HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0853.048 2010-2012 in support of Res. 308-12 (Draft 2) re. public access to the beach at Papa'ikou
for Hawai'i County Council, 9 AM Wednesday, November 21, 2012, Hilo
by Cory Harden, Sierra Club, Moku Loa Group, PO Box 1137,Hilo, Hawai'i 96721
mha,interpac.net 808-968-8965
We commend County Council for your efforts to resolve this issue. We also commend the landowners for
building a safe route to the beach, offering to pay for an alternate route, opening the current route to the
public most days, and working to keep the beach safe and clean.
But despite months of effort by many people, conflicts over access are not resolved. So we believe this
resolution is the best option.
It's not about a quick fix for the current cast of characters and the next few years. It's about a long-term
solution for generations and years to come.We need access comparable to other beaches—for
subsistence fishing, surfing, and just being on the beach, any time, without the threat that just one or two
people could suddenly lock the gate forever.
The law says eminent domain can be used for access, and we need to set that precedent.
Eminent domain could help avoid a costly and divisive court case, But if it goes to court, Sierra Club
National is aware of the issue, and it is possible they may assist. It's also possible that access to the river
could become an issue.
Passing this resolution would not stop other solutions from being explored, before the eminent domain
takes effect.
This resolution would create the only official public access in a stretch of shoreline three and a half miles
long—and access to one, of only four, major sand/pebble beaches in fifty miles of Hamakua coast.
There is tremendous support for access—over 5,000 petition signatures, almost 300 people turning out
for the October hearing, scores of people at Council meetings, and almost all testifiers in support of
access. Attorney and former Planning Director Chris Yuen and surveyor Neils Christensen, after
extensive research, support access. Global HOPE, Surfrider, and Sierra Club support it. And in the big
picture, after years of tremendous public support, voters just put into our County Charter increased
funding for buying and maintaining open space land.
Remember that Honolii was almost lost to a hydroelectric plant. But the community rallied to protect it.
Honolii is now a well-known and beautifully kept beach park.
Remember that Onomea was temporarily lost when razor wire and fences blocked access and people
who spoke out were targeted by threats. There are still scattered reports of guards stopping people, but
for the most part Onomea is now open.
Please don't lose Papa'ikou. Please support access.
Comm. No a'�3'`�g
Ref. To:
Ref. Da-t.
at yQV 9. 1 201