HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-26 County to enforce prohibition of commercial activity in County right-of-way in Kalapana lava viewing area -- press release
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
April 26, 2018
NEWS RELEASE
County to Enforce Law Barring Vendors from County Roadways, Shoulders
The County of Hawai'i plans to enforce an ordinance that bars vendors from operating
on County roadways and shoulders amid safety concerns, focusing on vendors
currently operating on roadways in the Kalapana area.
An informal community meeting will be held to address questions and concerns at the
Pāhoa Community Center on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The County hand-delivered and mailed a letter on April 11 to the affected vendors,
some of whom were renting bicycles or selling food or other items to visitors to the
Kalapana volcano viewing area.
The County will strictly enforce the provisions of Hawai'i County Code § 22-2.5,
beginning July 1, 2018, which prohibits commercial activity within any County right-of-
way. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in monetary fines as provided in
HCC § 24-16, the letter said.
“Enforcement is necessary to alleviate bicycle accidents and disruption to residents in
the area,” the letter said. “By (July 1, 2018), all vendors currently operating on the
roadway or shoulders must vacate all portions of the roadway.”
The County plans to move the parking area for vehicles to the second gate of
Highway 130 to reduce the walking or biking distance to the park boundary.
“The County will provide guidance to vendors who wish to continue to operate on
suitable locations off the roadway,” the letter said.
The vendors were encouraged to attend the April 25 meeting, aimed at addressing
outstanding concerns or questions.
The letter said that the County was dedicated to the safety and well-being of its
residents, and thanked the vendors for their understanding.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.