HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-25 Kalapana Info Sheet distributed at vendors meeting -- 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 25, 2018
NEWS RELEASE
County Offers Kalapana Vendors Info on Next Steps to Legally Do Business Away
from Roadways, Shoulders
The County of Hawai'i is providing vendors currently illegally operating on roadways in
the Kalapana area with information aimed at helping them with next steps to ensure
their businesses are legally conducted in suitable locations.
The County plans to enforce an ordinance that bars vendors from operating on County
roadways and shoulders amid safety concerns, focusing on vendors renting bicycles,
vending food and offering guided tours in the Kalapana lava viewing area.
The County hand-delivered or mailed a letter on April 11 to the affected vendors which
said that the County will strictly enforce the provisions of Hawai'i County Code § 22-2.5,
effective 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.
On Wednesday evening, County officials distributed a detailed information sheet for the
Kalapana vendors at a community meeting to address the vendors’ questions and
concerns at the Pāhoa Community Center, and to help them ensure their businesses
fall within the law.
The information includes explanations of Special Management Area Permits, Agriculture
Zoned Lands Special Permits, Grubbing and Grading Permits, Temporary Structure
(Tents) Permits, and how to obtain such permits. Other information involves Transport
of Passengers Certificates and Permits, Food Service Permits and registration for
General Excise Taxes.
“It is advised that any parties or business interested in vending seek the appropriate
advice and guidance of legal counsel,” the information sheet said.
Enforcement is necessary to alleviate bicycle or pedestrian accidents and disruption to
residents in the area. By the July 1, 2018 deadline, all vendors currently operating on
the roadway or shoulders must vacate all portions of the roadway.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
The April 11 letter said that to address these concerns, the County intends to move the
parking area for vehicles past the Lokelani subdivision, near the second gate of
Highway 130, so that vehicles can traverse the roadway without the heightened concern
of striking cyclists or pedestrians.
The letter expressed empathy with the vendors affected by the enforcement, but said
that the County is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its residents.
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.