HomeMy WebLinkAboutINDIVIDUAL COMMENT EMAIL -129206Mori, Ashley
From: generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2019 9:49 AM
To: General Plan
Subject: Contact from the GP website...
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The following contact message has been sent: v
Name:
tea. ».-.
Email:
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Phone:
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District: Puna N
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Message: Hi,
I am against the proposed plan to create a scenic route above Waipi'o Valley.The increased traffic would have a greatly
negative impact on local residents and the environment.Waipi'o Valley is a natural ecosystem already visited by too
many people with little respect for the residents who care for the land there.The valley cannot handle the visitor traffic
this proposed scenic route would surely bring and the county has not done enough to already regulate the problems the
influx of people tourism brings.Soil erosion and endangerment of native flora by possible spread of Rapid Ohia Death
are created by further development and human activity,especially visitors who are not maka'ai (knowledgeable)to the
situation, needs and history of Waipi'o.The increase of visitors to the scenic route would coincide with an increase of
visitors within the valley. Most of the land within the valley is private and visitors often trespass private property to
reach waterfalls.There is also no suitable infrastructure within the valley to handle an influx of more visitors, lacking
toilets and waste facilities.The road into the valley is extremely dangerous and visitors who are unaware of how to drive
its steep road put themselves and others at risk.This risk increases with more visitors coming into the valley as they are
attracted by the scenic route.
For these public safety, environmental, and community interest reasons listed above, I am against the proposed "scenic
route from Waipi'o Valley Lookout extending mauka to connect Mud Lane at the entrance of Waimea and a scenic park
with a viewing area of Hi'ilawe Falls". Please put community members and lineal descendants needs for their ancestral
homelands above the interests of the State of Hawai'i and the tourism industry.
Many thanks,
1 129206