Beach Access Hawaii

Dog Crap and Politics As Usual

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:34:00 +0000

I've been remiss in posting updates for two reasons: 1.) Not much new to tell you. 2.) Have been busy with my Honolulu Advertiser blog, "Addicted to..." which deals with all types of addictive behavior and recovery.

Due to contract disputes at the Advertiser, I've been asked by employees to honor their "blog strike," which started today (Aug. 25). My prior posts are still available in the archives, and there are good article links related to the failed War on Drugs, as well as new studies about addictions. But the management has disabled the Comments until further notice. Haven't they ever heard about freedom of the press? Sheesh.

In any event, I walked to the beach this weekend and observed a few things. Remember how the City made a big to-do about those yellow 911 beach right of way signs they put up? The one by the Kailuana BROW at the north end of Kalaheo Avenue has been gone for a couple of months -- and still hasn't been replaced.

I have no idea if vandals stole it, or if someone who lives near that public access didn't like the sign because it might increase foot traffic next to their homes.

Meanwhile, despite our group's complaints about unsafe conditions on Kalaheo Avenue for pedestrians and bicyclists, not a damn thing has been done. The narrow shoulder areas along the road side are still just as narrow and half covered with debris or weeds, forcing walkers and bikers into the path of fast moving car traffic.

We were told by City Council Chair Barbara Marshall's assistant that homeowners were responsible for fixing that problem and had been notified. Really? So where's the follow-up?

Then as I was walking along the beach I saw two new houses nearing completion that are being built closer to the ocean than the older homes. Folks, if nothing is done about shoreline setbacks on Oahu, it won't be long before Kailua Beach looks more like Lanikai Beach and Kahala Beach. The closer that houses are built to the ocean, the more beachfront will be lost through erosion and vegetation growth, such as naupaka, that will extend out from those homes. Just take a drive over to Lanikai and you'll see what the future looks like.

Last beach observation: dogs are crapping on the beach and their owners are leaving it there. I have not been been opposed to allowing people to walk dogs on the beach, but if they aren't going to make sure other people pick up their dog's waste, maybe the City needs to have police hand out a few tickets. That goes for littering too.

When stuff like that happens, it reinforces the negative opinion people who live on gated roads have of beach users. I understand what they're complaining about. It's the few bad apples that ruin things for the rest of us.

BTW, below is a sample of a BAH bumper sticker we're getting printed up. We have two other designs that say, "Open Da' Gates!" and "No More Gates!" If you want one, email your home address to richfigel@yahoo.com.

Ala Wai Harbor parking update

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:11:00 +0000

Our allies at the Surfrider Foundation have sent a letter to the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, contesting the recent decision to move forward with the State's controversial paid parking plan at the Ala Wai harbor.

According to the national litigation manager for Surfrider, under current State laws, they CANNOT privatize parking there. Below are excerpts:

To The Chairperson and Members of the Board of Land and Natural Resources:

On behalf of Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people, with over 900 members in Hawaii and 50,000 members worldwide, we are writing to oppose issuance of a revocable permit to a private, for-profit entity, Diamond Parking LLC, for management of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor parking area. A central focus of Surfrider’s mission is to ensure beach access for all persons. As it stands, this type of regulation of parking would not only discourage and effectively prohibit surfers and beachgoers from utilizing the natural resource they have become accustomed to enjoy, but it would also illegally privatize a government function. This privatization should not occur because the state legislature has failed to endow state agencies with the power to contract with private contractors.

The state does not have the right to contract with private companies in such a way as DOBOR is contemplating by creating a parking management plan that would be run by a private company. The rationale for this rule against privatization is to protect against the potential for abuse of government and taxpayer money. Additionally, the prohibition on contracting with private entities protects against the possibility that the public will be overcharged for services only to benefit of a private company who otherwise would not be making money.

This issue was once regulated by Hawaii’s Act 90. Act 90, which was enacted in 2001, explicitly allowed counties and states to “contract with private entities when it is reasonable to believe that those private entities can provide equivalent or better quality services at lower cost than the government agency”. Act 90 is no longer valid and was NOT used as a justification for this contract proposal...

Surfrider avers that this proposed parking management plan would disturb the beach-going experience as well as overstep the state’s restrictions on contracting with private entities. Because the currently proposed parking management plan would not only restrict beach access, which contravenes a core tenet of Surfrider’s mission, but also would do so illegally without statutory right, Surfrider asks that the request for issuance of revocable permit to Diamond Parking LLC be denied.

Sincerely,
Angela T. Howe, Esq.
Legal Manager, Surfrider Foundation

Will be interesting to see how the State responds to this challenge! We'll keep you posted.

Big Island Beach Access Blocked

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:29:00 +0000

The Star-Bulletin reports another case in which landowners have restricted access because of idiots who trash the beach and have no regard for others.

Although they placed boulders on the road to stop vehicles, people can still walk down to the shoreline. Here's an excerpt, followed by the article link:

... Shipman, which owns more than 17,000 acres in the area, placed the boulders on June 6 at its boundary with Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision, where the road widens to 50 feet.

Walters is clear about why he took action. It was in response to complaints about trash, abandoned cars, wild parties, gunshots and drug use spilling off the road onto Shipman property, he said...

Sad, huh? And these are locals who are ruining it for everyone. Here's the link to the entire article.

Written Comments Needed by Aug. 15!

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Although the State Legislature has adjourned until next year, we still may be able to get state action on public beach access, according to Mike Lameier of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

He said the upcoming review of the State's Coastal Zone Management Program is an opportunity for the public to influence how the State CZM Program in Hawaii is spending their money and tax dollars.

A team of federal reviewers will meet with government and non-government organizations in Hawaii, and have a public meeting on the Big Island, July 30, to review how our State CZM Program is doing.

The review team must then write a report, which will include "program suggestions" and "necessary action." Program actions are non-binding recommendations for the State CZM to focus more attention on specific issues raised by the public. Necessary actions are binding. If there is enough public interest and comments about a particular issue, the federal reviewers can restrict or even deny state funding, until the state program has improved the situation regarding those issues.

Mike wrote: "As you can see, this is a great opportunity to influence our State CZM Program to give more attention and funding to public beach access issues or other issues, which you feel are important."

We need your emails and letters asking the State to step in and establish uniform guidelines for shoreline access throughout Hawaii. Point out that we need to know where additional public access ways are needed on all the islands, and explain that many residents no longer can walk easily be beaches because of gates on private and public roads.

If you have questions, contact Rich Figel via email: figeli001@hawaii.rr.com

Please email your comments to Ms. Carrie Hall at carrie.hall@noaa.gov

Or snail mail letters to:
Ms. Carrie Hall, NOAA/NOS/OCRM
1305 East-West Highway, N/ORM7
Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910

Post-Fourth of July Kailua Fireworks!

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:02:00 +0000

Good letter in today's Star-Bulletin (July 9) related to the Fourth of July:

Allow access to beach at least 1 day a year

Land of the free? Apparently not in Kailua. Yes, the signs said "Private Road, NO Beach Access," but surely on this one night of the year when Kailua Beach is the gathering place to view fireworks, "outsiders" who do not actually live on that lane would be allowed to pass by as we have done for more than 20 years. But no -- a gate that we did not know existed stood locked. Fortunately we were allowed to enter with the privileged ones who had the gate code.

Yes, it is your right to close your private road. But how hard would it have been to prop the gate open for one hour on this special night? How offensive is it to have strangers walking in front of your homes anyway? News flash -- we all have strangers walking and driving by -- sometimes speeding, if you live on a shortcut used by all to avoid the traffic on Oneawa. We have had litter, noisy kids, loud thumping radios, vandalism and car theft because everyone is allowed on our road. We have also made friends with those who pass. So "land of the free" seems to depend on your address.

Maryalice Woody
Kailua

Hana Hou: More Parade Pictures...

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:21:00 +0000

You can see additional Fourth of July photos on our Flickr page by clicking here...

Happy Fourth of July!

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:28:00 +0000

Mahalo to everyone who helped make the Beach Access Hawaii entry a big hit with the throngs of people who lined the parade route Friday morning! We had over 30 participants on the float, marching or riding bikes -- plus members of Surfrider, and a strong contingent from the Defend Oahu Coaliton in their green "Keep the Country Country" shirts right behind us.

KGMB News had a brief shot of our truck with the "Save Beach Access" sign on the front, and we got a lot of spectators talking about the issue of locked gates in Kailua. Hmm, does that fake gate on the back of our truck look familiar?

Marching Orders for the 4th...

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:27:00 +0000

The official staging area for Beach Access Hawaii and Shoreline Access Coalition will be at Pukoa Street at the N. Kainalu Drive intersection. If coming from Kainui Drive, going south on Kainalu it's the second left (after Kaha Street).

Word has been spreading, and our ranks are growing! We're expecting a good turnout for Friday morning, so don't be shy about joining us at any point along the parade route. Just keep your ears open for the, "Get up, stand up -- don't give up the fight!" chant, accompanied by 25 kazoos.

And dig Ben Mon's awesome "Free Beach Access" shirt design he did for the parade on the right! Let me know if you want a custom shirt of your own.

Fourth of July: March for Beach Access

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:39:00 +0000

Calling all surfers, paddlers, fishermen and beach-goers of all ages!

Wear wacky beach outfits, bring props like boogie boards and fishing poles, and join us on Friday, July 4 for the annual Kailua parade down Kainalu Drive...

Our allies, Defend Oahu Coalition from the North Shore and the Surfrider Foundation, will also be marching. Bring your kids, your pets and your friends. We want to make this a Moveable Beach Party that will spread our message: Hawaii's beaches belong to us all. No more gates! No private beaches!

Good Comment on KHNL Story

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:59:00 +0000

Ian Lind's blog today points out another major omission in the KHNL story last night (see post below) about Kahala homeowners claiming the naupaka in front of their property is actually preventing beach erosion:

"... The problem with the story is that it fails to credit the mass of scientific evidence and legal precedent that has identified artificial plantings along the shore as sources of erosion. Like seawalls, which are a last line of defense for oceanfront land but are generally banned because they cause serious long term erosion, property owners think they are protecting the beach by encouraging plants to grow onto the sand but in fact they are causing erosion by interfering with the natural circulation of sand.

In Kahala, the neighborhood board and community association have been pushing the state for years to enforce its coastal rules, which prohibit plantings seaward of the legal shoreline. Kahala homeowners have planted and watered in order to get naupaka and other plants to grow towards the water, in the process extending their own properties while damaging the beach.

This has been a problem statewide for years, a history ignored by the K5 report. It led to a landmark Hawaii Supreme Court decision in 2006, discussed here in Juan Wilsons Island Breath blog.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources should be getting credit for finally taking comprehensive enforcement action in a coastal area rather than simply responding to complaints about individual homeowners. Instead, K5 ignored history, law, and science with its homeowners rights approach to the issue..."

Here's the link to the complete blog entry.

More on Shoreline Setbacks, Vegetation Issues

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:13:00 +0000

KHNL ran a report Sunday night about homeowners in Kahala being ordered to remove naupaka that is blocking lateral shoreline access. One of them claims the naupaka is necessary to prevent further erosion.

Here's the link to the KHNL news story.

The real problem though, which KHNL neglected to mention, is that those homes should never have been allowed to be built so close to the shoreline in the first place. And yet our do-nothing Honolulu City Council continues to allow new home building close to the ocean even though there is ample evidence that sea levels are rising.

In Kailua, one homeowner decided to rebuild closer to the beach -- which will partially block his neighbor's former ocean view. Could that be why the neighbor is now selling in the photo below? How many others will do the same, and race each other to build closer to the ocean?

1, 2, 3, 4...Get Your Booty Out the Door!

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:29:00 +0000

5, 6, 7, 8... Time to March Against the Gate! Sound off...

It's official: Beach Access Hawaii and our allies will be marching in the Kailua Fourth of July parade, between 10 AM and noon on Kainalu Drive. Anyone who wants to join us can bring signs and props to show how they feel about this issue.

There will be a pre-parade planning meeting on Weds., June 25, 6 PM at the home of Mark Olds, who lives at 306 N. Kainalu Drive (near the Kapaa Street intersection). That's right on the parade route, so Mark has offered to let us put signs and banners on his fence too!

Should be a lot of fun. If you have any questions or suggestions, please email me at figeli001@hawaii.rr.com.

Back to the Beach (if you can find it)

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:07:00 +0000

Just returned from a 3-week trip to Europe and NYC, and am nearly caught up on the latest beach access-related developments that occurred while I was away.

The Sunday Star-Bulletin (June 1) ran a front page story on overgrown vegetation blocking shoreline access in Kahala and other parts of the islands. Above is a photo of a part of Kailua Beach where naupaka extends about 50 yards from the homeowner's property.

The Star-B then followed with a good editorial on the subject in Wednesday's paper (June 4). It noted that erosion is an ongoing problem -- which could have been addressed in State legislation to increase shoreline building setbacks. However, our do-nothing Legislature let that bill die in the last session.

Speaking of setbacks, our coalition lost the battle to keep all of the free parking spaces at the Ala Wai harbor near the Bowls surfing spot. But the State Board of Land and Natural Resources did yield somewhat to public pressure and agreed to keep 300 of the parking spaces free, while only charging 25 cents per hour for metered parking on the other 266 spaces. We don't like the precedent this sets for pay-to-play in our oceans. Here's the Advertiser article on that compromise deal.

In the Honolulu Advertiser, Lee Cataluna's May 13 column was about Iroquois Beach being reopened to the public. She notes that the restrictions allow limited access, but also succeed in keeping that beach clean and litter-free... sadly, she's right: as long as locals trash our beaches, you will find opposition to increased public access via private roads. Here's the link to her column.

Mahalo to Roxanne for her guest blog while I was on vacation! Much more to follow, including tentative plans for a Beach Access Hawaii entry in the upcoming Kailua Fourth of July parade. If you haven't already registered for email updates, please use the link on the right hand side of the page to do so. And don't forget to donate a few dollars if you can spare it! We're gearing up for Groundhog Day 2009, and need to build up a war chest for legal action against locked gates on private and public roads.

Can You Trust the Realtor Lobby?

noreply@blogger.com (Roxanne Darling) — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:08:00 +0000

We did a lot of grass roots awareness this past legislative session, and moved forward, albeit slowly, in fashion with the political process. Recently Pacific Business News provided a recap on Real estate-related bills must await another day.
Among those favoring the proposal was Marti Townsend, program Director for Kahea, the Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance.

"From high parking fees to no parking at all, private gates to shoreline shrubbery, poor signage to vacation rentals beachfront resorts to military installations, access to Hawaii's beaches is in serious danger."

Opponents included the Hawaii Association of Realtors.

"With regard to major developments, it is highly likely that property owners would readily agree to providing public access upon final approval of their projects," the association testified. "It is not practical to impose requirement for public access prior to the final approval on entitlements."

When I first read this comment (my emphasis in bold) I thought it was a typo! Did they mean "highly unlikely"? That has certainly been the position taken by beach front property owners in Kailua. Just drive down Kalaheo Avenue and you will see a steady stream of "Private Lane" and "No Public Access" signs posted block after block. And let's remember that it was the gating off of the traditionally shared access point on L'Orange Place that led to the formation of Beach Access Hawaii.

Here are just a few advantages for homeowners. The more access points we have:
* The less traffic impact on each individual access point.
* The faster emergency response for fire and safety officials should you or your guests be in danger on the beach.
* The more the local residents can keep the access clean and monitored for good behavior.
* The less hostility will be generated in the community; hostility can lead to vandalism.
* The more we get to share the spirit of Aloha and keep Hawaii, Hawaii, instead of becoming like the gated communities on the mainland.

I would love to see our local realtors start a public petition stating their name, company, and an affirmation that they indeed will promote beach access in every sales contract they write up, and will help us educate beach front homeowners to the many advantages of keeping more access, not less.

Realtors, do we have any takers? Do you really believe that most homeowners that most homeowners are likely to willingly provide unfettered beach access? I'd love to hear from you.

[Rich is on vacation and he has asked me to blog in his absence.]

Got slogans?

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:52:00 +0000

One of our BAH members has offered to pay for bumper stickers to help publicize the need for action to protect shoreline access. If you have ideas that are short and punchy, send them to me at figeli001@hawaii.rr.com or post them here in the comments section (you need a Google account to do so).

BTW, you can also order custom air-brushed Beach Access Hawaii t-shirts from Kailua artist Ben Mon. The photo above shows some of the designs he did for the Groundhog Day 2008 rally. Call Ben at (808) 247-1310 to find out more. A portion of each shirt sale will go to BAH, so you'll be helping our organization as well!

Wear and Share the Message!

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:46:00 +0000

And here's the back side view of Ben Mon's colorful shirts. To have one designed just for you, please call Ben at (808) 247-1310. Besides Beach Access Hawaii shirts, he's also done some for local band Shaka-down Street. Cool stuff!

Legislative Inaction Update

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Sun, 04 May 2008 03:10:00 +0000

When Sen. Gary Hooser (above) spoke at our Groundhog Day press conference at the State Capitol on Feb. 2, we were optimistic about some of the House and Senate beach access bills that were in play. We got hearings, and had nearly unanimous support from State Senators and House Representatives on those committees.

But the bills died anyway, because key committee heads in the House and Senate decided beach access was not a high priority. Many people are calling this a do-nothing Legislature, and I'd be hard-pressed to disagree with them.

So what does it matter? I'll give you an example: walk along Kailua Beach and you'll see a new house being constructed that is closer to the ocean than any of the surrounding houses... at the north end, another house is being rebuilt, much closer than the original structure was.

Yet studies show erosion has affected the old shoreline measurements that are still being used for setback purposes. There was a bill that would have required houses to be built further back, based on sea-level rise and annual erosion rates. However, HB1037 "Relating to Coastal Zone Management" was just one more victim of the 2008 Do-Nothing Legislative Session.

If you're upset about new construction putting houses closer to the ocean on Oahu, call Land Agent Barry Chung at 587-0430 and ask him why the setbacks have not been adjusted to take into account sea-level rise and erosion. The one being built on Laiki Place sticks out like a gigantic sore thumb. And those same homeowners will probably complain about anyone who uses "their" beach area in front of that obnoxious eyesore.

City Inaction: 4 Months and Counting...

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:36:00 +0000

Back on Dec. 20, 2007, we posted a photo of a dangerous section of Kalaheo Avenue where the pedestrian/bike path has narrowed down to about a foot of space. We sent pictures to City Council Chair Barbara Marshall and asked who was responsible for road maintenance. A couple of months later her assistant finally gave us an answer: the homeowners who live next to Kalaheo Avenue are supposed to take care of it!

But did the City actually do anything to address the situation? Nope. This past week I almost got hit by a car while jogging down to the public beach access next to Kailuana Place (the closest one for me now that L'Orange Place is denying access to neighbors). Another resident was trying to walk his dog down that narrow shoulder area at the same time I was running, while traffic was zooming past us. Luckily, he was able to yank his dog out of the car's path before it was too late. If I was a parent, I would NOT walk with my children to the public beach access at that end because it would put my kids at risk.

This is a fixable problem. The City should remove the dirt and accumulated soil that is taking up half the shoulder area, and if necessary, bill the adjacent homeowners for that work if the homeowners won't or can't do it themselves. So what's it going to take before something is done? A fatal traffic accident?

We need government officials and leaders who are willing to work on solutions to problems instead of making up lame excuses for doing nothing. Know anyone who wants to run for City Council? Perhaps it's time for a change.

Vegetation Blocking Access

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:58:00 +0000

On Sat., April 19, KITV aired a news report about naupaka and vegetation from oceanfront homes blocking beach access in Kahala. This has become an increasing problem all over the islands. In Kailua, vegetation extends over 50 feet from some properties. But because the beach is still fairly wide in those areas, people tend not to notice this sneaky land grab.

Here's the KITV link to the video report.

But take a look at this excerpt below, and explain to me why isn't the State fining these people?

Sam Lemmo, the state's coastal land administrator, pointed out many Kahala areas where residents' bushes have pushed too far.

"What you call inducing vegetation to grow out onto the public beaches -- sometimes people are going out and planting and fertilizing and then watering. We catch them and tell them not to do that," Lemmo said.

The WKNB said it will invite beach-front landowners with overgrown hedges to its meeting in May to meet with Lemmo. "We are simply trying to raise awareness about the impact of this on our public beaches and seeking people's cooperation to cut it back," Lemmo said.

The state said it hasn't decided yet what to do if the Kahala residents refuse to cut back their overgrown beach vegetation.

Huh? If they refuse to cut back, enforce the law and FINE them. They are perfectly aware of what they are doing. Enough talk. Take action!

Liti-Gate

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:02:00 +0000

If the State won't pass legislation to provide better shoreline access, and the City won't enforce existing "standards" for public rights of way, that leaves us with two options: negotiate easements in perpetuity with homeowners on beach lanes, or use the courts.

We hoped we wouldn't have to lawyer up, but it's become clear that most of the gated road people would rather fight than voluntarily allow their neighbors use of their rights of way. After meeting with an attorney from the national Surfrider Foundation organization, we've decided to target specific access ways for legal challenges or condemnation.

The alliance that was formed on Groundhog Day will identify areas where additional rights of way are needed and select potential test cases based on things such as historical or customary usage of beach paths, Native Hawaiian rights to shoreline access, and public safety issues posed by locked gates.

While no decision has been made by the alliance yet, in Kailua members of our group have requested we consider taking action on Kailuana Loop and Namala Place (both are public streets that have gated private rights of way); Laiki Place, which is situated between two public rights of way that are over a half-mile apart; Kaapuni (currently still open to the neighbors, but there are concerns that might change); and the beach path at L'Orange Place, which had been used by residents and local fishermen for over 30 years.

However, it's possible the first test case may be a site somewhere else on Oahu or even outer island, depending on what our attorney and legal experts advise. We'll keep you posted!

Pay to Play and Surf

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:16:00 +0000

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will have three public meetings to gather input on a parking plan for the Ala Wai harbor. All meetings will be held in the Jefferson Elementary School cafeteria, 324 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, from 6 to 8 p.m. as follows:

First Meeting: Wednesday, April 9
Second Meeting: Wednesday, April 16
Third Meeting: Wednesday, April 30

The original plans would have replaced free parking spaces with pay parking. Surfers who frequent Bowls and other spots near there objected to having to pay just so they could go surf. Families that also want to use the cleaned-up lagoon area in front of the Hilton Rainbow Village, would have to pay to go to that beach area as well if they parked there.

The DLNR's rationale is that someone has to pay for the upkeep of the harbor area. But are locals who use the ocean the ones who should foot that bill? What's next -- paid parking at our other public beaches? Perhaps, so.

If you can't make the meetings, you may send suggestions and comments on the Ala Wai harbor parking plan to:

Clifford Inn
DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
333 Queen Street, Suite 300
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

Or email him at: Clifford.G.Inn@hawaii.gov

Results of these meetings will be presented at a future date to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for consideration and possible adoption. The last BLNR hearing on this plan drew over a hundred protesters, forcing the BLNR to postpone a decision until more public input was gathered. So this is your last chance to speak out against the State's pay to play plan!

The Real Molokai Story

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Amazingly, many people in the islands seem to be siding with Molokai Ranch and blaming the "activists" for MR shutting down its operations and laying off workers. Never mind that HUNDREDS of Molokai residents had turned out for public meetings to protest against MR's plans to build 200 luxury McMansions on pristine La'au oceanfront! It was not just a handful of "protesters" who weren't willing to sell out.

What the local media has failed to report is residents were rightly concerned about little things like, um... water. Yep, a lot of water would have been diverted to provide lush green lawns and fill swimming pools for those millionaires. And, oh yeah, there would only be two public accesses to La'au beach -- five miles apart.

In effect, the millionaire buyers would have private beaches. And now Molokai Ranch is saying it will deny access to shoreline areas that they own, which is about one third of the entire island. The people of Hawaii should be outraged. For Molokai residents, the ocean is not just a place for recreation. Many of them fish and hunt to help feed their families. It's a way of life there. They are "real" Hawaiians.

Instead of blaming "activists" for asking MR's billion-dollar parent corporation in Singapore to consider less invasive options, we should be supporting them for taking a stand against over-development. Go look at parts of Maui and Kauai that are now crowded and overbuilt. Or check out the gated luxury subdivisions for the super-wealthy on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. That's what they were opposing.

Lee Cataluna wrote a good piece for the Honolulu Advertiser. But check out the comments and you'll see a lot of misdirected anger. If you think Molokai Ranch was going to stop with 200 McMansions, I have some land in Volcano Park I'd like to sell you.

Companies like Molokai Ranch will come and go. But the land is forever. And once it's developed, there is no going back. There is only more building and developing.

Hawaii Becoming the Hamptons?

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:18:00 +0000

In her "Under the Sun" column for the Star-Bulletin, Cynthia Oi wrote this timely piece on beach access:

Hawaii is going private with public beaches

THE woman stepped back from her car wedged in a space along the lane that led to the beach. Tilting her head, she examined a window where a sticker similar to one that would permit parking was obscured by tall grass. It would pass casual inspection, she figured.

She glanced at the other cars and decided her silver Saab didn't look out of place among the Beemers and baby Benzes along the road. Only then did we set out for the shoreline to lunch on sandwiches and lemonade, a couple of outlaws with no right to sit on the fine, white sand and watch the Atlantic waves sweep in.

That's how it is in the Hamptons, the summer playground of the rich and richer, where "beach cottages" the size of community college buildings stretch across the Long Island coast, and their owners vigilantly defend the oceanfront against intruders.

Heaven forbid that cooks and waitresses who prepare and serve their gourmet meals in charming restaurants, the hardware store clerk who delivers applewood charcoal for their barbecues or the nurseryman who switches out fully grown trees on their estates to suit current garden trends should sunbathe on the same sand.

That's not how it is in Hawaii, or at least not how it's supposed to be. Access to the ocean is the law of our land, yet more and more public shorelines are being privatized...

To read the entire column, please go to:

http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/26/editorial/oi.html

Maui Success Story

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:05:00 +0000

Nice article in today's Star-Bulletin about a Maui woman's efforts to keep open beach access:

WOMAN WINS FIGHT FOR PUBLIC BEACH
By Gary T. Kubota

PAIA, Maui... Christina "Uma" Hemming said she felt she needed to do something when she learned that an urban development would have blocked people from getting from the shores of Paia town to Baldwin Beach Park. "I called, I wrote, I hassled," recalled Hemming.

Some eight years later, Hemming's fight has led Maui County to authorize the final purchase of the parcel known as Montana Beach Condominiums for public beach use. The Maui County Council authorized the purchase of the final part of a 5-acre parcel in January. The Council also approved the payment of $85,000 to Hemming and the Hawaiian group Hui Alanui O Makena for attorneys' fees and court costs. Hui Alanui official Dana Naone Hall said Hemming's persistence made a difference...

To read the rest, please go to www.starbulletin.com:
http://starbulletin.com/2008/03/25/news/story09.html

Turtle Bay News

noreply@blogger.com (richfigel) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:34:00 +0000

Received this update from Kathleen Pahinui of the Koolauloa North Shore Alliance:

Aloha Alliance Members -

We are still awaiting the referral of SB2423 SD2 HD1 (bill to acquire TBR and associated lands) to the Finance Committee in the House. We fully expect it will be scheduled and will send you information on when to testify when available.

Oral Arguments for Keep The North Shore Country appeal will be heard on April 9th at the Supreme Court. Kuilima Resort Corp. requested a delay until June for orals; KNSC opposed a delay, the Intermediate Court of Appeals concurred and rejected their request for a delay. In addition the Conservation Council submitted an amicus brief in support with focus on the endangered monk seal.

TURTLE BAY ADVISORY WORKING GROUP E-UPDATE - March 21, 2008

Communicate With Us
Residents should visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay for news, meeting minutes, legislative progress, video of the community talk story and much more. The group welcomes the public's ideas and feedback. You can email the TBAWG and ask to receive regular updates at TurtleBayAWG@gmail.com .

Legislation Update
Support for three bills currently moving through the Legislature is important to ensure that the Governor has the full range of negotiating tools available as discussions with the owners, creditors, partners and community move forward.

Acquisition Tools Bill. The bill authorizing the Governor to acquire the Turtle Bay property, through a variety of tools, is moving forward in the House. SB2423 SD2 HD1 passed out of the full Senate, passed through two House committees, and is awaiting hearing by the House Finance Committee.

Land Conservation Fund Flexibility. SB3102 SD2 adds flexibility to DLNR's land conservation fund by allowing public and private moneys to be added and distributed as grants for the acquisition of state conservation lands. This bill passed the Senate, passed through a House committee, and is awaiting hearing by the House Finance Committee.

Transferable Development Rights. SB2997 SD1 would have provided an innovative new mechanism (already used in other states) for the transfer of development rights (TDRs), adding another important tool for preserving valuable undeveloped land. The TDR bill passed the Senate (version SD1) but was recently changed by a House committee (version HD1) to remove TDRs. Discussions are ongoing about this bill now pending before the House Judiciary Committee.

You are encouraged to contact state legislators to express support for these measures. Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov , go to "Bill Status & Documents," and check for updated versions of the bills, status, and current hearing notices with instructions on how to submit testimony.

Next meeting of the working group is Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 10:00 a.m.