Kuku'iula 90 year reduction -Paanau low income hostage

Kukui‘ula project redux(garden Island Newspaper)

Other potential "hostage" projects
more here:More potential "hostage" projects


My Take is here:

Well, the council gave Kuku'iula project the green light to go from a 90 year by back to a 25 year by back. Although the reasons are masterfully convoluted and brilliantly confusing as they are meant to be, and the average human cannot even begin to comprehend the rollercoaster ride of rates and incomes, and means and the market, even the council I suspect, the original bargainer is not buying it.

Joanne Yukimura, slightly a bit tarnished in my eyes due to the whole TVR issue, has gotten herself back into my good graces. We have had many discussions about housing, and she is a member of my Kaua'i Fair Housing Law Coalition. It was Joann who helped to set conditions for Kukuiula in the first place. What she has always tried to make me understand, is that we really do need all types of housing on the island at all income brackets. I will say that Joann has helped me to understand the intricacies of how that all works and makes things better for everyone.

When you are on the very bottom of the economic scale like I am, it is hard sometimes to comprehend these concepts. But Joann at least was able to shed some light on this issue for me.

That is why when I testified on this issue as late, many times representing the Coalition I have been hesitant to say no to it. Why, do you ask?

For a very simple reason. Paanau Village expansion project lies in Kukuiulas hands. If I want the low income housing finished for Kauai's neediest residents, then I can't go around jumping down their throats for anything. If I want the people to get a better living wage and nicer looking housing, I can't rock the boat. Even when the boat is questionable and has leaks in it.

Now, is this right or ethical? Have I sold out? Nope. This is politics. Plain and simple. This isn't about housing. However, for me, some players involved in Kukuiula are Friends. Would they lie to me? Well, that's up for debate. Do I have to see a conspiracy theory in everything? Contrary to popular belief, no. DO I completely understand this whole buy back option exception? Nope. But I do understand that if they are going to complete Paanau expansion, they need, in their minds to get a break somewhere in the original conditions and this is the break they want, otherwise funding for Paanau may not happen.

So what do I do? I trust Kukuiula? Not exactly. I watch, wait, see what happens. They have told me that they are ready to start hiring people. Good. I will wait, watch and see what happens. DO any of us really know how this whole buy back thing will play out? Nope, not even Kukuiula, I suspect. Do I completely understand the need to provide housing for well paid managers? Yes, and I will tell you why.

It just goes to prove that we have a housing crisis here, where even middle management needs affordable housing. that says a lot to me. Do I agree with Joann's opinions on this? One hundred percent. DO I agree with Kukuiula? I have too. They hold the keys to the doors of Paanau. Does that put me between a rock and a hardplace? Absolutely. I have already stated my opinions that I want the housing to stay in the hands of the people that need it most. That I do not like the 90 year exemption down to 25 years. However do I have a choice, and put Paanau Low Income housing in jeopardy? No choice there.

But what I am hoping for is that every one will watch this situation carefully, and a  new council can go ahead and redux this again, and try to get back some of the ground that was lost on this issue. But that would require a mandate of the people to get into the voting booth and vote in some new blood that could tackle the double speak and confusing jargon, get it into simple speak for the rest of us, and make sure that developers cannot hold housing for housing hostages again.

Another Public Housing Whitewash Article, and I will be calling up Shaun on Monday!

new ideas for public housing - Hawaii News - Staradvertiser.com

With the flurry of public debate, and my relentless fight to attempt to get someone to listen to the actual housing residents, it has been my biggest problem to find poeple willing to speak out. WHy? From the exact fear, you hear echoed in these and other articles. I for one do not fear speaking out. But many others do. Perhaps it is becasue on Kauai we have a very good management team here that is empathetic, takes calls about repair issues, fixes them promptly as best as they can, and the office staff is kind and considerate.

But in other parts of this state, that is obviousely NOT the case. When it comes to repairs, we, in our housing complex are currently awaiting a new sewer system to fix the one that has been backlogging and causing a horrible stench now for ovwer a year, backflowing into our yards. We have 2an entire building that is boarded up and uninhabitable, as well as another 2 bedroom unit. Since we only have 8 units here, it is very noticeable. We have heard that these units will be getting repaired soon. People have been here, looking at it, and we are hopeful that those units will soon have families in them, since the building has 2 four bedroom units and can accommodate 2 large families.

The plan to evict law abiding, rule following and good tenants is for one thing, more then likely unconstitutional, and as I continue my quest for an attorney to represent us should that happen for a class action lawsuit more then likely very expensive for the state. I plan on contacting Sean Donovan's office, hopefully my last name (maiden) might help since it is the same as his, and we can get some dialogue going on this.

Public housing is currently the ONLY permanent housing solution for Hawaii residents who sincerely cannot afford more then 30 percvent of their incomes. Besides some minimal county projects, this is it. So, if you evict people who have been there for years, because there IS NO OTHER OPTION, not because they are "lazy, and need a wake up call, and need to go back to the beach to wake themselves up", a more or less direct quote from the rogue Democrat Representative Cabanilla. you are asking for the state to potentially be paying out millions of dollars in legal fees and restitution to those possibly slated to be evicted.

This is trul;y the states negligence, the real estate industries greed, and the legislature and the governors short sightedness on the true housing issues in this state.

While they have waxed blossomed cheeked over their apperent "triumphs" of so called "affordable housing", and so called "gap housing" for the middle class, the truly suffering have really had no options. As I have said time and time again, these are single mothers with kids, who just can't make it out there in the housing market who need a roof over their kids heads, so they are following the rules, keeping their hyeads down and trying to be good tenants so they can stay year after year in order to raise their children.

As to any idiotic fools who think that anyone in housing gets a free ride, you have to pay rent to live in public housing, as well as pay utility costs as well. SO what in the heck are you talmking about? The general public seems blind to the fact that the residents of public housing are elderly, disabled, and the WORKING poor, many si9ngle parents. Where would you like them to go? On the streets? As a punishment for WHAT exactly? The crime of being elderly? The crime of being disabled? The crlime of being single, working poor parents of children? This is somehow a crime punishable by eviction? You want top put these people out on the sreet to put in the homeless that are on the street now? So they can liove there another 10 yhears or so, while you still WHINE about the homeless on the street? Does anyone else think this is ludicrous, preposterous, and also might I add unconstitutional and defendable in a court of law, where the outcome is state=0, evicted residents of public housing =one million per ?

Use your heads, and get a grip. Shaun, my freind, I got ya on speed dial. Talk to ya on Monday!!

COFFE#E PARTY GATHERING INAUGERAL KALAHEO COFFEE MARCH 13th 8am to 11 am

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6500/p/salsa/event/common/public/?key=19208
everyone is welcome. we will take the outside seating. I will be holding about 10 chairs or so, early so come and join us. We will take a pledge of the coffee party which states we will be conducting ourselves in a civil manner and encouraging civil discourse over a nice cup of cofee and great food, supporting our local businesses and putting money back into the economy.

NO SIGNAGE OR PROTESTING!! We are not about that. This is not about shouting and yelling at each other and acting in a hateful manner. This is sitting down like afults and politely discussing the issues of the day. We get the real issues out there, and cut out the hype. We cut through the Fuxed News, i mean FOX news, sorry, excuse that little slip there.  We show people the truth about health care and many other issues by peacefully gathering over a cup of coffee, rather than frothing at the mouth over a cup of tea.

Should Costco Accept Food Stamps? Join the debate.

The issue is debated here, read the posts and lets get the ball rolling on this conversation

Of course you might guess my take on this issue. It is especially offensive to me that Costco seems to be for some sort of higher end shopper. Becasue that is not how they sold themselves to Kaua'i, No indeed-ee. They said they were here to help Hawaiis large families, and ESPECIALLY Native Hawaiins.

They make items that families cannot really afford enticing, and then refuse to allow food stamps to be used to purchase bulk items, which would of course help larger local cfamilies to stretch their budgets for food, which is exactly what they testified on when they wanted to build here.

Can you say Pinochhio? Or liar, liar pants on fire? How about elitist? Cutting off your nose to spite your face? But now, COstco, far from keeping its "high- makamaka" (yes, I Hawaiianized that. get over it) nose in the air, they are now whistling a different tune now that profits are punching out their teeth in record numbers in the all important bottom line.

Let us really take the Costco mentality to its fullest consclusion. Let us assume that the argument that Costco is private, and should not have to give "charity" to food stamp "people" who "probably can't afford to buy the bulk items anyway",  Now let us assume that everybody who sold food in a store had the same idea. Let us assume, that in costcos perfect little world NO ONE accepted food stamps.

Think about that. 38 million Americans who qualify for help, including the sick, elderly, children with disabilities, the disabled and the WORKING poor had no where to go to buy food.

COuld you imagine that? Well, apperently Costcos has changed its mind and is now accepting food stamps at at least half of their stores nationwide. Why, you ask? Becasue they did some sort of a no brainer "test" that showed that poeple with foodstamps came in to buy food. Apparently Costco executives were SHOCKED.

When elitist, conservatgive organizations and corporations try to shut out the poeple of this country from shopping for a bargain, watch out. Eventually you will feel the pinch.

After all, we are the back of the land. The spine. The maka ainana for a reason. WIthout your back, you fall flat on your face.

Ok, comments will be moderated. You know the rules.

PALIN-TOO CHEAP TO BUY A VISOR AT ABC STORE FOR 3 BUCKS RUINS VACATION

 THE FAMOUS SARAH PALIN I RE USED AN OLD CAMPAIGN VISOR HAT BECAUSE I AM TOO CHEAP PHOTOS

 

WOW Sarah, I thought I let MYSELF GO, (which of course I have, but who cares about me, I am a little nobody.)  GIRL FRIEND LOOKS AWFUL

Guess when you have that Alaska sun in your face it is a lot more flattering. Maybe I should go there, it might take 20 years off of my looks too)


Palin cuts short Hawaii vacation over photos of redacted McCain visor | honoluluadvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser

Even though my Sarah Palin Bookburning was nmeant to coincide with her trip, and she left early and came back home to Alaska today, I am still going to have the event at Lydgate Park from 9-11 Am bring a downloaded printout of the front cover of her book, and attach it to a book so we can get a pic of you with it. We will then burn it in the lflames, (Not the book, the paper with the bookcover printed on it). Bring something for the potluck, too.

ALoha, and ALOHA OE SARAH PALIN

IMPEACH LINGLE SHE STOPPED THE BUS SERVICE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL KIDS

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/global/story.asp?s=11684673

This is ridiculous.

Here is how this breaks down. The Union wanted to increase bus fees. The leg admitted it costs more for gas, employee costs, ect. But lawmakers refused to increase the bus service dues.

This meant the DOE would run out of funds to keep the bus service going. SO the lawmakers said oh well too bad. So now, the bus will not be rinunning past march.

This will force most children to walk to school, if they live a mile and a half from their school. That means on dangerous shoulders on the highways, across places where there are no stoplights, and in the pitch dark at this time of year.

What is the matter with those lazy parents you say? Well, popular to local folklore, Hawaiis parents sometimes work 2 jobs to support their children. They have to get up early for work. Hence the I cant take the kids to school, you will take the school bus.

I was one of those parents. I worked overnight, came home at 6 30 and collapsed. My kids had to learn how to take the school bus.

Not only that, My daughter lives miles from school.  We have no Jr High in our area, and next year she starts High School which is even farther away. Encouraging the kids to get off the school bus and onto the county bus service would be disastrous. How are you going to pack 60 kids onto our county buses? You arent.

Do the buses coordinate with the times for school? No. Why? Becasue there are school buses for that. Will the sceduals change? Will the Kauai bus add more buses? HEY TOO BAD THERE ISNT A NICE WALKING BIKE PATH THAT IS SAFE FOR THEM TO GET THE !@ MILES TO SCHOOL< HUH?

Ok to say that I am !*@&#%!&@#%  about this is a huge understatement. A phonecall to the governors office from me today got me this response:

"It is the unions fault. We gave them money. They have to figure it out  Well, we actually gave them a lot less money so they had to prioritize. Classes, or no classes, school bus or no school bus. It was their choice. We are not going to give them any more money.

Hey Lingle, I hope you enjoy your holiday season WE won't.

IMPEACH LINGLE NOW

BIKEPATHS FROM OTHER PLACES-CAN WE REALLY COMMUTE ON OURS?

Well, I learned something people. BIKE PATHS DON"T HAVE TO BE ON A BEACH!!...WOW amazing. The things you can learn on the internet

Does our planned bikepath actually do the job it was intended to do? Or is it just a tourism orientated resort type path for the wealthy? DO local people really need to have their neighborhood bikepath "interpreted" for them?

DO local people need bikepaths in their ACTUAL COMMUNITIES? 

Is the planned bikepath supposed to go to areas where there are no major resorts? WIll it be going more inland to Wailua Houselots, Kalaheo perhaps? Will Westsiders, and Southsiders have this lovely, beautiful landscaped and interpretive signed bikepath as well? Will public housing residents be able to access this marvel of a path? Is this bikepath truly equitable, or was it just designed to serve a very few people, and visitors?

I was all for the path in the beginning. Until I realized I would never be able to get to it. Not unless I had a vehicle or traveled almost 2 hours on a bus to get there.

And what if EVERYONE tries to get  on the bus with a bike? Each bus can only handle a maximum of 3 bycicles.  So if there are anymore than three poeple actually trying to commute to work, using a combination of the bus, and the bikepath to get to, say Lihu'e from outlying areas such as Wailua Houselots, or Kalaheo guess what? You are out of luck pal. You need to get on the highway shoulder and pedal for your lives! Or else, you must wait another hour for a bus, thus either making you late for work, or requiring you to leave an hour earlier than you usually would.

Further, If you have to be at work by five or six, forget it. If three guys beat you to the bike racks on the bus you are out of luck. Also If you work a night shift, or get off of work a little later, or even earlier than that there is no bus. Also if you work on a Saturday, the bus runs on haldf schedual. It doesnt run on Sundays at all. SO really the idea that people can use a combination of the bus and the path to get to and from jobs is ridiculous.

Yet again, we have put the cart before the horse. We have designed the path, without designing enough supporting transportation to actually help people commute to and from work, school and recreation in a timely and convenient manner, thus lessening the amount of cars on the road.

The fact that the path will not have feeder routes connecting the major bedroom neighborhoods to a central path clearly shows lack of planning.

DO we need feeder bikepaths down to the REAL Bikepath?

Can the kids REALLY get to the bikepath to get on it with our their momm packing them all up, attaching the bikes toi the care somehow, driving them down to it and picking them up again? Kinda defeats the whole purose, huh?

Can poeple REALLY COMMUTE on our bikepath?

I am downloading some bikepaths from other places. They go on roads, inland, all over the place. Even on city highways. I don't see big, colorful ugly inertpretive signs on them, nor do I see face, forced landscaping, nor do they look like the front lobby of a hotel resort. They look like they ACTUALLY FUNCTION.

WOW. What a concept.

SO sit back, watch and EDUCATE YOURSELF.

Aloha.

 






 

Now let us discuss these bikepaths a bit. The ONLY bike path was the one from Santa Monica to Torrence. I have actually been on this path when I was a little kid. There are miles and miles of sand. It is far away from the highway. There are no sacred burials off it. The path is not a "boardwalk", screwed into the sand, but a surface one. These sands are extremely different from the shifting sands at Wailua.

After 40 years or so, the path needs to be replaces. It needs constant upkeep. But this path does not have 2 things on it, did you notice? No "landscaping," and No large, brilliant, bright interpretive signs that are like billboards that you can see from a mile away.

It is just simply a bike path. California has a billion or so visitors a year. They actually have more than we do per year.

Now, lets look at some more interesting features of these bikepaths. They are actually bikepaths. Some of them have soft walking trails beside them. Most of them have miles or large parts of them that do not go anywhere near a beach.

Only one of them is literally on top of the sand, and that is only in a place with a half mile or more wide long beach and it is places in such a way that it is not subject to the damages of erosion.

Ok,. I welcome comments, people.

What do you think?

(ps remember my commenting rules, and all will be well.)

KALHEO DUMP MEETING TONIGHT HERE IS THE FIRST ONE

KKK I am in there somewhere. But anyways for the last guy that spoke, CAUCASIONS ARE IN THE MAJORITY AND ARE NOT A MINORITY CHECK FACTS BEFORE YOU SPEAK

DO NOT FORGET TO COME OUT TONIGHT> I WILL POST UP THE SECOND MEETING WHEN IT IS ONLINE

AL AND JUDY WINNER OF THE RACIST RESIDENTS OF THE YEAR AWARD 2009

THis was posted up on a terrific blog by Joan Conrow,  rebutting one of my posts.

I promised to share it with everyone.

I always keep my promises.

SO here it is. FOr the whole blog battle check my blog, or Joans.Joan Conrows Blog

Here is the post as originally appeared. Nothing has been altered.  I know it seems incredible that someone would make a post like this, but they did.

Punohu's Politics,Environment and Culture said...

And the last one I am going to answer, came from some proud people who were happy to leave their names, and the fact that they hate Hawaiian Culture!! WOW. THey must be leaving on the next flight or something. See ya!

Al & Judy said...

We certainly haven't come to Hawaii for the "culture". We hate Hawaiian music, food, cultural (pagan) practices, etc.

We love the ocean, air, tropical environment.

We've come here for years and now own property on a couple of islands. I'll make a bleedin' fortune in the next development boom with one of them.

Wouldn't mind if it looked like Malibu Beach, though.

December 15, 2009 3:09 PM

I am giving these people the RACIST MEDAL OF HONOR for the week. And along with that distinction, their quote will go up on my blog, get emailed to all my friends, go up on my facebook, and I will be twittering it, digging it and maybe even writing a letter all about it to the garden island.

It is such a wonderful post, I think it should be spread around to everyone.

God bless Al, amp, and JUDY!

There is no sense in adding to what is a gem of a all posts.

Now I have a life to go live people. I have answered all of your silly attempts to make me look wrong and you right. It was all extremely weak. GO back to the drawing board and try again.

You are welcome to continue this on my blog if you want to. I will not allow any anonymous posts however.

bye bye now!

no aloha

December 15, 2009 3:52 PM

Arthur K. Trask, lawyer, politician | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Arthur K. Trask, lawyer, politician | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

With Maunakea Trask being in the news so much, I wanted to write a bit of my thoughts and remembrances of Aurthur K Trask Senior. I knew him as "Uncle Aurthur". He was brilliant, opinionated. Some thought he was loud, boisterous or talkative. He was just knowledgeable and had no patience for stupidity.

"Uncle" Aurthur took a lot of time explaining things to me. He saw that I was eager to learn how to discuss matters and testify better at public hearings. I was very inexperienced but very much wanted to look better and sound smarter, even though I did not have much of an education. Uncle Art would sit in the Lihue library, show me what books to read. He would "debate" the issues with me, and he would teach me how to argue a point.

He was an extremely passionate supporter of Native Hawaiian rights. I mean that. He would get up and argue loudly at meetings. He was extremely emphatic about it. He was the Uncle of Mililani Trask, and Haunani Trask. These two are also famous Native Hawaiian attorney and college professors. They staunchly support and defend Native Hawaiian rights.

Coming from a long lineage of Native Hawaiian attorneys. Maunakea Trask seems to be taking a far different tack on the sail of his canoe then Haunani and Mililani, and even Uncle Arthur.

I wish him the best, and I encourage him to truly search his heart, and really decide what his ohana would think of the decisions he will be making.

NEW PETITION RE:THE WAILUA AREA PLEASE SIGN

NEW PETITION FOR THE PATH PLEASE SIGN

JOSE BULATAO"S EMAIL REGARDING THE BIKEPATH ISSUE

In your efforts, I suggest that you continue to explore ways in which it is possible to clearly demonstrate how collaborative efforts should be the way to combine the resources from the public and private sectors to get things done. 

 

From the private sector, the greatest challenge is to "fire people up" to get organized and involved.  Too often, the few who will take the time to "speak up" are left in the forefront by standing alone by themselves.  The grass roots constituency will say things like "right on", but will not attend meetings or voice their opinions.  The groundswell of support with the SuperFerry is an excellent example of how the grassroots constituency CAN and SHOULD make a difference.  I would prefer that the swearing and the hostility be minimized, and that those in positions of leadership should set the example of being rational and clear-minded about seeking solutions.

 

It would be to the advantage of those who wish to protect and preserve our finite natural resources and our cultural heritages by being definitive in offering solution-based approaches over and above being than merely confrontational in addressing the concerns and issues at hand.  You, Anne, have retained your passion and eloquence with your abilities to be focused and analytical in assessing the challenges and choices which impact and affect what is precious and priceless in our midst.  As you move forward, continue to inspire others to join you in your endeavors.

 

Sincerely,

Jose/Mr B

THE BRECIA CASE RE TUESDAYS MEETING

When I look at this issue, I remember when the burial council believed it might actually have some might and power to stop developments when bones were found, work with developers, educate, and  care for the iwi kupuna. It was a noble cause and one that everyone was hopeful about even though it was a state agency.

But again, it has turned into yet another way to divide and conquer Native Hawaiians and Native Hawaiian interests. It has perpetuated an "us vs them" mentality, while seeming to be yet just another feel good look good rubber stamp to developers who continue to get there way to dig up and pave over the bones of the Hawaiian people.

The most important thing however, that the Brecia incident and situation underscores for me, at least is the PRECEDENT that it is setting, and the actual weakening of the force of burial laws.

The very fact that we are dealing with a state funded entity who must tow the line of the philosophical ideals of whomever is making the appointments in this case the current Governor will never be a commission that is allowed to make an honest appraisal and decision. You can be a dedicated commission member, the same goes with the planning commission, make a decision and go with your heart but for the most part, in a state or government agency whomever and whatever it is you go with whomever butters your bread.

My fear with the Brescia incident is that the precedent that this sets will weaken any other decisions, claims or actions that the burial council will make in the future for any other projects that come up, and the same goes for the planning commission.

Further, when we look at this entity funded by political interests, rather than being an independent and required review board I feel that it is not serving its original intent which was to prevent something just like  this from happening.

Developers and landowners know how to sue. It is what they do best. People who objected are also learning how to sue. The most feared word in any county, state or federal attorneys office is the word "sue".  That is because you have to use the peoples money to pay for court proceedings, and you need a very strong case to proceed. WIth property rights issue the favored laws tend to run with the landowner so these cases are tough to win in court. It cannot be just public opinion that wins these cases, but clear evidence and a pristine action history by the state, county or federal agency, board or commission involved in any such action. If there was even a hint of something or someone who did not cross the "t's", and dot the "i's" along the way the case would be extremely weak in court even though public sentiment and resentment may run high against a landowner or developer in a case such as this.

It takes that entity to have a backbone and be willing to call the bluff of the "sue-ee" to undermine the intimidation of our county and state governments by those who just automatically say "sue" rather than "compromise", or realize that they have presented something that just will not fly and is totally unnacceptable without having to land up in court to force the issue.

Therefore, this is why Maunakea had to push this issue. The county cannot fight Brecia because he has the almighty power to sue the county, which will take time and cost money and the county is saying they don't have the money to fight Brescia, or maybe even the will to fight him, or the county or the state may not have dotted the "i's and t's" perfectly in this case, and are then vulnerable and they do not feel that their case is strong enough to win in court. This of course angers the public who have a huge issue and want something done as in this case when the iwi was not adequately protected and that was the mandate of the Burial Commission who tried to do their duty but was hampered by technicalities and loopholes and threats of lawsuits.

When we stop being intimidated in this way, when the people can stand up and say go ahead and sue, do your worst but we are not backing down from our position, when we can truly say as commissioners and board members we will show a united front and let them sue, things actually might start to change.

It is the commissioners themselves who are appointed and serve in the voluntary capacity that are given the power and authority to make these decisions.

I have often testified at planning commission meetings two things:

1. You, as commissioners have a lot more power than you think you do, and the attorney is there to advise. In this case, Maunakea had to advise that if you do this, Brescia will sue. The commissioners can show a united front get a backbone and "just say no".

2. Enforcement and the due diligence of properly funding enforcement operations. We continue to make laws that look good on paper, and continue to say to developers you must do A,B,C, or else, and then when they do not comply it is either a slap on the wrist or we give extensions and exceptions and exemptions because we hope they will do the right thing, or we are afraid of a lawsuit if we don't.

When we truly take the power of the people in hand and stop being afraid and intimidated, when we appoint commissioners and board members to positions where there is no conflict of interest,  and that will have a backbone then we will see enforcement and the funding for it occur, and the full power of these commissions and boards realized.

Until then, precedents will continue to occur that will weaken their power, and we will continue to be bowed and broken by the word "sue".

THE FOURTH ALIGNMENT TGI MENTION AND PIC

GARDEN ISLAND MENTIONS THE FOURTH ALIGNMENT AND A PICTURE

"The Fourth Alignment" The La'a 'Aina Coalition (AGENCY AND PRESS RELEASE)

Aloha Re:Protest December 10, Mayors Office PRESS INFORMATION, AGENCY AND GOVERNMENTAL DEPARTMENTS, INTERESTED GROUPS, INDIVIDUALS.


"The Fourth Alignment"

This is an alternative group being proposed by The La'a 'Aina Coalition in a last ditch attempt to do what is right for both the culture and the environment and the people of Kaua'i.

We believe due to the severe economic downturn that the current owner of the Coco Palms property is actively seeking a motivated buyer.  Our group is actively seeking a buyer with both philanthropic interests, an excellent environmental and cultural motivation and a willingness to invest, when partnering with our soon to be formed La'a Aina Foundation.

We will seek to form partnerships and seek one hundred percent private dedicated financing towards the purchase of the Coco Palms property for the express purpose of turning it into a multi use cultural park, education center, Museum/Memorabilia/Activity center, Hula Halau Pavilion, Crafts Pavilion, and picnic/park area with native vegetation and archeological restoration throughout. This would be a  gathering place, as well as becoming a prime example of what archeological and cultural restoration looks like when dedicated like minded individuals join in a concerted effort to take back their cultural and environmental assets.

The purpose of The La'a 'AIna Coalition, as the political action committee arm (PAC) is to propose a "Fourth Alignment" for the bike path, which will essentially stop the bike path at either entrance points of the property, then users of the path will enter and traverse a privately funded and maintained trail(IE no State or County Control) that will meander and traverse the property around any and all culturally sensitive areas in a path charted around both structures and burial sites and historical markers.

This solves all problems inherent with using either the Mauka alignment or the makai alignment, although our coalition favors a Mauka alignment, or an absolute break in the path if all else fails. Some of the issues that lead us to seek a path through the middle of the property with a crossing at Kuamo'o, and picking up the trail on the other side and routing it to the canal which will then end up at the "Safeway" alignment and crossing are really inherent on the double jeopardy determination by the Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

According to the double determination by OHA, essentially what they are saying is that both routes will impede on sensitive cultural areas and burial sites. Therefore the only other two options are a highway alignment, which may be quite risky or a break in the bikepath, which no one wants.

Our proposal, hinging on the land aquisition, will be that the trail will be privately owned, a right of way given for traffic but that the liability will be assumed by the Foundation thus allowing control of the paths construction including width, surface area, signage and rules and regulations regarding its use. The right of way would be strictly for the operating of foot traffic, strollers, wheelchairs, but would more than likely not allow speedy "freeway" style bikeriding through it, but would more than likely require the walking of bikes through the property to reduce the occurance of any accidents, and be more culturally sensitive to the purpose of the property..

The County path would then resume outside the boundary of the property line. This essentially would be a "break" in the path, but still give the path "continuity", without a true break in it. It would take away the controversial usage of both the canal route and the makai route, and would address any concerns of any path going near any sensitive cultural areas. It would take the path safely away from the main highway.

 It would however, be an entirely different path than the one that the County is building and would be visually far less intrusive. We would not be looking at any deep drilling or digging. The path would be very simple. Signage would blend in with the environment and  the buildings and park itself would be monitored and patrolled so that it would be safe.

This would address many issues especially culturally sensitive ones. We feel that this is an all around good solution which is a win win for everyone. What we are asking people to do, is if you like this idea and concept of "The Fourth Alignment", please email, write letters or phone the Mayors office. Encourage him to put this option on the table and write it into his recommendations, so that the design team for the county can then conceptualize this into their plan, and public meetings can be held on it. .

Lets show the Administration that we can come up with solutions. Lets show ourselves that we can be independent and have something that is truly ours and take control of our sensitive areas again with responsibility. Lets show equity in how we treat our cultural and environmental resources.  Lets show the rest of the State that we can compromise and come up with good solutions to tough issues. After all, we are not the "governed" body, but the "governing body",. The Makaainana, the Kuaaina. EO.

The La'a Aina Coalition(PAC)
Anne Punohu
kad2009@ymail.com

WAILUA MAUKA PATH PHOTOS BY BRAD PARSONS

WAILUA MAUKA ALTERNATIVE BY BRAD PARSONS

This is a adobe flash player of large clear photos that show exactly where the bike path mauka goes.

GET EDUCATED MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

PROTECT SACRED WAILUA

http://www.kaieie.org/Wailuanuiahoano_GreatSacredWailua.html

Judy Dalton and Brad Parsons letter re: Bikepath

Important article written by Judy Dalton and Juan Wilson RE: Bike Path

By Judy Dalton and Brad Parsons on 6 December 2009 -

Aloha friends of Kaua'i,

On Monday evening, December 7th, the fate of one of the island's most notable beaches will be at stake - Wailua Beach. Building a 14 feet wide boardwalk to serve as a recreational multi-use/bike path will put the beach at unnecessary risk. Hawai'i is losing and will continue to lose many of its beaches erosion and sea level rise. Imposing a structure on the beach at Wailua will stress the natural beach process and eventually threaten its existence. We must ask ourselves, "Am I willing to sacrifice a beach so I can ride my bike on it?"

Wailua Beach, also known as Mahunapu`uone (meaning "the sand dunes that conceal the bones"), is considered by the Hawaiians to be the most culturally, historically and spiritually significant not only on Kaua'i, but in the Hawaiian Island chain. Building a boardwalk on the beach would be a profound insult to the Native Hawaiians. Why would development here be considered when it has become very evident that it would be hurtful to so many people who want to keep the beach intact and protect the iwi of their ancestors?

At this point, it appears that the county is planning to build the path on Wailua Beach, despite recommendations by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to keep it off the beach unless large numbers of people attend the meeting and ask the Mayor to change his mind. New information shows the importance of protecting the beach and respecting the mana`o of the Hawaiian kupuna, which was mis-interpreted by The Path consultants.

There is a very viable alternative to the path being on the sandy beach at Wailua, which was included in the Environmental Assessment (EA). It's a mauka route on an existing road along a scenic canal behind Coco Palms, on land belonging to the county.

There seems to be some confusion and misunderstanding about the path alternatives and the assumptions/questions below which are clarified by the responses.

1. "If the mauka route is chosen that would cause an additional highway crossing, wouldn't it?"
NO! BOTH THE BEACH ROUTE AND THE MAUKA ROUTE WOULD CROSS KUHIO HIGHWAY THE SAME NUMBER OF TIMES. The only difference is that the highway crossing on the beach route would be at Lanikai Street, and the highway crossing on the mauka route would be at the existing light at Kuamo'o Road. In addition, IF THE ROUTE ON WAILUA BEACH IS USED ,A NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY WOULD BE ADDED at Lanaikai Street causing more stop and go in this congested section of the highway.

2. "The beach route would provide access to the beach access."
There is ALREADY access to the beach. The two parking lots presently located on either end of the beach will continue to exist if either route is chosen.

3. "I'm not sure if I want to walk or ride a bike on a path along a canal."
BOTH routes go along the canal. The beach route, continuing north along Papaloa Road, turns on Lanikai Street crosses the highway, where a new traffic light would have to be added. It then cuts across land on the mauka side of the highway and along the canal following it on to Foodland. The mauaka route would go alongside the canal starting from a road behind Coco Palms and continue to Foodland, as well. See pictures of the scenic canal route behind Coco Palms at end of this letter.

4. "Wouldn't it hold up completion of the path if the mauka route is used?"
No. Since the mauka route was listed in the EA as one of the alternate routes, getting it approved would take could take just 2 or 3 months and cause no delay in the overall project. The path can't connect to points south until the bridge over Wailua River is completed which will take at least a year.

5. "If the road behind Coco Palms is used it would cause more disturbance to burials."
No, the Wailua Drainage Canal roadway is an ALREADY EXISTING ROAD behind Coco Palms connecting Kuamo'o Road with Haleilio Road and was used by cars for several years. The section of path coming off the bridge would go cross the highway at Kuamo'o Road and continue along the road (which is being widened) to connect with the mauka route and avoids disrupting cultural sites in the area. By not placing the path on the beach it prevents disturbing cultural sites on the beach while keeping the beach intact in its natural state. The recent letter from the State Historic Preservation Dept states that cultural sites would be affected, yet those sites are actually a considerable distance away from the mauka path. Their letter stands in sharp contrast with OHA's letter.

6. "The path on the beach would be on dirt and not sand, right?"
No. The path on the beach would be on top of flat sand dunes, currently covered with plants. The sand dunes are vital to preservation of the beach as they store sand for future beach replenishment.

7. "Upon crossing Haleilio Road, the mauka path would displace people living in their homes."
Not so. There's one house on commercial property that's been for sale over a year and unoccupied. There are two additional empty lots to obtain easements that are also for sale.

8. "We will lose the $4.2 million incentive money if we don't put the path on the beach."
Not true, provided the money is used anywhere on Phase 3 by March 2, 2010 as confirmed by the Department of Transportation.

For more photos of the alternative path route mauka of the old Coco Palms Hotel see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21400600@N03/sets/72157622826153697/show

If you want to protect Wailua Beach and support native Hawaiian culture, please come out on Monday, December 7th at 6:00pm at the Kauai Peace & Freedom Convention Center on Hardy Street in Lihue. To read a request from kanaka maoli to attend the meeting, visit: http://www.kaieie.org/Wailuanuiahoano_GreatSacredWailua.html

See also:
Ea O Ka Ania: Last Chance For Wailua 12/2/09

Kauai Christmas Parade!! VIDEO!!

The Kauai Christmas parade, Lights on Rice street.

KAUAI NO KA OI NOBODY DOES IT LIKE US COUNTRY STYLE ALL DA WAY

MELE KALIKIMAKA A ME KA HAUOLI MAKAHIKI HOU

PATH MEETING ON MONDAY!!

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/12/05/news/kauai_news/doc4b19fef542749819277705.txt

PLEASE ATTEND