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

On the Ground in Copenhagen: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack | The White House

On the Ground in Copenhagen: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack | The White House

Health Care | The White House

Health Care | The White House

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.

SOMEONE FORGOT TO TELL MOTHER NATURE GLOBAL WARMING IS A FRAUD!

'Monster' iceberg shedding hundreds of offshoots - Yahoo! News

HOLY ICECUBES BATMAN!! GLOBAL WARMING IS NOT REAL GUYS> JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES> THAT HUGE CHUNK OF THE POLAR ICECAP FLOATING PAST AUSTRALIA IS JUST ANOTHER LIBERAL TRICK< I SWEAR! 

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

LINDA LINGLE LEAVING PUBLIC OFFICE-A TENDER FAREWELL WITH PICTURES

mammoth.jpg (image)

LINDA LINGLE HEADING OUT OF PUBLIC OFFICE....HOPEFULLY FOR THE LAST TIME EVER

ALOHA NO. A'OLE POINA'OLE. HEWA. PILAU. SIYANORA. SHALOM. ADIOS. BIEN VENIDOS. AU REVOIR. A HUI HOU NEVAH.

WATCH THE VIDEO SAVE ALIO BEACH

YouTube - Sovereignty Tribunal 12

YouTube - Sovereignty Tribunal 12 GIVE COCO PALMS WAILUA NUI BACK TO THE HAWAIIAN PEoPLE!!  RETURN IT < AND THEN PUT IT IN THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO WILL CARE FOR IT!!

YouTube - Sovereignty Tribunal 10

YouTube - Sovereignty Tribunal 10

THIS MAKES ME CRY STILL NO MORE!! NO MORE COCO PALMS!! CULTURAL PARK SAVE WHAT LITTLE IS LEFT!! THE PEOPLE STILL LIVE!! I BELIEVE IT SHOULD RETURN TO THE HAWAIIAN PEOPLE CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS AND THOSE WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR TIME AND EFFORT TO PROTECTING HAWAIIAN HISTORY; CULTURE; AND LANGUAGE AND ARTS;

‘Aha Pūnana Leo: Timeline of Revitalization

‘Aha Pūnana Leo: Timeline of Revitalization IN ENGLISH FOR THE OLELO CHALLENGED

‘Aha Pūnana Leo: Timeline of Revitalization

‘Aha Pūnana Leo: Timeline of Revitalization

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 HAIG TRIBUNAL-NANI ROGERS< KEKUNI BLAISDALE WATCH AND LEARN

15 VIDEOS CHRONICLING THIS MOMENTOUS EVENT

WATCH< LEARN< PAY ATTENTION


VINTAGE VIDEOS I WAS THERE





 

SANTA ASKS FOR A BAILOUT FROM CONGRESS!! HILARIOUS!!

SANTA ASKS CONGRESS FOR A BAILOUT

PROTEST DATTATREYA SIVA BABA DESECRATION OF OUR HEIAUS!!!!!!

CALL THIS NUMBER WRITE TO THIS ADDRESS; FAX THESE PEOPLE NOW!!!!!!

 Vaaak Sounds
333 Pennsylvania Ave.
Oakmont, PA 15139 USA
Information Line: 888-241-7337
Fax:412-828-0911

THIS MAN HAS PLANS TO GO TO ALL OF OUR WAILUA HEIAU AND PERFORM HIS OWN CEREMONIES ON OUR HEIAUS; TO PULL OFF ENERGY AND TAKE THE POWER FROM THEM; THIS IS HEWA; WE WILL BE PROTESTING; WE WILL BLOCK HIM; IF YOU ARE IN ANYWAY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GROUP THEN LISTEN TO WHAT WE ARE SAYING; WE WILL PICKET WHEREVER HE IS; WHEREVER HE IS SPEAKING; SHAME SHAME SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

HERE IS THE ADDRESS TO CALL CALL THEM NOW TELL THEM TO STAY OF OUR HEIAUS AND THAT WE WILL PROTEST

WE WILL BE CALLING FOR A FULL PROTEST OF HIS VISIT HERE IF HE DOES NOT CHANGE HIS ITINERARY AND STAY OFF OF OUR HEIAUS

HE IS CHARGING UPWARDS OF 2,ooo to 4,ooo dollars for people to come to his seminarts. HUNDREDS ARE EXPECTED>

WE WILL BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SEND OUT ISLAND WIDE AND STATEWIDE ALERTS!!!

CHECK IT OUT HERE-DEC 28-JAN 2 he will be here!!!!!!!!

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

Gary Hoosers group has money for a study for a cultural park

Coco-Palms.Com | Articles | Coco Palms: Many friends, two queens, little action

Everyone wants a compromise on the issue of the bike path at Wailua. There is. To understand this idea it is first and foremost important that you read this article.

Now, can we get the Senator onboard to look at a "Fourth Alignment Option?" Check out the next blog installment for an official press release.
http://kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/12/11/news/kauai_news/doc4b21f5c4c8a75055845399.txt 


Check out our pic in the Garden Island. Thanks to Mary Stone for her support. We can do this! YES we can!!

YouTube - Save Wailua"Alio" Beach

YouTube - Save Wailua"Alio" Beach

TheGardenIsland.com Archives News Kauai News Mayor bucks OHA recommendation

TheGardenIsland.com Archives News Kauai News Mayor bucks OHA recommendation

TheGardenIsland.com Archives News Kauai News Path’s beach plan not written in stone

TheGardenIsland.com Archives News Kauai News Path’s beach plan not written in stone

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

Official Statement for the December 10th protest-petition widget

To:

Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.

Mayor, County of Kauai
4444 Rice St., Suite 235
Lihue, HI 96766

From:

Ka La'a Aina Coalition

4417 Maka Road

Kalaheo, Hi 96741

332-0341

kad2009@ymail.com

And various undersigned herewith 

Dear County of Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., 

RE:

Kauai Bike Path Inc.  also known as Ka Hele Makalae.


We the undersigned hereby protest any construction of a bikepath that would in anyway come near any sacred areas of the entire Wailuanuiha'oano Complex, or encourage any more traffic to any of these sacred areas.

This would of course include any alignments that would take the path onto Alio Sands, (Wailua Beach), which we most strongly disagree with, and protest.

Hauloa South bank of Wailua rivermouth

Likely included a pu‘uhonua (place of refuge)

Hikina-a-ka-lā Part of Hauloa (religious center)

395 feet (120 m) long;

56 to 80 feet (17 to 24 m) wide

Kukui Heiau North bank of Wailua rivermouth

Across rivermouth from Hauloa

Na Ki‘i Pōhaku (Petroglyphs) South bank of Wailua rivermouth

Sometimes covered with sand

Canoe Landing East bank of Wailua river mouth

Loko i‘a (Fishponds) Near Wailua river mouth.

Māla‘e Heiau West side of Kūhiō Highway (Hwy. 56)

Dimensions: 273 by 324 feet (83 by 99 m)

Walls were up to 10 feet (3 m) high,

Holoholokū Heiau South side of Kuamo‘o Road (Hwy. 580).

Hauloa Heiau

Hauloa (“Dew of life”[vi]) is a large heiau (sacred place of worship) located at the mouth of the Wailua River, and is thought to have included a pu‘uhonua (place of refuge). The religious center at Hauloa was  

Hikina-a-ka-lā (“Rising of the sun”[vii]), located at the point where the sunlight first touches the island of Kaua‘i’s eastern shore each morning.

In the 1800s, the sacred area of Hauloa was abandoned as far as religious uses, and coconut palms and sweet potatoes were planted. In the 1900s the heiau’s rocks were taken away and used for road beds, leaving only the loose outline of the foundations stones that may be seen there today. Formerly at the site were many great slabs of stone set on end in a double row.

In 1962, Hikina-a-ka-lā and other Wailua heiau were designated National Historic Landmarks. A bronze plaque commemorates the heiau as “Hauola, City of Refuge.”

Located next to the plaque is an adze grinding stone as well as two flat, stone salt pans. Toward the beach are some petroglyphs known as Na Ki‘i Pōhaku, which are often covered by shifting sands.

Across Wailua Bay, on Alakukui Point, are the grass-covered remains of the foundation stones of Kukui Heiau.

[Hauola Heiau, end of Lydgate Beach parking lot near Wailua rivermouth.]

Māla‘e Heiau

Māla‘e Heiau is located near the mouth of the Wailua River, about 45 feet (12 m) from Kūhiō Highway (Hwy. 56), on the mauka (mountain) side of the road. Thought to be one of Kaua‘i’s oldest heiau and also the largest, Māla‘e Heiau encompasses about 2 acres (.8 ha).

The stone structure measures 273 by 324 feet (83 by 99 m), with walls up to 10 feet (3 m) high and 8 to 13 feet (2.4 to 4 m) thick. A 6-foot by 2-foot (1.8-m by .6-m) stone ledge lined the inside of the wall, providing a place for people to sit and watch the proceedings.

According to legend, Māla‘e Heiau was built by menehune about 1,500 years ago. The heiau is said to be an example of the menehune trait of forming a single line of people many miles long to pass rocks from one person to the next. (See Menehune section, Chapter 3.)

Māla‘e Heiau was converted into a cattle pen by Deborah Kapule (the last queen of Kaua‘i as the wife of King Kamuali‘i) after she converted to Christianity.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the rocks of Māla‘e Heiau were used by the sugar plantations for construction projects. This was the impetus for the founding of the Kaua‘i Historical Society by Reverend John M. Lydgate and others. More recently, the heiau has been cleared of overgrown brush by volunteers working to restore the site.

[Māla‘e Heiau, located on the west side of Kūhiō Highway (Hwy. 56), near the south bank of Wailua River.]

Holoholokū Heiau

Holoholokū Heiau is located on the south side of Kuamo‘o Road (Hwy. 580), just off the main highway. Said to be one of Kaua‘i’s oldest heiau, Holoholokū is relatively small, measuring about 20 feet by 40 feet (6 m by 12 m). Holoholokū Heiau was a luakini, where human sacrifices were performed.

A birthstone on the western side of the site is where ancient ali‘i (Hawaiian royalty) gave birth. A plaque on the stone reads “Pohaku Hoohanau Birthstone.” Another rock on the site has a plaque that reads “Pohaku Piko,” and this pōhaku (stone) was where the baby’s umbilical cord (piko) was left to ensure the child’s health.

A stairway near the heiau climbs to the top of a small hill overlooking the Wailua river. On this mound are dozens of Japanese gravesites, some marked with lava-rock gravestones.

[Holoholokū Heiau, alongside Kuamo‘o Rd. (Hwy. 580), about ¼ mile (.4 km) from Kūhiō Highway (Hwy. 56) on the left (south) side of the road.]

Poli‘ahu Heiau

Poli‘ahu Heiau is located on the south side of Kuamo‘o Road (Hwy. 580). Considered the sister heiau to Māla‘e, Poli‘ahu Heiau is 242 feet (74 m) long by 165 feet (50 m) wide, and the site of ancient religious ceremonies led by a kahuna (priest).

Structures within Poli‘ahu were dismantled after the overthrow of the kapu in 1819 (see Chapter 11, Timeline: 1819, May 20), including an ‘anu‘u (a three-story wooden oracle tower), lele (altar, or raised platform), hale pahu (temple drum house), and a hale umu, described as an “...oven house where the temple fires were kept and offerings were prepared.”[x]

Visible from Poli‘ahu is Māla‘e Heiau, and it is likely that communication took place between the two locations in ancient times. Above Poli‘ahu is Kālepa Ridge’s last peak, called Mauna-kapu (“Sacred mountain”[xi]). 

[Poli‘ahu Heiau, Kuamo‘o Road (Hwy. 580), on south side of the road just before ‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls Viewpoint, Wailua.]

It is imperative to us that absolutely no sites on this list be impacted in any way by the construction of the bike path, be they on the mauka side of the current highway or the makai side.

We insist that an alternative route be implementated.

When one sacred site is impacted they are all impacted. Increase in traffic to some heiau such as the Hikina A Ka La Heiau and the Kukui Heiau and Hau'loa Heiau have been significant. The sands at Alio should be absolutely off limits to any bikepath alignments.

The idea that somehow these are a disconnected group of structures and sacred sites is absolutely incorrect.

We pray that you will make significant adjustments and support an alignment that protects, preserves and prevents any further degradation to any of the sites on this list.

There is no site here on this list that is more important than the other. They are all interconnected both spiritually and physically to each other. A desecration of one of them is a dececration to all of them.

We strongly protest the path going up to, into, around or through, or on top of (in the case of Alio) any of these areas listed. We protest any traffic traversing them in any way except for the explicit use in most cases of a specific Hawaiian religious appropriate to that area in the case of the Heiau's, and/or cultural and appropriate uses of certain areas such as the sands at Alio, on the canoe landings.

Sincerely, the undersigned presented on this day:

December 10, 2009 at approximately 2 pm in the afternoon

To be presented to the Mayor, or his authorized representative

Mahalo, Sincerely the undersigned.

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