understand that we
share in the responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Our concerns about allowing peddlers at this site are many, and include the following:
SAFETY: This site is already far too congested to accommodate existing traffic. We
have noted many occasions when vehicles have come faz too close to people on foot or to
other vehicles. Farmers and campers coming up from the valley with heavy loads may
be stalled on the steep grade due to congestion around the top. We believe that allowing
commercial activity of any kind significantly increases congestion and the risk of
accidents.
LL4BILITY: Having full-knowledge of the already overly congested site, a case could be
made that liability lies with the county for personal and/or property damage ensuing from
poor planning In alleviating the current problem or negligence in allowing additional
activity to go forwazd. / g -7 /2
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OVER COMMERCIALIZATION: Exploiting the Waipio Valley Lookout area is just
another verse in the same old sad song. Take the last remaining sites and open them to
anything a tourist will buy. Destroy the very thing that makes it special. It is painfully
obvious to every resident of this community that jobs are desperately needed. But REAL
jobs with real opportunities for economic stability and growth are the answer.
Sacrificing the mans is pan of the problem, not part ojthe solution.
Honestly, we could go on at length about the tragedy being contemplated here. Instead,
let us simply state this:
As taxpayers, we object to putting the county in a position of liability.
As residents, we do not want a "tourist trap" atmosphere to encroach on the
natural beauty of the area. This area should be set aside from such activity.
As friends and neighbors, we are deeply concerned about the safety and well-
being of community members and visitors alike as personal injury becomes a
more likely threat with ever-increasing congestion.
As human beings, we are deeply saddened at the threat of commercializing such a
spiritual site, and of losing the sense of sanctuary unique to this azea.
Please. im r you to preserve the integrity of this unique site.
~~Gti~L~~
l./ 11
Doug drews Diana Andrews