HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSPRC 009 12/04/2007 2006-2008 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
AND PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: December 4, 2007 RE: Comm. No. 815Bi11 No. 204
PLACE: Council Chambers
333 Kr7auea Avenue, 2"d Floor
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:05 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Safety and Pazks and Recreation, to which was referred Bill No. 204,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 204, transmitted by Council Member Stacy Higa via Communication No. 815, dated
November 14, 2007, amends Chapters 14 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 edition, as
amended), relating to intoxicating liquors prohibited in certain public places, and Chapter 15
of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 edition, as amended), relating to dividing and renaming
Leleiwi Beach Park into two distinct beach parks.
The purpose of this ordinance is to divide Leleiwi Beach Park into two distinct beach parks.
Leleiwi Beach Park encompasses two distinct parcels with independent tax map key numbers.
These distinct pazcels would be named "Wai`olena Beach Park" and "Wai`uli Beach Park"
pursuant to chapter 15, article 8, of the Hawaii County Code, which establishes guidelines for
the naming of such facilities. Section 15-67(a)(2)(A) provides that any "open area" County
facility shall, inter alia, be named for its neighborhood, community, region, district or other
identifying geographical location.
The purpose for distinguishing and renaming the beach parks is to give each park its proper
historical name according to their geographical sites. The word "Wai`olena" refers to the light
water of that certain open azea County park identified by TMK (3) 2-1-18-26. The word
"Wai`uli" refers to the dark water of that certain open area County park identified by TMK (3)
2-1-19-9. The subject parcel is an open azea park located in the Keaukaha area of South Hilo.
The site is located at the end of Kalaniana`ole Avenue.
Accordingly, chapter 14, article 1 of the Hawaii County Code is also amended to retain
current provisions for Leleiwi Beach Park relating to the consumption of intoxicating liquors.
Public testimony was given by members of the Leleiwi Community Association, the Keaukaha
Community Association and the general public. Six members of the public, including the two
students who researched the history and the naming of the beach pazks, spoke in support of the
bill. Claudia Rohr, owner of a bed and breakfast located across from Leleiwi Beach Park spoke
in opposition.
Discussion from your Committee members was diverse. Questions were raised regarding the
precise location of the beaches. These questions were answered after lengthy perusal of maps
and discussion with Pat Engelhard, Director of the Pazks and Recreation Department. Captain
Kenneth Vieira appeared, representing the Hawaii County Police Department. He informed
your Committee that renaming the beach parks would shorten response time by the police and
fire departments, and would reduce confusion as to the location of incidents that aze reported to
the two departments.
A Powerpoint presentation on the history and renaming of the beaches was made by two
students, Halena Kapuni-Reynolds and Nathan Evans.
A motion was made to take the matter to public hearing, but the motion was defeated by a
seven to one vote. Committee member Bob Jacobson was the only one to vote in favor of the
motion. Committee Chair Ikeda was absent due to a family emergency.
Committee members Higa, Pilago and Naeole commended Halena Kapuni-Reynolds and
Nathan Evans, for their research and preparation of their Powerpoint presentation.
Your Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Bill No. 204 and recommends it pass first reading.
awm
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
FORD X
RIGA x COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
HOFFMANN X AND PARKS AND RECREATION
IKEDA X
JACOBSON X
NAEOLE X
PILAGO x J YOSHIMOTO, VICE CHAIR
YAGONG X PSPRC REPORT NO. 9
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: DEC ~ 9 ZOO7