HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0853.013 2010-2012 October 10, 2012
Dear Hawai'i County Council Members:
I have the following comments and concerns regarding Resolution 308-12:
1. I believe the County Council has an obligation to seriously consider the landowners'counter-
offer before moving forward with authorizing acquisition by eminent domain of the trail to
Papa'ikou Beach that is accessed via Mill Road.
Perhaps Resolution 308-12 has motivated the landowners to put an alternative on the "table."
Whatever the reasons, acquisition of a public access by eminent domain should be a last resort after
other options have been thoroughly studied. I'm not suggesting that the County accept"whatever" is
offered by the landowner.A process of negotiation should follow with careful attention to the details.
2. Acquiring the pedestrian public access along Mill Road and the currently used trail,as
proposed in the Resolution, is only a portion of what is needed to make this a viable public
beach access.Where will the public park?Where will emergency vehicles turn around?
Mill Road is narrow and lined on both sides by private residences with little to no public parking
available.The popularity of this access will predictably increase with its acquisition by the County.The
County needs to be prepared for ocean-related rescues and emergencies. Beach goers will need to know
where to park.That is a basic requirement to prevent inconvenience to and conflicts with neighboring
residents.
3. Securing a manageable public access easement to Papa'ikou Beach is definitely in the public's
interests, but that public access does not have to be in the presently used location.
If the landowners offer a superior option for public access that includes better parking and more lateral
access along the coast for fishing and hiking (in addition to beach access) it would be a mistake to limit
ourselves to acquiring the presently used trail via Mill Road.
4. Management of the public access to Papa'ikou Beach should be by the County and not the
private landowners.
The private landowners' management of the presently used access has been a significant source of
conflict.Whether the currently used beach access or an alternative access is obtained, the County
should take over the management responsibility.The County must identify a department which will be
responsible for partnering with community management efforts and ensuring that adequate
management is sustained.
I ask that you amend Resolution 308-12 to include provision of adequate parking and turn-around area
for emergency vehicles if the current trail via Mill Road is acquired by eminent domain.Simply acquiring
a pedestrian public access easement as proposed in the Resolution will not result in a safe and
manageable public beach access.The Resolution should also allow for consideration of other options to
achieve the desired goal of public access to this special beach prior to resorting to acquisition by
eminent domain.
Mahalo for this opportunity to comment on this very important subject.
( 1 Comm. No. pRS
Ref. To: I I FL
�°� Ref. Date OCT 1 0 2012