HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Access and Trails HandoutPublic Access &Trails
Access for Cultural Traditions, Recreation, and/or subsistence
Objective 1: Protect, restore, and enhance watershed ecosystems, WHAT H A M A K U A SAID
sweeping views, and open spaces from mauka forests to makai
shorelines, while assuring responsible public access for recreational, "Access t o historical
spiritual, cultural, and sustenance practices.
Objective 12: Preserve traditional subsistence practices and encourage trails and fishing
a reciprocity (e.g. bartering) economy as a sustainable complement to
Hamakuo'sresource-based economy. routes to the ocean."
Objective 3: Encourage community-based collaborative management
plans to assure that human activities are in harmony with the quality
of Hamakua's unique natural and cultural landscape.
"Mauka to makai access."
Existing Policies & Plans Challenges CDP Value -Added
• Shoreline Management Area review process • Lack of resources for management of Increase capacity to establish & maintain a Public
establishes public access. (HRS 205A-26); public trails and accesses, Access and Trail Program — including developing an
• Hawai'i State Constitution protections for • No County agency is tasked with inventory, prioritization rating system, management
native traditional rites and access (Article 12, managing public accesses, plans, funding sources, etc. (Policy 48, Policy 103,
section 7); Community Action 15);
• Not all publicly -owned trails corridors
• Subdivision rules stipulate public are surveyed or established, Ensure regulatory approvals and permitting secures
access/pedestrian travel to shoreline or • Government agencies inconsistent in public access when appropriate (Policy 50),
mountain areas where existing activities or securing public accesses, Seek to secure acquisition or easement priority areas
trails exist (HRS 46-6.5 and HCC 34-4(c)); for public access (Policy 16, 49, 52, Kokua Action 24),
Draft Hamakua CDP hamakua@hawaiicounty.gov www.hamakuacdp.info 1
• Shoreline Setback rules preserve lateral
access,
• PONC & other land/easement acquisition
strategies. A
"The wide open
spaces for hiking,
hunting, camping,
and enjoying the
view."
"Have access to tak
children hiking,
fishing, and hunting
• County does not have a formalized
Shoreline Public Access Program,
• Deterioration of former cane haul
roads often cost -prohibitive to re-
open for public use,
• Hawaii's liability laws create
uncertainty about liability risks -
limits voluntary provision of public
access,
• Incidents of trespassing and other
violations not improving
relationships,
• Safe access to ocean resources is
rare in the Planning Area,
• Lateral public access frequently
blocked due to lack of a public transit
corridor required in the shoreline
setback,
• Poor condition of Laupahoehoe Boat
Ramp restricts safe ocean access
(County's CIP has not prioritized
funding Laupahoehoe Boat Ramp
improvements — ramp officially
closed since 2009).
• Assess old roads, right of ways, and roads -in -limbo for
trail development and/or public access potential
(Policy 51, Kokua Action 23 and 24, Community Action
39),
• Prioritize safe and adequate ocean access at
Laupahoehoe Point Boat Ramp (Policy 53),
• Advocate for clearer and more protective legislation
that mitigates risks to property owners allowing public
access (Kokua Action 22).
"More access to
mountain and ocean that
are well managed by
local residents."
Draft Hamakua CDP hamakua@hawaiicounty.gov www.hamakuacdp.info 2