HomeMy WebLinkAboutWPR Group Notes MarchMarch 29, 2017 Parks, Water & Roads Sub -committee meeting
Attendance: Toni Withington, John Winter, Sarah Pule -Fujii, Carter Collins, Andi
Longpre (minutes by Andi)
DEPT. OF WATER SUPPLY: Toni reported that the County Water Commission has
approved the budget for a 2017 rate increase. She reported that all users will face
some rate change but, that the more water a customer uses the higher the increase
will be. She noted that the standard commitment is 800 gals./day. As an example of
increased usage Toni that Kohala Ranch owners have in the past averaged
approximately 5,000 gallons/day.
POLOLU DEVELOPMENTS: On April 12, 2017, Mr. David Smith, Director of the
Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Representative Cindy Evans and members of Na
Ala Hele (Hilo) will visit Pololu Valley. This visit is in keeping with our
community's request to have the DNLR provide guidance regarding safety concerns
for visitors/users of the Valley. Our sub -committee has also invited the Dept. of
Transportation (which has jurisdiction/responsibility for the highway area )and a
representative from Surety Kohala regarding their plans for any future
developments of the area. The visit is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. followed by a
lunch at the home of Mr. Steven and Yumi Hedlund at Pololu. At 2:30 p.m. there will
be an open community meeting at a conference room at Hisaoka Gym to discuss
the visit and answer questions from the community.
MEETING WITH CAPT. CORTEZ RE: POLOLU VALLEY: Toni reported on a meeting
she had with Capt. Jason Cortez re: safety and enforcement issues at Pololu. The
Captain reviewed all the reports of break-ins during 2015 and 2016. There was
one incident in 2015 of a car break-in where a laptop and wallet were stolen while
the passenger(s) were camping overnight. There were no reports of break-ins in
2016. Captain Cortez noted that since there is no cell phone service
communication in the Pololu area is the major problem. As an example, he noted
that if there is a tsunami warning police officers have to go down the trail to
determine if there are any visitors there. The suggestion is to research getting a
wireless or some type of emergency phone for the area. He also noted that the
police can be called on if there is congestion in the area due to increased visitors.
WAIOHIA BRIDGE AT KAPANIA: It was noted that tourists coming to the Valley do
not see the "yield" signage at this and other on -lane bridges. This has resulted in
some "road rage" incidents between tourists and local residents. Our sub-
committee discussed possible solutions, such as rumble strips, and agreed to meet
with Capt. Cortez and the D.O. T to pursue remedies.
NEXT MEETING: Our sub -committee meetings have been relocated to the Old
Judiciary Bldg. and will now meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m.
April meeting is on April 191h.