PUBLIC COMMENTS
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Preserving History in Halemanu
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:34:58 -1000
From: Alfred Toulon <toulona001@hawaii.rr.com>
To: <kokeeadvisory@gmail.com>
Dear Members of the Kokee Advisory Committee,
Thank you for representing the interests of the people of Kauai in
preserving Kokee.
I am the last living child of Eric A. Knudsen. I wish that I had
asked to take over the lease for the original Halemanu house site
when it was given up by the woman from Hanalei who had outbid my
brother, Valdemar Knudsen, in the first auction. It was a tragedy
for us all when we lost the oldest cabin in Kokee.
I hope that you will promote to the State that it would be a big
benefit to the State and to the people of Kauai to make all the
cabins and vacant lots available to the people of Kauai. The State
would benefit with the lease rents and the people of Kauai would
benefit from the use and enjoyment of the mountains.
I would like to build a cabin on the original Halemanu site with the
same flavor as the original house. I spent every summer of my life
growing up in that house, and I could replicate the wonderful old
verandas of our old family house. I could also replace the wonderful
landscaping we had, including a rose garden, beautiful hydrangeas
and fruit trees, etc., that used to be there. I could restore the
old water system because I remember exactly how it operated.
This could only be a benefit to the people of Kauai, because after
twenty years, the State would own all of these improvements, and a
bit of Kauai’s history would be preserved for the people of Kauai.
Those who have cabins in the mountains have always benefitted all
the people of Kauai, because we have contributed to maintaining the
trails and clearing out noxious weeds.
Thank you again for your hard work for the good of Kokee and Kauai’s
people.
Aloha,
Betsy Knudsen Toulon
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Recreational Renaissance Testimony
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:16:44 -1000
From: Glass <sglass@hawaiiantel.net>
Reply-To: Glass <sglass@hawaiiantel.net>
To: <DLNR@hawaii.gov>
CC: <kokeeadvisory@gmail.com>
Testimony regarding “Recreational Renaissance”
Hearing November 3, 2009
Lihue, Kaua`i
As we will not be able to attend the hearing, we would like to
submit this testimony.
Since Peter Young, the previous Director of DLNR, presented the
plans for Kokee to hundreds of Kaua`I residents at our Convention
Hall, we have observed DLNR continue to pursue the plan they have
created, in spite of and in direct conflict with our Kaua`I
communities’ stated opposition. Most people who attended the first
meeting were not given the opportunity to vote for the third choice,
do nothing other than “preserve and maintain.”
We understand that Kokee is considered by you to be only a part of
the greater State system of State parks. But you, at the same time,
continue to fail to understand, acknowledge or respect our concept
of Kokee, our mountain backyard, as a unique world treasure which
must be preserved in its’ natural state for future generations.
Volcano and Hanauma Bay are examples of natural environments which
have been exploited and are now no longer natural, but commercial
We understand that you wish to have all State parks generate
revenue; that they should be as self-supporting as possible. But,
the DLNR was mandated not to develop, but to hold, preserve and
maintain these lands. You were not ever mandated to develop them
into people playgrounds or recreational areas to compete with
resorts.
If you consider the cost of the “improvements” to accommodate more
use of these parks, the additional revenue will never keep up with
the costs of staff, maintenance and repair. You will constantly be
chasing the revenue through more development.
The financial statements of how much revenue Kokee has generated and
how much has been spent on the area to repair and maintain is not
readily available, but we do have the figures for 2007. Kokee
brought in almost three times as much as was spent on maintaining
it. So, a threat that the area might need to be closed because of
lack of funds is simply not reasonable.
You may have to temporarily close some smaller parks which cannot
generate enough funds to remain open, but the Advisory Council has
offered an alternative way to increase revenue without gating off
the entrance to Kokee and other State parks. Why aren’t you
considering and responding to this proposal of charging a small
additional fee on rental cars for the support of Parks?
I know I speak for the people of Kaua`I (other than those who would
directly benefit financially by development of “improvements”) when
I say that we do not want food concessions, a multi-story hotel in
the meadow or elsewhere, more parking, taking over the presently
well-maintained DOT road from Waimea (the contrast with the present
State park road is significant), and no entry gate for collecting
fees from visitors.
The Advisory Council has made concessions to your plan, such as
allowing an increase of a few rental cabins within the footprint of
the existing cabins, and suggesting the addition of a room to the
Museum to provide space for more information about the area.
How can we convince you that the reason people visit and live on
Kaua`I is our natural environment? The hotels, zip lines, kayak
trips, ATV’s are allowed only on private land or leased in specific
areas.
Kokee belongs to the State only “in trust.” Kokee is not for sale!
As you can perceive from the above, we are expressing an increasing
concern for the disregard DLNR is showing to the residents of Kaua`i
(who employ you) and to our representative Advisory Council.
Mahalo for the opportunity to express our sentiments on this
important issue to all of us.
Sincerely,
Stephen and Sharry Glass
62777-A Puuopae Pl.
Kapaa, Kaua`I
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Comments on "Recreational Renaissance Plan B"
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 01:03:56 -1000
From: Brad Parsons <mauibrad@hotmail.com>
To: Kokee Council <kokeeadvisory@gmail.com>
References: <SNT108-DS130D7D1A38CA95AC991653C2C50@phx.gbl>
To: recreationalrenaissance@hawaii.gov
Subject: Comments on "Recreational Renaissance Plan B" for Hearing
of 11/3/09
Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:31:36 -1000
First, the proposed codified Rule changes are not in OCR machine
readable format, they are an image file, and therefore cannot be
cut-and-pasted to comment and work with. The files can just as
easily be posted online as OCR files by DLNR in the future.
My comments in bold follow the italicized quotes in order from the
following document:
http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/recreate/planb/RR-PLAN-B-FACT-SHEET
RECREATIONAL RENAISSANCE “PLAN B”
*** BACK TO BASICS ***
...We have to take action now, and not just wait. Otherwise, we will
lose some of these important places forever.
We don't have to take action now. These places will not be lost
forever. Koke'e and Kalalau will still be there. They will be there
longer than us. We can take a few more months to wait for the Koke'e
Advisory Council recommendations instead of the raised camping and
admission fees.
...to support debt service on capital improvements in State parks,
harbors, hiking trails, boat
ramps, and piers.
...We trust the legislature will support our progress and grant the
bond authority next year...
You all may or may not be aware, but last month Hawaii tried to sell
over $655 million and possibly as much as $800 million in General
Obligation Bonds and there were no takers on that issue. The State
was not able to sell those bonds because the yield and terms were
not high enough for the perceived performance risk of the State. I
don't think you all understand that bonds for park operating
expenses in this environment are just not realistic. This is partly
why the Recreational Renaissance bonding authority the first time
around was not granted by the Legislature, because that would have
been competing with the State's General Obligation bonds in the
market, which the State is having a hard enough time selling. Beyond
that, bonds are suppose to be for capital improvements, not
operating expenses.
...If you subtract the four lifeguard contracts and utilities, that
leaves about $93,000 per park per year for all operational costs in
fiscal year 2009. With today's budget and restrictions, we‟re down
to about $70,000 per park per year for operations.
...If we are successful in raising $4 million total through fees and
other means, then parks will have approximately $127,000 per park
per year, with the entire sum of the increase going to repair and
maintenance and improved operations at parks statewide.
This is a worthless statistic. There is no point in calculating an
average "per park per year" dollar figure for fees collected. The
size of the State Parks varies greatly. Only a few of them are large
State Parks and they cannot be accurately compared to much smaller
roadside parks. Furthermore, there is no usefulness in comparing a
"per park per year" figure for the State Parks to a "per park per
year" figure for the few much larger National Parks in Hawaii. That
whole comparison is wasted calculations and serves no useful purpose
but to possibly mislead.
...Parks will begin with parking fees for tourists only at $5 per
car, walk-ins remaining free. The parking fee can be collected
through an automated system that differentiates tourists from
resident and is low-cost to operate. Footnote - 1 Entry fees are the
same as proposed in Recreational Renaissance - $1 walk-in; $5 car...
First you say no charge for walk-ins and then the footnote says $1
for walk-ins. It should be NO charge for walk-ins. Further, you say
"will begin" with $5 per car for tourists. At a minimum, it should
stay that way, $5 per car for tourists and NO charge per car for
kama'aina, ever. If you imply one thing, then you should remain
consistent on it.
...In addition, Parks will charge modest fee increases at
campgrounds and cabins, mainly by starting a split fee system with
slightly higher fees for non-residents.
I noticed that in all of the documentation for today and in the
proposed new rule changes, you do not mention the fee increases that
the BLNR already approved on August 14, 2009. That includes
overnight camping permit fees from $10 to $12 for residents and from
$10 to $18 for visitors. I think a lot of the residents in the
audience today are not aware of this. These are hefty camping fees.
If these raised camping fees are to stay, then the BLNR should also
offer an annual Kama'aina Camping Permit for something like $50.
Also, if DLNR is going to collect these kinds of camping fees, then
they should at least see to it that trash is kept picked up and
facilities are properly maintained at the camping grounds. In the
case of Kalalau, that has not been done, and the visitors are
rightly complaining that they feel the current $10 per night that
they pay is not being used to properly maintain the Park that they
are using. If the BLNR is going to almost double the visitor camping
fee, then they need to make sure trash is picked up and the
campgrounds are maintained regularly. Kalalau went all last winter
without trash being picked up.
...All revenue generated in Parks will stay in fixing up Parks. All
revenues generated by the Na
Ala Hele Trail system will stay in fixing up trails.
This is misleading. Everybody on Kaua'i knows the BLNR intends to
take fees collected from Kaua'i's two large State Parks and trails
and use them for Parks and trails on other islands.
...Pilot asset management system at 1 Park, 1 Harbor, 1 Trail.
The DLNR Chairperson says part of the problem is that they don't
have an accounting system that indicates which park that fees were
collected for and don't have expenses broken down to each park. If
that is the case, then I propose for this "Pilot asset management
system" that the first Park it's used on be Koke'e and that the
funds collected from that stay on Kaua'i, and that the first Trail
it's used on be Kalalau and that the funds collected from that stay
on Kaua'i.
...The goals of Plan “B” dedicate 100% of new revenues to improved
repair, maintenance, and operations in the interim. We‟ll also start
the longer-term process of raising new revenues from vacant lands so
we can do more capital improvements faster...
All I can say is that developing these vacant lands looks like one
big open-ended money making effort that may not really benefit DLNR
or the State as opposed to preferred private interests.
One last point, if BLNR/DLNR has the patience to wait for the
Legislature to act upon Koke'e Advisory Council recommendations, the
idea of a modest fee on rental cars to go to a Special Fund for
State Parks is a good one that can reasonably raise the necessary
funds. By my own calculations a 50 cent fee per day per rental car
statewide could raise $11 million dollars per year. The Koke'e
Advisory Council conservatively calculates that a 50 cent fee per
day per rental car statewide would raise $8 million per year, or
that a $1 fee per day per rental car would raise $16 million dollars
per year. That solves the State Parks revenue problem and
justifiably allows the funds to be spent proportionately on each
Park however the BLNR sees fit. So what's the rush?
Mahalo for this opportunity to comment,
Brad Parsons
Kauai, HI
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Park User Fees
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:27:57 -1000
From: Mike Malone <kaikanekauai@hotmail.com>
To: <kokeeadvisory@gmail.com>
Aloha,
Has any consideration been given to some sort of parking permit
instead of a manned entry booth? There could be placards available
to all state residents from DLNR for a small, annual fee and 10 day
or two week placards for non-residents (similar to many states'
non-resident fishing licenses) which could be sold at both DLNR and
rental car agencies. The DLNR rangers could cite vehicles parked in
select State Parks without the placards. No additional staff
positions or job titles would be needed. Forestry, which already has
a commercial hiking permit system in place, could also require a
placard for trailhead parking. It could be a combined effort with
only one placard for both agencies to avoid confusing the public.
Mike Malone,
Kapaa
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: comments on AC recommendations
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:48:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: David W K Au <d.au@sbcglobal.net>
To: kokeeadvisory@gmail.com
Dear AC members:
I read DLNR's Final Plan for Kokee-Waimea Canyon, their response to
public comments, and your 5/09 recommendations for improving that
Plan. I do think you could do better. Frankly, I found the AC
recommendations often regressive, unrealistic, redundant, and
troubling.
Troubling to me because I perceive an underlying rejection of the
principle of public equity in a state park. Do I see a veiled
promotion of private privilege on the mountain? Recommendations
calling vaguely to perpetuate "existing character," "intrinsic
qualities," and "traditional activities," and for "maximizing
stewardship," leave me uneasy. So do the calls to minimize public
signage and uniformed rangers, and to require AC approval for new
developments. Other regressive ideas that block rather than guide
progress are the recommendations that would confine all short-term
rentals to the present area of rental cabins, leave the Meadow
"untouched," and maintain only "existing" campsites.
I perceive as unrealistic the recommendations suggesting that
trailhead parking spaces purposely kept small will prove adequate,
that the Museum can handle most routine ranger duties, that
significant other-than-tollbooth revenues can be found and then kept
solely for the Kolee-Waimea Canyon usage, that roadside vistas can
be protected without further attention, that visitor numbers will
not increasingly strain the Park, and the overall implication that
the Park does not need fixing.
I'm sorry to be harsh, and I do not mean to denigrate or discourage.
The AC is a formal means for public input into the State Plan and
therefore is particularly valuable. In fact the Park Plan is
decidedly improved because of public input from people the AC
represents.This is seen in the Plan's new decree to keep Meadow
buildings single story and in basically the same footprint as of
old, the idea of terminating concession stands whereever practical,
the designation of the Kokee road as the main corridor for tourists,
with other roads designated 4WD and for those pursuing more serious
wilderness experiences.
I want the AC to continue their work but to come up with more
progressive and realistic recommendations. I do hope the AC will
come to understand, as I do, that Kokee and its environs cannot
depend for its protection on a small group of Kokee lovers, but
needs instead support that is widespread in Kauai's populace from
their having had meaningful wilderness experiences there.
Finally, allow me to point out that I am no stranger to Kokee or to
conservation, although my permanent residence is now in San Diego. I
grew up to a large extent at Kokee where we built a cabin in the
early 1950s. That cabin, in perhaps the loveliest spot in all of the
mountain, is still there. That experience is possibly why I ended up
working over 35 years as a professional conservation biologist
(marine).
Sincerely,
Dave Au, PhD
San Diego
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Kokee
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:27:32 -1000
From: Robert Sweney <sweney1@hawaiiantel.net>
Reply-To: Robert Sweney <sweney1@hawaiiantel.net>
To: <kokeeadvisory@gmail.com>
First I would like to thank the council for all the hard work that
is being done to create a quality plan for Kokee , that the all of
the people of Kauai can be proud to pass to the future generations
of Kauaians . This is a very important plan and we as a community
need to get it right the first time . This plan has been in the
works for a long time now and even though it has taken awhile to get
to this point and a lot of work done .Now is not the time to rush
into anything . I have full faith in this Council that you will take
the time and do it right .In the Master Plan I believe it says as
part of the mission statement "ALL MAN MADES WILL BE SUBORDINATE TO
VIEW PLANES " .This is one of the most important parts of the Master
Plan . There are obvious view planes and some not so obvious and can
be a very specific to any individuals perception . One of the most
important of these view planes is the meadow .As I understand it ,
every one is in agreement except( Marsa Erikson) to protect this
very special area . I completely disagree on her stance that the
existing museum needs to be torn down and replaced along with the
Lodge building . To renovate and restore where needed is very
appropriate . Yes the kitchen needs renovation and more space for
walkins etc . I eat there a few days a month and have worked in that
kitchen before and in my view it is a safe and clean kitchen . The
Museum could use more space and as I remember Joe Souza only wanted
to add 20 foot by 40 foot addition to the back of the building .
These additions would not effect the view planes of the meadow
.These structures are not dilapidated and I believe would last way
more than fifty years with proper care that they deserve . I
volunteer at museum three days a week helping with the visitors to
pass out trail info and park interpretation. At times I have met
returning visitors some that were here 30 + years ago and they are
very happy that Kokee is still the same . This is not a uncommon
comment to hear from visitor or kamaina family .
Another very important point that I would like to make is the
accessability for the common person of Kauai to enjoy Kokee , as
stated in the 1906 mission statement for Kokee . The auction for the
cabins will not guarentee this as there are very deep pockets on
Kauai . Most of these cabins need a large investment to make them
liveable again ,how many locals can afford this ? A idea that has
been talked about is . To create "The Kokee Ohana Assoiation " or
KOA for short . This would be available to any Kauai resident . This
association could be part of the Kokee Advisory Council and be self
sustaining through donations of time or money by its members .
Through the Advisory Council we could take over and renovate the
"uninhabitable cabins " or all the empty lots .When these cabins are
fixed up or built they then could be rented out for 25.00 a night to
association members (25.00 x 365 =9125.00 per cabin). The cabins
would be bare bones one would have to bring gas for the stove and
bedding etc. These cabins could be "adopted " by groups or
individuals for the restorations . Time limits on lengths of stay as
worked out per availability and number of cabins . A reservation
system by computer and a rental history of its members could be
created to weed out any problem members with warnings first and upon
a severe breach of rules be terminated form the Association . With a
nominal fee of 25.00 per night this would be well within reach of
the common person of Kauai .The length of stay would be greater than
at the lodge cabins which is really very unaffordable to the common
Kauaian. These Lodge cabins are mostly empty now because of there
high cost of staying there(100.00 per night the rent increase
allowed by the state ).There are no Kamaina rates to anyone . These
KOA cabins could be named after the original family that built it ,
there by retaining historic memories of the area . One way to
announce this to the community and to gain a great community support
would be to have a festival in the meadow where ideas from the
public could be taken along with pledges of time or money or
materials . Look what the people did with the Polihale road !
The last point that I would like to make is the gate issue . There
should not be barriers to any public land . The better way to fund
the state park system is to have a 10.00 sur charge to any rental
car in the state . The gate will not deter crime , it (crime )will
find a way to get around any barrier . This gate will have a long
line of unhappy people in it as the gate keeper will have to anwser
the same questions many many times a day(30 seconds a car 2 minutes
a car ? ) soon becoming a very unhappy gate keeper ( A true picture
of Aloha for Kokee? ). Then at the end of the day as Mr. Agor states
the gate keeper will remember someone that did not come back from a
hike and then drive all over the park to look for them ? Ms. Budd
points out there are laws about searching people with out cause . A
better way to figth crime in this area is through intelligence with
a community watch program and with a constant D.O.C.A.R.E. officer
present in the park .The officers presences alone will greatly deter
most crime in this area . A camera in the right place could record
any and all vehicels coming and going and would be way less
intrusive to the public being searched leaveing from the park .One
way to stop the Koa theft in the park would be for the state to have
a better plan to issue koa permits for all the downned and rotting
trees .Koa is not stolen on an hourly basis in this park as reported
in the paper today 8/16/09 .
In closing we all have a responsibility to this special place to
protect it and pass it over to those that will be here long after we
are gone ..................... .
Sincerely ,
Robert Sweney
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Kokee Master Plan commentary
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:04:36 -1000
From: CherylAnn Farrell <cherylaofarrell@gmail.com>
To: kokeeadvisory@gmail.com
Aloha Advisory group
Having just spent 3 days in Kokee via a leased cabin from our church
and having finished a term at KCC this summer where my speech class
conducted a panel discussion on the proposed changes for Kokee I
would like to add my support for allowing Kokee to remain relatively
untouched.
Today's Garden Island ran a story which highlights some of the
problems with regard to poaching, lack of "aina" respect, etc. Some
of the commentary on your site posts other issues such as a lack of
consistency for trail names/numbers.
As we drove down from the mountain and could see the sides of the
road cluttered with parked visitor cars, people jetting about to
catch a view of the fabulously full waterfalls, I can see how there
might be a PERCEIVED need for better parking and safety for guests
peering over the canyon to get that memorable photo. To my
knowledge, the minor chaos along the road did not result in any harm
for the day... so IS there a problem?
The recommendation to make all outlooks ADA compliant WITH
concessions is absurd. (water and dry bananas aside). Widen the
roads to better accomodate tour buses? What can that kind of
traffic, equipment, and chemistry do to the nearby flora and fauna?
The argument about the fee gate is worth reviewing... $700,000 in
receipts with $120,000 in costs? how is that revenue generating? I
do very much support keeping whatever revenues generated to operate
Kokee just as Diamond Head does -- an independent profit center.
Improvements that do seem to make sense such as development of more
learning opportunties, enhancing the museum rather than tearing down
and starting over. Leaving the 14 or so Leases so that those of us
who don't necessarily have access to a lease can still "rent" for a
weekend to get away. Improvements in the road, infrastructure in
delivering water that is drinkable, maintenance of the bathrooms at
the lookouts. Figuring out a way to reduce poaching, perhaps
developing more eco-driven tours and events. But those things don't
require paving over the meadow or making a 'state of the art"
visitor center.
From my occasional Kokee user perspective, it appears there have
been recommended solutions to problems that don't actually exist. It
seems the key to any change is to first identify the problems --
where is that list? The GI news story today discussed several. Let's
address those first. How do the current proposed changes reduce
poaching? How do they protect the flora and fauna? How do they keep
the "ambiance" of the mountain in tact? Are visitors in danger of
"ice heads"? Is there a parking problem at the museum? Is there a
problem with the historic buildings? Do people actually need water
and snacks every 2-3 miles?
I applaud the Advisory Group for the deferrment of any decision
until the DLNR has the opportunity to discuss issues with you. From
what I can see from the comment section, there is a unanimous
agreement from those who write in that only small improvements are
needed -- for a better recreation... not a need for a complete
re-creation of Kokee. I sincerely hope that the comments you receive
do not go unheeded. As residents, I hope we do have a voice that is
heard and that you can help prevent the changes that we might surely
regret.
Cheryl Ann Farrell
cherylaofarrell@gmail.com
808-652-1284 (-3 hrs PST)
No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made.
Destiny is made known silently.
-Agnes DeMille
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Kokee
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:47:04 -0700
From: Steve Neff <umbelifer@msn.com>
To: <kokeeadvisory@gmail.com>
My wife and I have been coming to Kaua'i almost every year since
1995. We found Koke'e almost by accident and bring our guests with
us everytime someone new joins us on the island.
We are in favor of a reasonable entrance fee and a staffed entry
point to maintain order and to keep this beautiful area safe for
all.
Steve Neff and Jenny Hinrichs
Anchorage, AK
To: Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park Advisory Council
From: Patsy Sheehan
Subject: P.I.G. Recommendations for changes to the Master Plan for
Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Parks
Aloha Council Members,
There are many issues you are trying “to wrap your arms around”, as
the saying goes. It is a complicated set of circumstances that the
general public may not understand completely , and that the more
immediate stakeholders may question as to each other’s methods. But
I do believe that the end result for all involved is to keep and
maintain the essence of Koke’e’s natural experience, beauty, and
balance. As other testimony has stated very clearly, for Koke’e to
be sustainable and maintainable for safety and many other reasons,
there can not be unlimited growth and unlimited expansion to meet
that growth. The fear that the state, in needing ever more monies to
sustain itself, will not be able to control growth nor be willing to
manage and maintain any new level of committed support, is a reality
for many individuals.
Yet, the State is a stakeholder and their planning efforts need to
be addressed. The State participation in the future of Koke’e is
important to examine and to find answers for. Any recommendations
that can help reduce or eliminate unnecessary costs or expenses (
such as too much signage or too much road expansion) should be
helpful to the State. At the same time, the monies generated by
increasing charges at Koke’e need to stay within the Koke’e budget
until a basic level of maintenance is achieved.
In trying to create balanced growth among the needs of all who love
Koke’e, I urge this body to remember that sharing this incredible
place has produced the spirited following ( in the form of testimony
and letters on your web site) who do “get” that this place is
fragile and in need of continual vigilance. These people are both
visitor and kama’aina alike. Organizations like Hui O Laka can and
do interpret, teach, and share thru workshops, festivals, and hikes,
to all ages , what Koke’e is about. Organizations, both for &
non-profit, like Hui O Laka are needed in Koke’e; their continued
growth is vital as is their mission in sharing the quality of Koke’e.
I think a master plan is needed to set the parameters and
accountability for the future of this unique park; Koke’e and Waimea
Canyon State Parks deserve careful and engaged discussion and
considerations so that a consensus be reached in how to sustain a
balanced interaction of people and place.
I thank you for your attention to this submittal,
With Aloha,
Patsy Sheehan
Date: August 12, 2009
To: Mr. Canen Ho`okano and Members of
Koke`e Advisory Council.
From: Ms. Aletha G. Kaohi, President of Hui o
Laka
Subject: In Support of Marsha
Erickson’s position.
I am unable to attend the Council’s meeting on
August 13th I’m responding to Mr. Hookano’s request to
Marsha Erickson, Hui o Laka’s Executive Director, for a letter that
Hui o Laka’s Board of Trustees support the position she has taken
as a member of the Koke`e Advisory Council. The following is the
letter as requested.
Aloha e Chairperson Mr. C. Ho`okano and Members
of Koke`e Advisory Council.
At the April 2009 meeting the Hui o Laka Board
of Trustees unanimously voted to support adoption of the Master Plan
for Waimea Canyon and Koke`e State Parks. We indeed support her
vote against the recommendations presented to the Council by the
Permitted Interaction Group (P.I.G.) and her defense of good park
interpretation in the Master Plan and in the parks.
I attended the June meeting of the Council
along with fellow Hui o Laka trustee Kay Koike for the express
purpose to voice Hui o Laka’s support for the Plan. However, the
meeting was conducted in such a way that there was no opportunity
for me to present Hui o Laka’s position, as well as my personal
views. My father was the County of Kaua`i’s Pu`ukapele caretaker
for over twenty years. As a historian and an avid hunter Koke’e was
alive with stories of people and places. These mo’olelo are
presently shared through Hui o Laka’s numerous programs.
Hui o Laka’s mission is to “celebrate,
illuminate, and nurture the essence of Koke’e, engaging all in a
spirit of appreciation and service.” Founded fifty six years ago
(1953) at no cost to the Territory or State of Hawaii because of
income from the Museum Shop. We provide “park interpretation”, an
informal education of a place, rich with natural and cultural
resources, that inspires preservation. For the past ten years Hui o
Laka has been discussing the necessity of replacing the present
World War II building (1944) which has been used as the Koke`e
Natural History Museum for 56 years.
Hui o Laka’s vested interests is to be of
service. We serve over 120,000 people each year of which include
1,000 plus school children through our stewardship and interpretive
programs of Waimea Canyon and Koke`e State Park
As the president of Hui o Laka and a kupuna,
born and reared in Waimea, it is my hope that the Council will walk
the forest, listen to the spirit of the land, heed the words of the
creator and kupuna. Let us then join hands to embrace the future of
Koke`e, rather than trying to stop all change. No change at all is
not hopeful, helpful or a tenable position. Please contact me if I
can be of service.
`Owau iho no me Kealoha,
Aletha G. Kaohi,
President of Hui o Laka
Contact: HOME
OFFICE
Phone: 338-1447
338-1332 (office)
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Permitted Interaction Group Report and Recommendations
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:49:41 -1000
To: Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park Advisory Council
From: Alan Faye, Member; Hui o Laka Board of Trustees
Subject: Additional Comments - Recreational Renaissance Plan B:
8/14/09 BLNR Agenda w/ links
I apologize for a late submission of my comments regarding the
subject Plan and the up-coming August 14th meeting. Further, I am
not still in full comprehension of details of the apparent
divergences of feelings between the public and the officiating
parties (Namely: DLNR, the Advisory Council, P.I.G. and Hui o Laka.)
This writer agrees that there are some strong differences and that
there will need to be pono time to resolve these differences. It
seems to me that the details of the "plan" should carefully evolve
over time, and be dependent on funding derived in-house and from the
State. This means to me a period of "negotiating" year-by-year, a
plan that satisfies all factions. Preservation of the historic
nature of the whole Koke'e-Waimea State Park must be the overall
Theme. Once you have "commercialized" this precious historic
resource, and lost that "nature feeling," there will be no going
back.
In closing, I would like to enclose below, a copy of my previous
comments that I made in May and will add that I still feel the same.
However, I will add to that document, that there surely can be a lot
of give and take to retain the "nature" goals of the public and the
desires of the State to make money. Of course, I now realize that I
should not have pre-judged the feelings of the whole of the Hui o
Laka Board of Trustees as I did in this document.
Again, mahalo nui loa and aloha e,
Malama pono, malama the aina,
Alan Faye
Permitted Interaction Group Report and Recommendations
Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park Advisory Council
May 26,2009
I totally support all of the recommendation made in the above
report. As a “native son” of Waimea and Koke’e, as was my father, I
feel Koke’e is in itself an historic monument that needs to be
preserved and not “developed” as a source of State income. Our
family has been a part of Koke’e since the late 1800’s and we have
greatly felt the importance of “nature’s experiences” afforded by
the whole canyon and mountain area.
As a Trustee on the Hui o Laka Board, I feel that the Board would
feel the same way, judging by our past meetings. That is: preserve
what we have. Maintain and make improvements and not replace cabins
or other structures. There is a great opportunity to renovate and
restore structures and retain their historic presence, while at the
same time make them more in line with efficient use. One example
would be to improve the Lodge kitchen.
My Aunt Isabel Faye and Ruth Knudsen Hanner together, started the
Koke’e Museum and it is very worthy of preservation and careful
historic expansion.
As a Commissioner for the Kauai Historic Preservation Commission, I
am hopeful that the Commissioners may take a position in
recommending the preservation of Koke’e history and avoid commercial
expansion. The whole of Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park should
be retained as a unit of history.
With sincere respect,
Mahalo,
Alan Faye
FYI: Important to be aware of the context of the meeting on the
13th, like what is on the agenda of the BLNR meeting for the 14th...see
2 attachments: Attachment #1
Attachment #2
Recreational
Renaissance Plan B
Here is the link to the full Agenda submittal which provides
links for each agenda item.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Save Koke`e
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:28:11 -1000
Please do not alter the inherent natural beauty of Koke`e by doing
anything other than normal maintenance of the park and roads leading
up to it. Anything else would be a travesty. Everyone I know who
uses the park and or visits the mountain wants it to be left alone,
except for fixing the roads and maintaining the park as it is now.
Very Sincerely, Fred Dente P.O. Box 974 Kapa`a, HI 96746
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Input for August 13 Meeting
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:01:52 -1000
Dear Koke’e Advisory Council:
I will not be able to attend your meeting on Thursday, August 13. I
am therefore submitting my comments/input below.
I have carefully read Council Member Marsha Erickson’s email on your
website stating her reasons for voting against the recommendations
of the P.I.G. to change the Master Plan for Waimea Canyon and Koke’e
State Parks at your last meeting. Everyone can read her email at the
website, so I will not repeat her points here.
I hereby wholeheartedly and strongly agree with Ms. Erickson’s
reasons and recommendations for Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State
Parks. I also strongly believe that we all need to work hand-in-hand
with the DLNR.
I believe that a great many of us were seriously swayed by the fear
of the words “development” and “commercialization”. We were terribly
frightened by images of cold concrete structures and hard asphalt
parking lots in the meadow and at lookouts, and all sorts of vendors
hawking their wares. However, as Ms. Erickson states, there are
other ways to consider “development” and “income production” and
“revenue generation”.
With Hui O’Laka, standing for park interpretation, they are
providing an important responsibility at Koke’e Park—providing
“lifelong learning”. With tasteful interpretive signage, school
children and other visitors to the park will be learning about
Koke’e, ancient Hawaiian history and traditions, fauna and flora of
Koke’e. The Museum with its various displays also provides for a
great learning experience and should eventually be tastefully
replaced with more room for additional educational displays. It is
my sincere belief that Hui O’Laka is doing an outstanding job at
Koke’e educationally, being a great caretaker, nurturing
volunteerism, and making Koke’e an unforgettable experience for all
visitors, be they first-time visitors or repeat visitors.
Please seriously consider all the points and recommendations
presented by Council Member Erickson. I believe close teamwork
between the Advisory Council, the DLNR, and Hui O’Laka is needed so
that Koke’e may be protected and preserved for future generations,
and yet to tastefully grow and evolve into the
“Best State Park in the United States”.
Thank you,
Ann Hanamura
P.O. Box 286
Kapaa, HI 96746
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Why I voted against the P.I.G. Recommendations
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:07:14 -0400 (EDT)
From: Marsha Erickson <marshaerickson@earthlink.net>
I voted against the recommendations of the P.I.G. to change the
Master Plan for Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State Parks because they:
• are repressive and violate the needs of current and future park
users,
• violate the memory and standards of Kaua'i's own Joseph M. Souza,
Jr., who pioneered the public facilities we now enjoy at Kokee,
• are often contradictory, vague, and contain coded calls to public
anger
• don't solve any of the real challenges facing our parks today
• reject appropriate income production and revenue generation as
"commercialization," and then make lists of standards that can only
be achieved with additional funding;
• call twice to create another level of authorizing bureaucracy by
requiring that several decisions be "subject to concept and design
approval" by the council, a remarkable self-shift of the Council
from advise to authority;
• and they make pivotal decisions about Hui o Laka, the longest
service provider in Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks, without
ever having consulted with us or mentioned it to us at all.
Not only will the P.I.G. recommendations fail to protect Koke'e from
change but they will choke-chain the educational and evolutionary
future of park use, management, and care.
I voted against changing the name of the "selected alternative" of
the Master Plan from "Enhanced Park Facility Development Plan" to
"Remedial Plan" because there is no need at all for a Master Plan if
we are to regress to a "remedial plan" which imagines we can
freeze-frame Kokee for all time. State Parks Division does not
legally need any plan at all to repair existing infrastructure. Hui
o Laka supports the Enhanced Park Facility Development Plan
designation as it squarely faces the on-the-ground reality and
opportunity that some facilities will need replacement in the
future.
In the list of 18* (see note below) recommendations in the P.I.G.
summary, 7 recommendations pertain to operational management, not
Master Plan, issues (1,2, 3,4,5, 9 13) and all 7 require additional
funding to realize. Three (11, 15, 18) recommendations specifically
prohibit or disparage income generation which could help fund the
seven management recommendations noted above. Five of the
recommendations (7, 8, 10, 16, 17) impact Hui o Laka's ability to
serve the parks - as noted, without ever consulting us - while at
least four (2, 5, 12, 16) reference policy or practices already in
place, and therefore in no need of being listed as Master Plan
objectives. There is a decided anti-visitor, anti-education (which
is what park interpretation is) bent. The recommendations were
passed with almost no discussion of impacts and implications.
My real hope for this Council is that we respectfully acknowledge
that before the mountain we are all equal.There should be no
fighting, suppression of discussion, jockeying for position, or
politicking in Laka's realm. The region we have come to call Kokee
doesn't belong to any one, any group of us, no matter how deep our
mountain memories go, created by the Legislature or not. Not one of
us can "save Kokee," not 75 of us can save her, this group cannot
save her, but we can all kokua. We are the stewards of this time and
that is all. We must face the reality of 20+ years of Legislative
neglect of our Parks and figure out what to do about it without
their help. We cannot avoid the current crisis or prevent the
future, nor will we do so by rejecting the Master Plan. We can,
however, guide and greet the future with the vigorous graciousness
characteristic of the mountain forests we love and intend to save.
The current konohiki of this place is Hawaii's State Park Division,
and until such time as that changes, Hui o Laka intends to continue
to work respectfully with that agency. No good will come of tying
the hands of creative, thoughtful front line professionals or nor of
disparaging their underfunded work. No matter how many of us
volunteer, we still need a State Parks Division. I suggest we put
aside recommendations for now, and figure out how we can make a good
plan better and how we might properly care for what we have no
matter what.
I am convinced that hand-in-hand with DLNR/State Parks Division will
be able to create a best-case scenario for Kokee. Let's figure out
how to support the mission, funding, and objectives of the Division
in Kokee and on all of Kauai, not delay and abort a moderate,
sensible, and helpful Master Plan. We do not need to substitute a
sincere but defensive citizen-rewrite of the Master Plan for nine
years of professional planning and community interaction that the
Legislature appropriated money for. That would be a sad waste of all
this time and work, an affront to Hawaii's good environmental
planning laws and policies, and it would not be good for Kokee.
I am SO committed to good public policy (which addresses the deepest
concerns of ALL, from citizens to visitors to park managers) that I
believe we must quit using "development" as a scare word for the
worst possible case scenario for Kokee. When those of us who grew up
in Hawaii or who have lived here a long time hear the word
"development," we see ugly Waikiki towers that displaced thousands
of coconut trees (I remember them as a little girl), we imagine
thoughtless "developers" who have ravaged our home places, from
Manoa Valley to the North Shore. Let's consider "development" other
ways:
• development of Kokee's capacity to serve those who visit and love
the parks in appropriate ways that protect the essence of place.
• development of cooperative and productive relationship between
DLNR and citizens to protect these treasured mountain parks
• development of educational opportunities in the parks; providing
opportunities for everyone from youth to researchers to visitors to
cultural practiioners to teach and learn in the parks.
• further development of coordinated volunteer efforts in the parks,
creating a pilot example for all State parks and the nation.
• thoughtful development of ways for Kokee to sustain itself (to
include income production),
About "income production" and "revenue generation" - these are not
synonymous with the dreaded "commercialization.". There would be no
Kokee Museum open year round for 56 years without "income
generation." It is sales at the Museum Shop, mostly from visitors,
that have allowed Hui o Laka to maintain operations without ever
leaning on uncertain and scanty State funds. Revenue generation can
mean mean tasteful provision of services and goods to visitors in a
very isolated setting and can be a good thing for small
entreprenurial efforts on Kauai, from provision of guided hikes by
folks like Dr. Chuck Blay, local birders, and Hawaiian practioners,
for instance.
I am deeply hopeful the Koke'e Advisory Council will reopen the
dialogue and come up with a different approach to the Master Plan
than those embodied in the recent P.I.G. recommendations voted on by
this council. The State is not the enemy and we will accomplish
nothing good for the parks if we behave as if it were. Let's start
by considering exactly how the Master Plan is moderate, sensible,
and helpful, and what we can do to make it more so. Let's tame our
opinions and listen to the forest.
Me ke aloha,
Marsha Erickson
* Note: The Summary of Recommendations presented by the P.I.G.
(available at www.kokeeadvisory.org) has a bulleted, not numbered,
list of points. I have simply penciled in numbers 1-18 to identify
them as above.
Subject: master plan update
Date: thu, 16 jul 2009 17:22:20 -1000
I have read the permitted interaction group report and
recommendations and summary of preliminary recommendations--- I
generally support your recommendations and urge a timely revision
and acceptance of the master plan update. I have the following
specific comments:
1) Conservation values should be prioritized-- the Awaawapuhi trail,
Kilohana boardwalk trail and various nurseries should restore
numbers and interpretive guides to Hawaii flora.
2) There should be no concessions at any lookout. The present one at
Waimea Canyon lookout is an embarrasing joke--- water and dried
bananas sound like a menu from a survival school.
3) Directional signage is very important for the trails and the
generic name of each trail should be used. There are currently three
different systems of numbered maps and I direct confused visitors to
the halemanu over the hill trail -- (trail 7???) and kumuwela trail
daily. We need to agree on the standards and get to making signs!!!
4) Entry fee- station gate: you make a statement that the revenue
generated by Koke'e and Waimea canyon state parks exceeds their
operating expenses and there is no need for an entry fee. The truth
is the state's operating budget for the parks is woefully low and
always has limited park operations. The operating budget needs to
reflect increased maintenance of the park facilities so the park can
be on a par with the parks in Washington , Oregon, and the east
coast. The other small parks on Kauai also need help, witness
Polihale!!! I am concerned mainly about the cost of installing and
operating a toll gate--- taking in up to $700,000 per year, but
costing from $120,000 to $200,000 to maintain and staff. A
reasonable, simple, and economic alternative would be to tax all
u-drives a $5 "Koke'e fee" at the u drive offices and dispense with
collection fees. This is done in San Francisco: $7.00 per car. I am
also concerned about the huge costs to dlnr of maintaining that
portion of the Koke'e road turned over by the dot to facilitate the
toll booth. Any repaving should be the dot's kuleana!!!
5) Limit road to 18' --- many places on the Kalalau road now being
repaved are 19' or over--- so this is not a realistic statement
6) Kanaloahuluhulu--- definitely keep any more pavement (access or
parking) or clearing out of the meadow--- landscape and restore the
overflow parking area adjacent to the discovery center.
I am a member of the Koke'e Leaseholders Association and have led
many workdays over the past ten years. We are anxious to continue
our volunteer efforts with labor, equipment, and materials working
with hui o laka and the parks staff. Hopefully we can help the parks
get the most bang for the buck in projects where many hands can
kokua and malama the aina.
I thank the committee for taking the time and having the patience to
prioritize the recommendations for the master plan update.
Malama Koke'e,
Donn A Carswell
Subject: Objection to the Kokee Improvement Plan
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2009 10:34:59 -1000
My name is Linda Gabrian and I would like to express my views on the
Kokee improvement plans.
Kokee has had an emotional, spiritual and even a magical impact on
me from the first time that I had the opportunity to go there. The
park is the heart of the island and should be taken care of and
nourished. Comercializing Kokee with new buildings, extensive
asphalt and a toll booth are to strip away part of what makes the
park so unique.
The Plan for Kokee is based purely on income for the state. In my
opinion it is short sighted and most definitely flawed. Our primary
source of income on Kauai has been tourism for a number of years. We
no longer have sugar cane, the real estate market is in the dumpster
and we basically manufacture very little. We need to maintain Kauai
as a visitor destination that is unspoiled and attractive.
So lets talk about why the tourist comes to Kauai and what they love
so much about it. I work as waitress and often hear their feelings
relating to our island. The most often thought expressed is that of
the intense beauty of the island including its mountains and ocean.
They feel that the Kauai is still rural and somewhat simplistic. ( I
am always a little taken aback by that). Those two qualities are
rapidly disappearing. These visitors value the openness and lack of
overbuilding. Those of us who have spent a good part of our lives
here will scoff at that, but from their point of view, its true.
They probably live in dense areas and have to travel long distances
to jobs and generally manage their lives around the obstacles of
humanity. When they step off the plane, it is to leave their old
lives behind and escape to paradise. Kokee is that dream of
paradise.
Kokee gives them an unaltered view of what Kauai used to be,instead
of the one that has now been stripped away in pockets around the
island. A toll gate at the entrance to the park would
psychologically plant the seed of restriction and subconsciously
becomes another restriction of more of the same that they are
subjected to everyday in their routine lives. Too much asphalt and
newly constructed buildings become another psychological barrier.
There is a primal quality in all of us that need to feel the freedom
of unaltered nature. Kokee fulfills that emotion. In the long term,
keeping the island as natural as possible will serve us all well.
We are in a time of economic instability and the park does need many
improvements. The quality of the water, maintenance of the trails,
control of invasive species, road grading, bathrooms and more.
Because of the budget cuts, I would concede to the use of a toll
booth to insure funds for Kokee and only for Kokee. Those funds
would be used for the best interests of the park and just the park.
If the funds collected are to be given to the state, then I totally
oppose the toll booth.
I ask that you do not proceed with this action to destructively
alter the one area on Kauai that is so much a part of our hearts. I
join the chorus of others to Leave Kokee alone!
Mahalo,
Linda Gabrian
Subject: additional commentary
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2009 17:25:44 -1000
For the record, my name is Jose Bulatao, Jr. and I am proud to be a
lifelong resident of Kaua'i for over seven decades.
Many of us have already voiced our support to "preserve and
perpetuate the existing character of the Koke'e and Waimea Canyon
Parks" so that "public use does not compromise the integrity of the
mountain's natural resources, wilderness values, and intrinsic
qualities." Will it take the magnitude of a tsunami of written and
spoken opposition to change the DLNR's blatant disregard of our
expressed opinions? If so, I ask those who love Koke'e to articulate
their thoughts, as well! Address your comments to: kokeeadvisory@gmail.com
Let your voices be heard! Encourage others to do likewise! You can
also visit the website: www.kokeeadvisorycouncil.org
I am distressed with the ways in which we here on Kaua'i have spoken
up time and time again, only to be ignored by those who have the
power and the authority to respond to our call for the preservation
and protection of our finite resources. Others from places far and
near have joined in the chorus of protestation. In a word, nearly
each and everyone of us have said, "NO!"
We have had several public hearings over the years. Each time, the
people of Kauai'i have been consistent in voicing opposition to
bringing about the kinds of transformations that are already
occurring. Our rustic approach in preserving one of nature's wonders
in a manner and style that is ageless and eloquent in it's
simplicity is our way of holding on to what is special and precious
to us about Koke'e.
Keep in mind how necessary it is to be mindful of the limitations to
our carrying capacities. It is prudent for us be mindful about the
ways in which we "malama aina." Somewhere along the way, a balance
must be attained in providing needed services and amenities for our
residents and visitors to the Koke'e area, and at the same time,
cherish the heritage of the values entrusted upon us by the kanaka
maoli by remembering that "the land is chief. We are but stewards of
the land."
I repeat these lyrics to remind us all:
"Beloved Kaua'i, beyond compare~~
Your sweet maile, a fragrance rare,
This is the moment for you and me
To share our true love~~ eternally!
Beloved Kaua'i, you'll always be~~
The joy in life for me, forevermore!
With birds we'll fly to the sky,
To touch the stars up high,
While angels whisiper and sigh, 'Beloved Kaua'i'!"
Sincerely,
Jose Bulatao, Jr.
4614 Kokee Road
Subject: Comments made at meeting on July 2, 2009 - Council Chambers
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2009 14:57:02 -0700 (PDT)
To person who receives this letter: Would you be so kind as to kokua
with the distribution of this palapala to all members of the Koke`e
Advisory Committee? Mahalo a nui! Nani
Comments to Koke`e Advisory Committee at a meeting held on Thursday,
July 2nd at the Kauai County Chambers.
E welina kakou,
I would like to thank this committee and commend their hard work in
putting forth an excellent Report and Recommendations document. I am
acquainted with almost all of the members of this body and that
gives me some hope that this issue will be handled well. I am
placing my trust in you and are confident that you will be a
consensual voice of the people of Kauai. Mahalo a nui.
For the record, my name is Puanani Rogers. I was born and raised in
the ahupua`a of Kealia where I still live with my children and
grandchildren at our kahale ohana.
I am Kanaka maoli and a member of na Kupuna o Manokalanipo, a kupuna
is a status conferred upon me by my peers. I am also the founder of
the Ho`okipa Network on Kauai and all points of the globe. We
communicate and educate ourselves by discussing any issue that
affects our lands, water and aboriginal culture.
May I first start by reminding you that Koke`e is conservation
lands, wrongfully called "ceded lands", and rightfully called "crown
lands" which belongs to us, as descendants of our kingdom nation
that still exists. Conservation lands is a designation given to
lands that need to be protected from intrusive development. I
believe that we need to protect and preserve our "open spaces" of
Koke`e.
May I also remind you that these lands are not to be leased,
bartered, rented, sold or exchanged until an inventory of such lands
are completed and the issue of na Kanaka maoli's ownership is
resolved, as mandated by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Therefore, the
Dept. of Land and Natural Resources and all their State-entrenched
subsidiaries do not have the authority to make any decisions on the
uses and development of Koke`e; they are not the "owners" of these
lands, that is False.
I am a member of a kupuna hula halau and have been dancing hula
since I was eleven years old. The adornments we wear for
performances are very important to hula, which causes our concern
about how our cultural practices will be addressed or impacted at
Koke`e. May I suggest that you include in this discussion, all the
hula halau on Kauai, leimakers and cultural practitioners who
frequently go to Koke`e to gather and conduct cultural ceremonies at
different wahi pana or wahi kapu o Koke`e and at different times of
the year. I hope that you will agree that their mana`o is very much
needed in this discussion.
I had thought that we had already rejected the toll booth at Koke`e?
I disagree with charging our local people a fee to enter Kokee. May
I suggest instead a booth to stop cars so we can monitor the
gathering activites on our mauna. This may be most helpful in the
care, protection and preservations of our mokihana, maile, palapalai,
ohia lehua, etc. We even may be able to encourage our practitioners
to kokua in the replanting and restoration of these important
resources as community projects.
I would like to know what if anything is being done towards the care
of the wai and the ahupua`a wai resources at Koke`e. We know there
are many diversions to our mauka streams, and since the closure of
Kekaha Sugar Mill, I wonder if you could tell me who is managing the
ditches and streams and if anything is being done now to make
corrections. I want to advocate for the restoration of the natural
flow of our Koke`e wai, sacred ka wai ola o Wai`ale`ale, the
fountainhead. This is a cultural issue as well.
We all know that the United States military is occuping lands at
Koke`e on Makaha Ridge where their Missile tracking station is
located. I am wondering how much rent they are paying to us. How
much potable water they use and where does it come from? Is the rent
still one dollar a year per acre? Enforcing a high scale rent fee to
the military may be enough to help maintain our mountain for years
to come.
Mahalo hou to this committee for your good works. Blessings of aloha
and protection to everyone and to our beloved Koke`e.
Puanani, Kupuna o ke Ahupua`a o Kealia
Puanani Rogers
Ho`okipa Network - Kauai
4702 Mailihuna Road
Kapaa, Hi 96746
Kingdom of Hawaii
Think Kanaka maoli......Think Ahupua`a
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:17:27 -1000
To whom it may concern;
My name is Joshua Rickett and i grew up on the island of kauai and
am currently attending classes at the University of California at
Santa Cruz. The reason why i am writing this letter is to voice my
opinion of the proposed improvement plans for Koke'e State Park.
While i believe it is necessary to create a park that not only
serves the interest of the community and abroad but also enables the
park to preserve the environment, i believe that the proposed plans
take it to a new level. We don't need to create a mega-park that
will create far more damage than should be allowed. Making these
improvements will exceed the island's ability to support ourselves.
We are already seeing problems with out economy since the recession,
why do we need to create another "city" that will eat up more of our
vital resources. Please here my plea, i am not entirely opposed to
some improvements but i am opposed to the construction of this
mega-park, The community's voice needs to be heard and even though i
am not presently living on kauai, i feel i should have my voice be
heard as well. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Joshua Rickett
Subject: DLNR Kokee development plan
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 10:34:55 -1000
From: Sharon Goodwin
Our Kokee and Waimea Canyon natural wonders are at their optimal
stage of development right now. What do you feel when you're on the
mountain and in the days following that experience? It is a
connection with nature and with your beginnings. We are sustained in
our "real" lives knowing that such a place is accessible.
Every item on the DLNR development plan would diminish the
experience. That the "wonder" of a natural wonder correlates
directly to its "naturalness" should be intuitive. We urge you to
recommend rejection of this proposal.
Kip and Sharon Goodwin Kapaa
Subject: FW: About State Parks revenue idea...from rental cars
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2009 07:22:37 -1000
From: Brad Parsons
FYI:
To: senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov
Subject: About State Parks revenue idea...from rental cars
Senator Hooser,
At the Koke'e meeting tonight a couple of people mentioned the idea
of a fee on rental cars instead of a park entrance fee. They
mentioned $1 to $2 dollars per car.
While in the meeting I did some quick calculations. First, I believe
the annual budget for all of the State Parks was recently about $2.5
million per year. You can check that.
By my calculations, and a staffer of yours or Marcus Oshiro's could
easily check this, with only 50 cents collected per day per car
rented, revenue collected statewide for the year would be about $12
to $13 million a year statewide. That is 5 times the current State
Parks' budget. I believe that would be plenty to budget among all of
the state parks without needing to charge entrance fees at either
Koke'e or Napali Coast/Kalalau/Haena. This is one legislative idea.
A seperate idea is one that you are already pursuing and that is any
revenue collected within a park be put into a special fund to be
spent only for that park. So the $10 per day camping fees should go
back into Kalalau. And the leases and concessions (and water fees?)
should go back into Koke'e.
Anyway, the rental car idea would only cost the average rental car
users $3 to $4 per week. Very reasonable even though I agree we
cannot count on recent visitor levels, but even at half their recent
levels, the idea would still raise $6 to $7 million dollars for the
State Parks.
FWIW,
Brad
Subject: kokee master plan
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:58:28 -1000
Dear DLNR, I am unable to attend the July 2 meeting in Lihue, but I
would like to submit my opinions about the plan the state has
submitted for development of Kokee as an income generator. Kokee, as
it stands, is a sacred treasure and needs no enhancement, no
modernization. The Meadow (Kanaloahuluhulu) is sacrosanct and should
remain the beautiful open space that it is. It should be preserved
for all time as the gathering place that it has been for all time. I
am so grateful that I’ve been able to experience its expansive and
peaceful atmosphere, that no previous generation built on it and
paved it over for tourist accommodation. The charm of Kokee is the
step back in time it offers. No development can improve on that. The
state will ruin Kokee with the plans you’ve put forward. Cease and
desist. Let it be.
Sincerely, Evelyn de Buhr
Frank Rothschild
Kilauea, HI 96754
Subject: Kokee Master Plan
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:34:31 -1000
Dear Mr. Towill,
Waimea Canyon and Kokee Park are already a destination and when I
read of all your proposed 'upgrades' I shudder and would ultimately
call the overall plan a 'downgrade'. Why can't we keep it simple for
once. Don't fix what is not broken. Keep it local, keep it Kauai.
Over the years I have seen fewer and fewer i'iwis and apapanes
around the look outs, especially the Kalalau one.... The thought of
more construction, more grading, red dirt and noise feels
sacrilegious. And you want to post a sign reminding visitors of how
sacred this area is/was???
Please do not turn this into another 'mainland' state park. It
sounds like you want to make it into a Disneyland destination with
the fees collected supporting DNLR statewide rather than leaving it
in Kauai...
Thank you for your consideration.
Liedeke Bulder, Kalaheo.
Subject: MEETING OF KOKE'E STATE PARK ADVISORY COUNCIL ~ comments
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:13:56 -1000
As this writer cannot attend your meeting on July 2, 2009, I would
be very pleased to have you consider several of my personal comments
regarding the Koke’e and Waimea Canyon Park Master Planning.
First I would like to reference the Following “Group Report and
Recommendations”:
Permitted Interaction Group Report and Recommendations
Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park Advisory Council
May 26,2009
I totally support all of the recommendation made in the above
report. As a “native son” of Waimea and Koke’e, as was my father, I
feel Koke’e is in itself an historic monument that needs to be
preserved and not “developed” as a source of State income. Our
family has been a part of Koke’e since the late 1800’s and we have
greatly felt the importance of “nature’s experiences” afforded by
the whole canyon and mountain area.
As a Trustee on the Hui o Laka Board, I feel that the Board would
feel the same way, judging by our past meetings. That is: preserve
what we have. Maintain and make improvements and not replace cabins
or other structures. There is a great opportunity to renovate and
restore structures and retain their historic presence, while at the
same time make them more in line with efficient use. One example
would be to improve the Lodge kitchen.
My Aunt Isabel Faye and Ruth Knudsen Hanner together, started the
Koke’e Museum and it is very worthy of preservation and careful
historic expansion.
As a Commissioner for the Kauai Historic Preservation Commission, I
am hopeful that the Commissioners may take a position in
recommending the preservation of Koke’e history and avoid commercial
expansion. The whole of Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Park should
be retained as a unit of history.
With sincere respect,
Mahalo,
Alan Faye
Subject: Koke`e
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:28:09 -1000
Dear Committee,
Thank you for your valuable time and tireless efforts on behalf of
Koke`e.
This was originally a letter to the editor printed in The Garden
Island
on August 5, 2006. I think it articulates my feelings on the subject
at hand, the fate of Koke`e and Waimea Canyon State Parks.
I am writing with great concern about the Master Plan for Koke`e and
Waimea
Canyon state parks. I am at a loss to fathom the intentions of the
Department
of Land and Natural Resources. I did not attend the public meetings,
but was told that
the main impetus behind the new methodology for the Koke`e cabin
leases and further
development in the park was to generate as much income as possible.
As a lifelong
resident of Kaua`I, it would seem logical to me that the uniqueness
and unmatched
beauty of our island and our state need do be protected as much as
possible. The
position of the DLNR going forward seems diametrically opposed to
the preservation
of Koke`e.
Greater development and heavier use of Koke`e will cause its
inevitable decline, as
we have seen in other areas throughout our islands. Private
landowners have tremendously
altered the character of Hawai`I and changed our lifestyle; is our
own government intent on
doing the same, or does our government embrace stewardship and seek
a balance between
preservation and irreversible growth? It is with pride that I
emphasize to friends from other
places that our state seal is the only one in the United States that
specifically mentions the
land. I believe that this is in homage to the Native Hawaiian
concept of the sacred nature
of the `aina, as well as the contemporary recognition of how special
a place Hawai`I is. I
sincerely hope and pray that the sentiment expressed on our state
seal is not just rhetoric.
The only suitable description for the construction proposed in the
Master Plan for Koke`e is
exploitation. Paving over previously undeveloped areas, constructing
a hotel, widening existing
roads to accommodate larger buses, and the general further
commercialization of Koke`e, all in
the name of revenue, is unconscionable. The issue of revenue and the
operation of government
is best left to another discussion, but suffice it to say that
despoiling our stat parks and natural
resources is no solution. Development is truly a one-way street:
once done, there is no going
back. How can revenue compare with the Life of the Land?
Ua mau ke ea o ka `aina I ka pono.
Mahalo,
Royce Fujimoto
Subject: prefinal master plan
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:15:58 -0700
RE: Pre-final Master Plan for Kokee and Waimea Canyon State Parks
In reading through the Pre-Final Management plan for Waimea Canyon
and Kokee State Parks, I appreciate of the vast amount of
information that has been complied and processed in creating this
plan. I wholeheartedly endorse one-stop permitting on the mountain,
opening the Black pipe connector trail and better parking for Kukui
Trailhead. And the idea of more personnel to maintain the park is
sorely needed.
My biggest concern about the Plan is that it seems to be immune to
public input; this is worrying in a democracy. Despite the fact that
the Remedial Plan was chosen by the Board of Land and Natural
Resources from the four alternatives (p. 1-4), this Pre-final Plan
sights (pages 1-? and 6-12) a "Park Enhancement plan" as the
preferred alternative. This alternatives includes all of the
elements delineated for Alternative 4 "Enhanced Park Facility
Development Plan" (pages 6-5 to 6-7). . Obviously, the 4th
Alternative is what DLNR wants regardless of public input or the
Boards vote.
The expansion is couched in the words "reconstruct" and redevelop"
instead of construct and develop.
Expansion includes:
Development of additional short term rental cabins adjacent to
existing cabins (5-28)
A lodge with short-term rentals; its capacity not only specified "to
meet existing demand"(1-7, 7-19 & 7-22)
Clusters of recreational cabins for short-term rental (5-8)
New camping areas at Halemanu and Puu Lua..(5-8)
Expanding the campground at meadow (7-20) with expanded
("reconstruct") toilet facility (7-20)
Converting 7th Day Adventist Camp and United Church of Christ camps
to concession rentals (5-8)
New park visitor Service Center that will duplicate interpretive
services offered at the museum
New park headquarters (7-20)
Renovation of park ranger station for volunteer housing duplicates
CCC (7-20)
New restroom building at Waimea Canyon lookout which includes
commercial concession
Expanded parking at Waimea Canyon
Larger lookouts at Puu Hinahina and Kalalau (1-8)
It seems that in his letter of December 5, 2006, in response to
public outcry about the commercialization of the parks, Peter Young
literally meant to drop the reference to a 40 to 60 room hotel. The
lodge still exists in the plan. And to remove language regarding the
fundamental goal of the remedial plan as being to enhance revenue
generation. A previous draft of this plan states "a fundamental goal
of the remedial plan is to enhance revenue generation sufficiently
to sustain Park operations, maintenance, and routine upgrades (page
6-1).
Two of the biggest problems in funding the Division of State Parks
are that revenues generated in the park are diverted away from the
parks and that getting funding for capital improvement projects is
easier than obtaining than funding for personnel and maintenance. It
seems pointless to build for more revenue-generating facilities if
those revenues cannot be safe guarded for the parksor at least the
island--where they are generated! This seems to be impossible to do
as the Legislature, which votes to set up special funds, can vote to
eliminate or raid them, especially in difficult economic times. Thus
we now see the special fund set up to run the Natural Area Reserve
System being raided. Its worth noting that in 2002 only $8,350 from
the State Parks Special Fund went to these State Parks (table 4-28).
Because of the conditions built into the funding process, it has
always been easier to obtain funding for CPI projects than for
personnel and maintenance. I dont see how these difficulties in
funding positions and maintenance would be any different given the
constraints of the bureaucracy. Increasing the magnitude of the park
facilities and personnel requirements outlined on page 7.6. creates
bigger problems in hiring in the future.
If DLNR was sincere in its wish to better fund operations in these
parks they would allow the revenue generated from concessions and
cabin leases to go to funding these parks. According to figures in
this plan the budget for these parks in 2006 (Table 1-2) was
$300,000. Current concession revenues are $226,000 (Table 1-3) and
lease revenues from 2004 were 205,000. This means that $131, 000
revenues being generated in these parks were being siphoned off.
Since 2004, cabin rentals have since been doubled and at current
lease revenues, as much as $400,000 is leaving the island. These
funds could double the current operating budget without asking
anything of the State General Fund! Unfortunately, the Master Plan
Cost Table is not included in the PDF file posted by DLNR.
Instead, the State aims to "achieve sustainable operations with 35%
of the park revenues" (6-5). The State hates the term "cash cow" but
the truth is this is how the State sees these parks. They intend,
through steps laid out in this Master Plan, to increase the parks
revenues at the cost of increased commercialization of OUR parks.
Lastly, I am concerned about who would build the park improvements
and concessions. The conceptual plan delineates three scenarios for
implementing the park improvements:
Concession Facilities developed by concessionaire
Complete build out by State
Complete build out by concessionaire
This information is not included in the pre-final plan, but it is
has a huge impact on the park. A commercial developer will have very
different priorities than a division of the State government will.
In the conceptual plan the State has proposes to allow a
concessionaire greater development latitude, design control (3-10)
as well as the majority of rent revenue in exchange for doing the
build out. What happens in bad economic times such as these? What
motivation is there for a private developer to do quality work on
projects from which they will derive no revenue?
I am concerned about "master leasee" (7-37) mentioned in regards to
residential Residence cabins. This sounds like more
commercialization.
This plan is too vague and offers too much latitude in what
development could be done in the park. And how it will be managed.
What is clear to me is the significant increase in commercial
development in the park. This is not remedial work and not what the
people of Kauai asked, nor what the BLNR voted for.
Mahalo,
Kathy Valier
P.O. Box 1213
Hanalei, HI 97614
(808) 826-7302
Subject: Testimony for 7/2 Meeting
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 08:02:14 -1000
Aloha,
I am unable to attend the July 2 meeting, so would like to take this
opportunity to express my desire to keep Kokee pristine and free of
further commercial enterprises. No gates, entrance fees, big lodges,
vendors etc.
Thanks for considering my opinion.
Judie Hilke Lundborg
Subject: Kokee Master Plan
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:15:44 -1000
Kokee Advisory Council
I've hiked and camped Kokee for over 40 years. Please keep Kokee
just the way it is. It should remain primarily a natural treasure
for the people of Kauai and only secondarily a tourist destination
(and only for those who are willing to make a little extra effort to
experience the natural beauty).
John Harder, Anahola
Subject: Comments about Koke'e
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:22:30 -1000
From: Bill Walker
First let me make clear that I think Koke'e park can be improved.
The
facilities now in place leave much to be desired.
However, opening up Koke'e to resort development is not in the best
interests of the citizens of Hawaii. To do such would only serve to
benefit a few special interests who would employ a a small number of
local citizens at very low paying jobs while skimming the bulk of
the
profits off island to some corporate headquarters thousands of miles
away.
Also I do not want to see our park people who are charged with
taking
care of the parks get caught up in a lust for money trip. When the
goal
is money there will never be enough to satisfy the lust.
There are many other ways of developing Koke'e without marring the
beauty or violating the spirit of the park. For example, I lived in
a
state where the department of parks or whatever it was called
constructed "cabins" around the lake in the middle of the park. They
were actually more than cabins, they found frequent use by local
business people as a perfect place to have employee retreats. None
was
within sight of any other, they had modern facilities, were well
constructed and well cared for.
They were for the use of any state resident on a reservation basis.
They
were so popular that it was necessary to make reservations several
years
in advance. A family might reserve one for a weekend or a week
(there
was a limit on how long a stay could be but I don't remember what it
was) and enjoy the quiet and seclusion of having their own cabin out
in
the woods somewhere without having to actually invest time and money
in
owning one. At the end of their stay they would be billed for
whatever
cleaning was required, for the wood they had burned in the fireplace
(it
was stacked outside the cabin) and so on.
A project such as that can operate on a pay as you go method, the
profits from one financing the next unit and so on until the general
plan had been finished. Rather than a mammoth construction project
building a 200 unit resort that would employ local people for only a
short time, it could provide steady work for local construction
workers.
The big jobs pull in worker from other islands and the mainland
because
they're too big for the local labor pool. I favor smaller projects
employing only Kauai residents.
From: GRACE YOON
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 7:57 PM
Subject: Save Koke'e
I tell you again my love for this special place, this home of homes.
I shared the story of hearing from one of my mother's friends, their
road trips up to Koke'e. I learned for the first time just how much
she loved that place. She had posed for a picture with her friends,
perched atop a large tree that had fallen across the trail; that
might have been sometime in the early 1920's. It would be fifty
years later that Ed would take a picture of our family hiking in
Koke'e, with a snapshot of me on on the trunk of a tree that had
fallen across the trail. We spent many weekends up in the mountains,
camping in one of the rustic lodges with ice cold running water and
a fireplace made of rocks and stones. Each year we asked for the
same cabin.
As you can tell these thoughts are all flowing back through time.
But i wanted to share just one thing more. Each year I read on of my
many stories in children's literature; The Kapok Tree is a work of
art, focusing on the precious rain forests. After reading the book
we would take a walk around the schoolyard, looking for special
places that resembled the layers of the rain forest. We became quite
adept at imagining the little critters darting between the pebbles
and weeds as the those who inhabited the animal world of the rain
forest. One child brought in an illustration of a rain forest he
believed lay under those tall trees he saw below the bridge spanning
Hanama'ulu. It all came full circle that Monday morning a little boy
rushed into the room; he had gone hiking up a trail in Koke'e, and
did I know, he asked, just how many little rain forests I counted
along the way?
We think to "create", "develop", "construct" "establish" and
calculate "percentage revenues" in discussing new projects. Koke'e
is its own masterpiece in progress.
Subject: Koke'e
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:33:33 -1000
Aloha,
Our families have lived on Kaua’i for many generations. We feel that
Koke’e is a place that needs to be protected and preserve for future
generations. My family and husbands family have had the privilege of
being able to utilize this area for gathering and hunting as needed
and as a way to help sustain our way of life and perpetuate our
Hawaiian heritage. We have no problem with paying higher permit fees
for use of this sacred privilege. There are other ways to generate
monies without having to desecrate the one asset that is most
valuable to Kaua’i; which is our `āina. By these purposed changes we
foresee major implications to follow. First; with more visitors to
Koke’e it will mean that more people will be venturing into
undesignated areas of the park; which in turn leads to the
destruction and pillaging of our natural resources, endangered
plants and native animal habitats within our State forest. As well
as the possibility of visitors accidently trekking through
designated hunting grounds which posses a major safety concern. With
that said the next thing you know the DLNR / State will have no
choice but to eventually do away with the gathering and hunting
privileges of the local people so that it doesn’t interfere with its
“commercial venture”. Soon after the elimination of local hunting
privileges will come the problem and increase of our over active
feral animal population which will in turn continue to take over our
native forest destroying more of our already endangered native
plants and animals as well as disrupting our once balanced
eco-system that currently exists now. This is just one scenario that
I feel will work up to numerous other problems and situations
besides creating life long major side effects to our island should
this project move forward.
Have we not seen or learned our lesson from the devastation and
destruction caused by the commercialization of our neighbor island
State & County Parks as well as Historical Landmarks in Hawaii. An
example is to look at the destruction and devastation that has been
done to the reefs and extreme imbalance of the eco-system at Hanauma
Bay on Oahu by turning it into a major tourist trap. Even though the
City & County and State having recently stepped up to try and
correct and reverse the damaged brought on by years of abuse this
once historical and pristine Hawaiian bay will never be the same.
Our fear is that by opening up this door we will be destroying the
essence of why people visit our island in the first place. Visitors
come to Kaua’i because of its quaint, rustic charm, seclusion, its
very limited commercialization and of course its non-touristy
beaches and untouched beautiful state parks. These are images and
the products that continue to draw people to our island. It’s not
the cookie cutter jazzed-up scenic lookouts nor the freeways or
fancy shops and buildings. Visitors and Kama’aina alike come and
return to our island because they love it the way it is, as do the
people of Kaua’i. We ask that you will please preserve and protect
to keep Koke’e in its natural state.
Mahalo nui loa,
Dejon Ka’opio & ‘Ohana
Subject: July 2 meeting KOKEE and WIAMEA CANYON
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:08:54 -0700 (PDT)
I regret I can not make a personal appearance at the meeting to
voice my vehement disagreement of your proposed revenue generating
and efforts to "enhance the wildland experience" of one of the most
beautiful, unspoiled, mystical and SCARED places, (with the
exception of insults have all read been perpetrated on it by the
likes of you folks), not only in Hawaii, but the world. How dare any
human being, let alone bureaucrats at DLNR claim to enhance what has
been naturally created by a much higher being than any of you! To
quote Brother Israel Kamakawiwo'ole;."....Our lands gone-All traded
for the promise of progress..." I cry with Brother IZ, I cry for the
people of Hawaii, I cry for those who have not experienced the
supreme beauty of the Wiamea Canyon and Kokee's forests, valleys,
streams and mountains, and now never will. I cry because all ready
the tentacles of destruction in the name of "revenue generation and
enhancing the wildland experience" have taken a strangle hold of
Kokee! I cry for those of us who do not want this atrocity to
proceed as proposed, (or at all). I cry for the people at Save Kokee,
who have worked so hard, and put so much effort into saving this
land whose hope that once again they will reap the blessings of that
magical land. It is apparent DLNR and the members of the Hawaii
state government are not listening and are not paying attention to
the crys of the people!
I ask you please, take some time to listen the Brother IZ's
recording of Hawaii 1978, and think about that message, and ask
yourselves...How does it feel to be responsible for the further
destruction of that beautiful piece of creation called Waiame Canyon
and Kokee Park?
Kathleen Noonan
Subject: DLNR Proposed master Plan
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:49:54 -1000
Aloha Keenan & Committee:
As you all are very much aware the DLNR has not in the past
listen to our community input over many hearing and meetings over
the last four to five years, let us hope they will now not only
listen to your committee input but also delete from their master
plan those items which our community and lease holders in Kokee feel
strongly against including! Here are items which I personally would
not want in the master plan.
1. No expanding of concessions and management leases, especially at
any of the lookouts.
2. no “ “ at the meadow area, or demolition of existing buildings
put fund into renovating these buildings.
3. No paved parking lot at water tank trail heads
4. Provide water line to Hale Manu Valley leases, since a new water
line is scheduled to go pass entrance to valley road presently.
5. ALL funds including lease rents collected in Kokee should be ear
marked for this state park, not put into general funds.
6. Since lease rents have been increased over 200%, provide better
road maintenance than has been experienced over last 40 years.
In short do not pave over paradise, leave it as it now is with
moderate improvements which allow Kokee to retain it’s long history
of not being commercialized. Malama the park and it’s beauty.
Mahalo,
Mike Givens & Family, Leasee Lot #10
Subject: Preservation and enhancement, not commercialization
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:11:25 -1000
Dear Council and other involved parties,
Aloha!
As a Lawai tree farmer, I appreciate the beauty of this island and
also what careful planning can do. The master plan under debate
seems to me to be a commerciallization of Koke'e, not an enhancement
and preservation. The plan seems to turn the Canyon drive, the
lookouts, the lodge area into a mini-version of a state park,
designed to accommodate large numbers of tourists first and to etake
care of preserving or enhancing the environment second.
I ask for a revision of the plan away from people/visitors first to
environment and nature first, people fit in second approach.
--
with aloha,
Michael A. Ceurvorst
Subject: keep koke'e koke'e, oke'e???!!!
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:04:24 -0700 (PDT)
Aloha,
This is my letter to ask you again to please leave Koke'e the way
it is, just maintain what's there.,like fix plumbing if it's broke
and maintain trails, but that is it!! It frustrates me that we have
to keep sending our comments when we held that meeting at The
Convention Center and Kaua'i's citizens spoke out. Letters to our
forum in the Garden Island also followed which voiced the opinions
of various tourists, all with the same sentiment as to keep Koke'e
the way it is, that is the charm of it, the peaceful beauty of it,
that is why people come to Kaua'i, because it is less commercial and
less built up. PLease, listen to the people of Kaua'i, we are part
of the State!!!! Please listen to our visitors. I have lived here
for 20 years, and always take friends and relatives up to Koke'e
when they are visiting from the mainland. They love its unspoiled
tranquility and its old fashioned lodge and museum. None of them
ever said, "Gee, I wish there were more buses idling and more buses
to ride behind and smell bus exhaust while we take in the scenery,
and gee I wish there were more concession stands and cement
buildings...." NO, people do not want the kind of "changes" which
you propose. Again, I implore you to KEEP KOKE'E KOKE'E, OKE'E????!!!!
Thank you for your time,
Debbie Friedman
Subject: Recommendations of Interaction Group/Kokee Master Plan
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:44:52 -1000
To the Kokee Advisory Council:
Because I am unable to attend the July 2 meeting,
I have attached my
thoughts about the Kokee Master Plan.
Not knowing what applications you have, I have attached a PDF file
and
a separate JPG file.
If you need to print copies, the pdf file is better for printing.
Thank you for your efforts on keeping Kokee "as is" for all of us
and
future generations to come.
Ann Hanamura
P.O. Box 286
Kapaa, HI 96746
Subject: "renovation of Kokee"
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:52:56 +0000 (GMT)
to Whom it may concern:
After having read the possible action plan that is intended for the
changes in Kokee, I must say i strongly disagree with the plan.
Having a toll booth at the entrance (where the monies collected are
not even going to Kokee) smells of sheer commercialisation. Tearing
down buildings to build newer modern ones does not sound sustainable
to me. Making more parking lots when the actual ones are not even
full, and visualizing more tourists going there to a hotel, when the
present hotels on the island are having so much difficulty in
getting guests and are letting go of employees seems ridiculous at
this time of our economy. Enlarging roads for bus access rimes with
a lot of tree cutting and messing with the land that is so beautiful
the way it is at present. Why not think about patching present day
pot holes and fixing certain access roads that only 4x4's can go
through and eventually do a bit of discreet signalisations on
certain paths where hikers might
loose their way or get confused?
I don't believe that the enormous fancy plan that is stated is
necessary either for locals on Kauai nor tourists nor the natural
beauty of the place which would be left with man made scarring and
de-naturalisation.
Lynne Torres
Subject: Koke`e Testimony
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:08 -1000
Aloha Members of the Koke`e Advisory Board,
Having read the overview of the "Enhanced Park Facilities
Development Plan", with all due respect, I have to ask "are you
nuts?" Why on earth, with the State of Hawaii's economy in such
shambles, would anyone, EVEN Gov Lingle, consider the expense of
"expanding/improving" (euphemisms for commercialization) an already
perfect piece of heaven? Koke`e doesn't need any further
improvements, other than filling in potholes on the existing roads.
I am opposed to any of the proposed changes to the park, and ask
that you allow reason to rule, and use those monies for really
important projects...like feeding the hungry of our community,
supporting programs for our Kupuna or paying the teachers of our
most important resource, our children. They after all, are the ones
who will lose the most after you have "paved Paradise and put up a
parking lot"!
Mahalo nui for your consideration and for truly hearing me.
With Warm Aloha,
Sandy Herndon
Subject: Kokee plan
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:33:21 -1000
Hello,
Please refrain from the incessant urge to "doll up" Koke'e, or
anything else on Kaua'I. The DLNR should be following the twin
directives of PRESERVATION and PROTECTION. The focus on increasing
revenue at any cost is the exact opposite of these directives, as
expressed in those plans I have seen described in the media.
I would be much more open to the idea of a Conservancy with events
and publicized easy ways to donate and be part of the husbanding
process. I am NOT in favor of any lodging increases, malls, vending,
accommodating large tour operations, or any restructuring designed
with the objective to create revenue while overtaxing the delicate
environment. I am NOT in favor of viewing Koke'e as an "income
stream". PRESERVE and PROTECT.
Please do not be persuaded by political special interests, or by the
promise of short term solutions to long term problems, and please DO
express aloha for the aina in your decisions.
Thank you for listening, everyone is counting on you to do the right
thing.
Michael Stroup
Subject: STOP !
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:50:03 -1000
Deveolpment! So-'enhancements' that totally take away from the
pristine natural beauty of what IS (left of) Koke'e !
--
In true Aloha - original meaning - "I intend, not merely wish, your
very best for YOU!" - "CreatorGod presence within and throughout all
- every one, everything."
Annalia, Ph.D., D.D. CHT
Subject: Fw: submittal of personal testimony
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:57:04 -1000
From: Jose Bulatao, Jr.
Jose/Mr B
Subject: submittal of personal testimony
I am submitting the following testimony. I urge you to consider
doing likewise. Our collective voices need to be heard.
Sincerely,
Jose/MrB
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Testimony
For the record, my name is Jose Bulatao, Jr. I am a lifelong
resident of Beloved Kauai for nearly 73 years. The street address of
my home is: 4614 Koke'e Road in the town of Kekaha at the foothills
of the Koke'e Mountains.
First of all, I wish to commend the members of the Koke'e and Waimea
Canyon State Park Advisory Council in presenting a Summary of
Preliminary Recommendations (dated May 26, 2009) through a process
allowed by sunshine law to submit a Permitted Interaction Group
Report and Recommendations which can be publicly accessed.
Along with the in-depth report, the extensive and arduous work of
the dedicated members comprised of our island's residents reflect
the extent to which each aspect of the items placed on the advisory
council's agenda was seriously considered and discussed to ascertain
the outcomes that were reached.
Succinctly, the Overall Vision and Master Plan Purpose clearly
states: "The master plan must preserve and perpetuate the existing
character of the parks by maintaining the area's unique native
ecosystems, vistas, trails, and historic-cultlurel landscape by
ensuring that public use does not compromise the integrity of the
mountain's natural resources, wilderness values, and intrinsic
qualities."
In essence, this superbly eloquent statement says it all so clearly.
Everything that proceeds from this statement are specific references
that call for clarity and consistency in what can and must be done
to support the overview of the Koke'e and Waimea Canyon State Park
Master Plan, beginning with the statement to replace the proposed
"Remedial Improvement Plan" with a "Remedial Plan" to avoid
ambiguity of what the purposes and intents may be.
In moving on to the Objectives of the Master Plan, the provision of
clear objectives were included in the Master Plan to "expressly
guide and govern [the] interpretation of all Master Plan elements."
The 18-bulleted references demonstrate the dedication of the
advisory council members' due diligence in their in-depth pursuit of
determining the extent to which clarity at all levels may be
ascertained.
The Specific Proposals and Projects section of the summary report
again reiterates the careful attention to detail evident in the
advisory council members' demeanor in accepting the task to review
and consider what was placed before them, If these strong
recommendations are not followed, the Koke'e mountains will be
devastated by the increasing demand for more services, amenities,
and provisions. We must remember, the finite resources within the
context of the carrying capacity of an island cannot be compared
with continental measurements of accommodating massive intrusion and
demands. Already, there is evidence of our precious mokihana and
maile being threatened by invasive species. We must be prudent in
the ways in which we "malama aina" for residents and visitors,
alike.
We have had several public hearings over the years. People have
spoken time and again about the ways in which we need to remember
that "the land is chief. We are but stewards of the land." How many
more times must our voices be raised in unison?
I close with the lyrics to a song I composed several years ago:
"Beloved Kaua'i
Beyond compare,
Your sweet maile, a fragrance rare,
This is the moment for you and me
To share our true love, eternally!
Beloved Kaua'i
You'll always be,
The joy in life for me, forevermore!
With birds we'll fly to the sky,
To touch the stars up high,
While angels whisper and sigh, 'Beloved Kaua'i!' "
Jose/Mr B
Subject: Koke'e
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:37:18 -1000
To the Koke'e Advisory Council:
Comments- Koke’e
Monday 6/29/09
Dear Members,
Before you approve any plan for Koke’e, show us how this plan fits
the definition of sustainability, as set out below. If you want to
change what’s below, then, let’s work together on a definition that
we all agree to, then and only then should we talk about what if
anything should be done in Koke’e.
In the book The Creation By E. O. Wilson, a Harvard U. professor for
nearly five decades, puts it this way: The United States leads the
world in the number of bird species lost during the past quarter
century. Most of the losses occurred in Hawaii, America’s notorious
“extinction capital” and one of Earth’s most biological ravaged hot
spots. The decline of Earth’s biodiversity is an unintended
consequence of multiple factors that have been enhanced by human
activity.
He goes on: The hottest of the hot spots, those in most critical
need of immediate attention, are scatted around world, sometimes in
surprising locations. Thirty-four of the hottest spots, or more
precisely the intact biologically rich habitats within them, cover a
mere 2.3 percent of Earth’s land surface, yet they are the exclusive
home of 42 percent of the planet’s vertebrate species (mammals,
birds, reptiles, and amphibians) and 50 percent of its flowering
plants.
Hawaii is on this list.
No development in Koke’e till we agree on what is sustainable.
Definitions &... Please help, give below info some thought. Make
changes, additions, tear it apart, pass it on. Can we come together
on a definition of sustainability, carrying capacity, quality of
life, and resilience? I think, they are all tied together. Your
feedback would be appreciated.
Carrying Capacity: refers to the number of individuals who can be
supported without degrading the natural, cultural, and social
environment, i.e. without reducing the ability of the environment to
sustain the desired quality of life over the long term.
Carrying capacity: the tradition and policy implications of limits
Virginia Deane Abernethy
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 209 Oxford House,
Nashville, Tennessee 37232-4245, USA
ABSTRACT: Within just the last few centuries, science and technology
have enlarged human capabilities and population size until humans
now take, for their own use, nearly half of the Earth’s net
terrestrial primary production. An ethical perspective suggests that
potentials to alter, or further increase, humanity’s use of global
resources should be scrutinized through the lenses of
self-interested foresightedness and respect for non-human life.
Without overtly invoking ethics, studies of the carrying capacity
achieve just this objective. Carrying capacity is an ecological
concept that expresses the relationship between a population and the
natural environment on which it depends for ongoing sustenance.
Carrying capacity assumes limits on the number of individuals that
can be supported at a given level of consumption without degrading
the environment and, therefore, reducing future carrying capacity.
That is, carrying capacity addresses long-term sustainability.
Sustainability: pertains to a balanced interaction between a
population and the carrying capacity of an environment such that the
population develops to express its full potential without adversely
and irreversibly affecting the carrying capacity of the environment
upon which it depends.
Today we hear many people talking about "Sustainability," as though
we can accommodate continued population growth with something vague
and ill-defined that is called "sustainable development." The
thought seems to be that there is no need to worry about population:
all we need to do is to make minor modifications of our way of life,
(conserve, recycle, etc.) and this will suffice to make our society
"sustainable."
Please remember the First Law of Sustainability:
It is not possible to sustain population growth or growth in the
rates of consumption of resources.
Sustainability has to do with learning how to meet the challenges
associated with understanding, deciding and acting in an adequate
time to change
Sustainability implies facing the tragedy of change: you have to
accept to loose something in order to be able to keep something
else.
Being able to understand and to decide what we want to retain while
becoming something else, and how much we want to pay for it, is at
the core of sustainability science.
Quality of Life: is measured by the psychological well being of the
group or of the individual as well as the well being of the whole
Biotic Community.
Can you think of any problem, on any scale, from microscopic to
global, Whose long-term solution is in any demonstrable way, Aided,
Assisted, or Advanced, by having continued population growth At the
local level, the state level, the national level, or globally?
What is resilience?
The concept of resilience is central to a communities well being. In
ecology, the term resilience refers to an ecosystem’s ability to
roll with external shocks and attempted enforced changes.
Walker et al. define it thus:
“Resilience is the capacity of a system to absorb disturbance and
reorganise while
undergoing change, so as to still retain essentially the same
function, structure, identity and feedbacks.”
In the context of communities and settlements, it refers to their
ability to not collapse at first sight of oil or food shortages, and
to their ability to respond with adaptability to disturbance.
The UK truck drivers’ dispute of 2000 offers a valuable lesson here.
Within the space of three days, the UK economy was brought to the
brink, as it became clear that the country was about a day away from
food rationing and civil unrest.
Shortly before the dispute was resolved, Sir Peter Davis, Chairman
of Sainsbury’s, sent a letter to Tony Blair saying that food
shortages would appear in “days rather than weeks”.
The fragility of the illusion that, as DEFRA said in a 2003
statement, “national food security is neither necessary nor is it
desirable,” became glaringly obvious. It became clear that we no
longer have any resilience left to fall back on, and are, in
reality, three days away from hunger at any moment, evoking the old
saying that “civilisation is only three meals deep”.
We have become completely reliant on the utterly unreliable, and we
have no Plan B.
The three ingredients of a resilient system
According to studies of what makes ecosystems resilient, there are
three features that are central to a system’s ability to reorganize
itself following shocks.
They are:
• Diversity
• Modularity
• Tightness of Feedbacks
Ken Taylor
Subject: comments on behalf of Kokee and future generations
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:31:27 -1000
Please perserve Kokee in it's natural raw form, devoid of concession
stands, hotels et al.
Thank you
Karen Tilley
Subject: Developing Kokee is a Very Bad Idea!
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:45:52 -0700
As a frequent visitor to Kauai, I strongly oppose development in
Kokee. bringing in large RVs and other recreational vehicles will
only cause damage to the pristine environment due to overuse.
Thank you!
Tim Pearson
San Francisco, CA
Subject: Kokee and Waimea
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:48:00 -1000
Aloha~
Please DO NOT make this area a theme park and destroy the natural
beauty that we are so desperately fighting to hang to here on Kaua`i.
We’ve been overdeveloped enough and DO NOT need to have more
tourists and less Kaua`i. Please DO maintenance and repairs to keep
Kokee and Waimea accessible but please DO NOT follow through with
the proposals you have in this Master Plan it would be masterfully
disastrous.
Aloha and Mahalo~
Faith
Subject: Save Kokee
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:05:19 -0700 (PDT)
Aloha,
Our family has a tradition of attending the Banana Poka Round-up and
the Eo e Emalani i Alaka’i Festival every year in the
Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow.
We feel pride when we introduce our visitors to Kokee. It is because
Kokee is a natural treasure of Kauai. It is peaceful and we feel
renewed after a visit to Kokee.
Mahalo to the members of the Kokee Advisory Board for working to
keep Kokee beautiful. peaceful and natural.
Mahalo,
Arthur & Shaleen Isoshima
Subject: Comments-Koke'e
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:08:02 -1000
To the Koke'e Advisory Council:
Dear Members,
Your analysis of the Pre-Final Master Plan was very thorough and
concise. Thank you for expressing the wishes of the public so
clearly and for providing notice.
I was not able to pull up Appendix A (comments), and do not wish to
be repetitive but I will submit some comments anyway:
1. It is a little worrisome that the EIS was not provided to the
Council. I cannot take the word of Tobill nor the State that it is
the same as the Pre-Final. By not doing that they have not presented
all the facts for verification. It is important to see if it is
exactly the same. Maybe they figure 300+ pages won't be re-analyzed
and an opportunity to slip in some loopholes.
2. The stated fundamental goal to "enhance revenue generation" is a
plan to turn Koke'e into a cash cow and is contrary to the State's
constitutional obligations with respect to the care of land and
resources.
3. You are so right in determining the ʻdouble-speakʻ and morphing
in the their proposal. It is a deceitful maneuver to achieve their
goal of exploiting Koke'e.
4. Alternative 4 (enhanced development) is completely contrary to
their stated ʻgoalsʻ.
5. The description, 'thematic approach' is a red flag. Koke'e is not
a potential Disneyland and slipping 'theme' park into the Master
Plan is underhanded.
6. The statement by Tobill: .."will remind visitors that they are
entering sacred grounds.." to justify an entry gate, is proof they
don't have the cultural sensitivity required to be proposing uses of
Koke'e.
7. Not having an entry gate is more than public 'sentiment' or
'opinion'; it is a logical, grounded objection to Tobill/State's
odious 'goal' to turn Koke'e into a cash cow and it is forbidden
under the Hawaii State Constitution. As the Advisory Council is an
accepted body how can they impose absolutes without your approval
(that the entry gate will be included regardless of what the public
says)?
8. Entry gate/fees. Charging visitors and not residents is
discriminatory isn't it? There is no smooth way to monitor
visitor/resident status if this is how they foresee making back
their investment; cab drivers can remove the domes and a resident
can escort visitors. That entails a lot of unwarranted snooping of
vehicles/passengers. I thought the gate was also to prevent resource
pilfering. There's no way all this can be legally and quickly
accomplished with a line of cars waiting to enter the park. That's a
lot of enforcement.
9. How much has the State spent for Tobill's consult? Seems they
wasted more tax dollars similar to Superferry expenditures.
10. Maybe Lingle will have to pass an Act 3 on this one because it
won't fly. ESPECIALLY the toll booth. Kauai won't stand for it and
they should see it coming already. Only difference now, with a
protest, is they do not have unlimited resources to spend attacking
the residents as they did with HSF and Lingle should know better
than to try another round with Kauai. They would never be able to
endure a long stand off. But we can.
11. There isn't any logic to passing the jurisdiction from DOT to
State Parks when we already know the rest of the parks are
underfunded. This is proof their intent is to commercialize Koke'e.
Aloha and mahalo for sticking with this task.
Elaine Dunbar
Subject: RE: SAVE KOKE'E
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:41:10 -1000
Please listen to "your better angels" save Koke'e from
commercialization, save kaua'i from commercialization;
Now is your time to recognize what we have here on this Island of
Kauai.....If visitors do not want our Style of Island, they have a
lot of other Islands to play on.
Kaua'a and Koke'e are unique..appreciate that uniqueness!.
Maholo, from me and all the wild things of Koke'e.
Jane Taylor,
Kapahi
Subject: please don't take the big box store approach to koke'e!
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:56:21 -0700
dear koke'e advisory council,
i know yours is a difficult job, but you have a unique opportunity
to
protect koke'e, and to make sure that any development reflects the
long term interests and needs of the people of kaua'i. the plans you
are considering describe a 'walmart' approach to a very special,
delicate, natural wilderness treasure. your moment is now. you are
at
the point of no return.
why not spend some of the money on environmental education about
koke'e OUTSIDE the park area (like koke'e visitor installations at
the airport, the new county council headquarters, and a traveling
mobile unit for schools and public fairs?) this would extend the
reach of the docents to educate potential visitors about what they
will be seeing and how to do so safely and with minimal impact on
the
land. this would promote the park with positive key values of
protecting kaua'i. and even for those who cannot or will not hike in
koke'e will learn important things about one of the island's most
important natural treasures. such a program would have ongoing
foundational benefits to the visitors, residents, and users of
koke'e. lasting benefits at a low initial cost.
some of the changes you are being asked to evaluate might sound like
neutral propositions in the abstract on paper, but when you look at
other parks where similar 'developments' have occurred, there have
been consequences that were sometimes unforeseeable. the loss of a
rare and unique natural asset is foreseeable if you take a walmart
approach to developing koke'e as is proposed.
take a look at large wilderness parks in other places where people
with good intentions like you agreed to spend money on broad
expansion of 'access' hardscape and infrastructure before investing
money on wider reaching programmatic educational programs. where
park
improvements have razed, paved, trenched, bulldozed, expanded, in
wilderness areas in the name of the 'greater good' of the general
public to use donated money, there is measurable impact of
inappropriate human traffic and a permanent loss of the unique
character of the place. in those cases, municipalities and
foundations have also been left with huge permanent future costs for
supervision and maintenance of expanded facilities. the unintended
negative consequences of added traffic, desecration, litter,
criminal
activity, utilities, servicing facilities can only be managed with
budgets that grow upward in an infinite curve with costs. are you
setting aside all the money that would be needed to deal with that?
please listen with great respect to those most knowledgeable and
familiar with the project that you undertake so that you can always
be proud of the legacy of your decision making. please make good
history with your decisions. koke'e should not be regarded as a
retail operation that has a goal of attracting as many customers as
possible at all times. it should be well maintained and preserved so
that those who are motivated to share in its special qualities can
do
so in safety and comfort, and do so for generations to come.
sincerely
anna chavez
Subject: Listen to your hearts and speak your mind.
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:25:08 EDT
Aloha!
I am a 5th generation descendent of mid-1800s settlers on Kauai. I
must admit that Koke’e as it is right now has a wonderful charm to
it. My family has owned state-leased homes up there from the
beginning and I’ve enjoyed hiking, playing in the woods and visiting
the museum all my life. That said, I also loved the charm of Kapa’a
town the way it was before so many visitors came to love Kauai. But
Kapa’a town is now heavily congested and at times is a traffic
nightmare. We all know we need to increase the area’s capacity to
handle the additional traffic caused by more and more people moving
here to live and by more tourists on whom many of us depend for our
livelihoods. Making changes to cope with the current and future
demands on our island’s infrastructure is important for us just to
be able to continue to enjoy our home and to comfortably survive in
this ever evolving economy. I strongly believe that the DLNR’s plan
to improve, modernize and enhance the capacity of Koke’e’s
facilities is absolutely necessary to not only to handle the
continuing growth of our visitor-based economy, but for the
residents own enjoyment as well. While the park as it is now is
quaint and picturesque, it can no longer adequately handle the
demands placed on it. The only two choices in my mind are to stop
people from moving to and visiting Kauai, or to improve our
infrastructure and facilities to more properly deal with the
increased number of bodies. I’m sorry for those malanini who have
moved here in the last few decades and attempt to prohibit any
changes to island as it was when they arrived, but change is
inevitable and those who survive will be those who deal with it
reasonably, appropriately and fairly to the majority of those
concerned. If you want to see change, imagine how it was in the
1800s, what has changed since then and how you have come to love and
appreciate Kauai with those changes. Fortunately today we make such
changes with far more consideration than those done in the past and
as such I believe these changes will best suit the majority of
issues that we face today as well as preserve the essential
character, accessibility and picturesque beauty of Koke‘e and Waimea
Canyon state parks.
P. Keat
Subject: Kokee alterations plan
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:06:16 -0700
Aloha Nui
I do not yet understand in this life why humans fail to connect with
and understand the magic of sacred places and are bent on destroying
the very gift in front of them.
Many years ago as a youth I came to Kaua'i with my Mother and my
sister on a two week Hawaiian trip, one to spent on Kaua'i and one
on Maui. We went to Poipu and were "home"....after a week we went to
Maui, stayed one day and came back to Poipu. We went to Kokee, the
fog parted as we approached the lookout and we could see the
incredible beauty of the place. There is only one other place I have
been in my life where I am sure the Creator actually lives and that
is Glacier National Park.
I ended up living on Kaua'i for 12 years, my son was born there, I
have many friends and some family there. I visit as often as
possible but I am actually scared to visit again....the last time I
was there 5 years ago my heart was so sad at all the changes and I
know the Koloa Town trees are gone and the traffic is ridiculous and
no one gets the magic of the CoCo Palms area and they are building
on top of burial grounds and now Kokee is on the chopping block.
Kaua'i is holy, people, it is the spiritual birth center of our
planet....all I can say is, you had better be ready if you go too
far in mucking up the spiritual places on that island. The energy
there is bigger than any developer can imagine and Nature will take
it back so no one can have it to ruin. Wasn't Iniki and Iwa enough
to get your attention? Leave Kokee alone, let it be the magic it is.
Please do not destroy it.
Mahalo
S. M. M. Warner from Montana and Oregon
Subject: our beloved koke'e
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:06:50 -0700
From: Hector Ryzak
aloha
not to be too blunt, but, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ??????
please just leave koke'e alone....once you " pave paradise and put
in a parking lot ",,,it's simply gone
the people of kaua'i will not be served by this planned
expansion...if not for us, then who? it's our park first, a refuge
from the over development of the rest of the island
not to mention...how to pay for this?? visitor fees??? so, the
people of kaua'i, overwhelming proportion of park users, pay for
development that we don't want??
again WHAT ARE YOU THINKING??????
mahalo hector
Subject: PLEASE DO NOT DEVELOP KOKE'E IN ANY WAY!!!
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:32:52 -0700
as a regular tourist to Kauai (i come once or twice a year) I would
be VERY sad to see ANY development at all in Koke'e. It is a sacred,
beautiful place just as it is. I'm afraid any change to the way it
is may make me find another favorite island to visit.
Sincerely, Dianne Budd, M.D.
San Francisco
Subject: About Koke'e and its master plan
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:22:41 -0700 (PDT)
From: dennis chaquette
Trying to turn Koke'e into Disneyland by chasing the almighty
dollar.
Visitors go to different places for different things. People go to
Vegas for its phoniness and tackiness. They expect that. They find
it amusing.
People come to Kauai for its natural beauty. For Koke'es natural
beauty.
Oahu cannot go back from almost a Million Residents. They can only
get more people per square mile. They can only lose less natural
land over to population growth.
When our local politicians continue to help developers and business
to change the character and face of Kauai forever, we can
continually say goodbye to the grace and charm that is Kauai on a
yearly basis.
Being 'business friendly' is one thing, being short sighted and not
looking beyond today is another altogether.
Kauai is unique and so is Koke'e. When you continually take away
Kauai's natural beauty in the hopes of a quick buck, then you change
the face of Kauai and the reason people come here in the first
place. You take away Kauai's soul.
“Expanding concession and management leases”; and “Focusing
development at lookouts and along the roadway corridor between Pu‘u
ka Pele and Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow”; are perhaps the scariest
proposals by the DLNR and its consultant, R.M. Towill.
"The road from the meadow to Kalalau lookout was to be widened to
accommodate full-size tour buses". Really? How long before we put in
some tacky strip malls and fat food franchises?
Think that’s a stretch? Maybe, but then the current proposal is a
start. Its opening the door for further 'business friendly'
activities.
All brought to us by the Department of Land and Natural Resources
Director Laura Thielen, appointed by Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov.
James 'duke' Aiona.
In their quest for money, they will end up ruining Koke'e forever.
Greed has always been a sin and it always will be.
And in the end, that seems to be Gov. Lingle and Lt. Gov. James
Aiona's "master plan".
Subject: Kokee
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:49:51 -0700 (PDT)
It would be obscene to have the meadow developed...E O Emmalani
Festival is such a special event. Kokee is so special the way it is.
Please don't develop it.
Beyond this, we could tell that the planners who wrote this plan
were deaf to the people of Kauai. No way was this plan anywhere near
the wishes of Kauai's people.
Leslie Ann Laing
Subject: If it ain't broke don't fix it
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:13:50 -0700 (PDT)
Hi!
Kokee is a gorgeous and peaceful treasure. It doesn't need any major
changes or "improvements". Sure a touch up here or there is fine.
Making it into a major tourist destination is not. Thank you for
your time.
Malama Pono,
Rebecca
Subject: Final Master Plan
Date: Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:50:05 -1000
It appears that public comment, overwhelming in favor of less
development, not more, is being ignored by this "Final" plan. I
agree with the report of May 2009 that, among other items, limits
development of the meadow, widening the highway and installing an
entry gate. It is time for DLNR to start listening to the public.
--
Aloha,
Eleanor Snyder
Lawai, HI
Subject: preserve Kokee as it is!
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:53:36 -1000
I am asking the DLNR to leave Koke'e alone, in its natural state.
They can fix the trails and improve the roads and ramps for
disabled. Kokee needs to remain commercial free for Kauai, Hawaii
and for the planet!
Catherine Downey, ND
Subject: my thoughts on Kokee
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:30:08 -0700
What makes Kokee so unique is the raw natural beauty that abounds.
It is not just the overlooks that draw ones breath, it is the sum of
all the other untouched parts of the park that make Kokee precious.
Please do not allow the plans for "development" of the park to be
implemented. Maintain what is there already there and protect
everything else.
Thank you.
Judy DaVico
Subject: Koke'e
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:28:11 -0700 (PDT)
Koke'e Advisory Council
Please listen to the people of Kaua'i and allow our Kokee State Park
to remain in it's natural state. The parking for large diesel busses
should be removed, the road should be used by cars and possibly tour
vans, but nothing bigger. The reason Koke'e is special to visitors
and residents alike, is because it's of it's natural beauty. It's
natural beauty is spoiled by idling tour busses and overdevelopment.
Let's reduce a little of that bus traffic, keep the cabins, keep the
current lodge and open meadow the way it is now. Anything else
destroys the natural state of it's beauty and peacefulness. Pave the
street as needed, maintain the trails, nothing more. NOTHING MORE.
Kaua'i has repeatedly said this, won't you listen to us finally?
Aloha
Paul Kelley
Subject: Koke'e
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:18:06 -1000
6-24-09
Koke'e Advisory Council
Please listen to the people of Kaua'i and allow our Kokee State Park
to remain in it's natural state. The parking for large diesel busses
should be removed, the road should be used by cars and possibly tour
vans, but nothing bigger. The reason Koke'e is special to visitors
and residents alike, is because it's of it's natural beauty. It's
natural beauty is spoiled by idling tour busses and overdevelopment.
Let's reduce a little of that bus traffic, keep the cabins, keep the
current lodge and open meadow the way it is now. Anything else
destroys the natural state of it's beauty and peacefulness. Pave the
street as needed, maintain the trails, nothing more. NOTHING MORE.
Kaua'i has repeatedly said this, won't you listen to us finally?
Valerie Weiss
Kapaa Hi 96746
Subject: Appointee
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:36:41 -1000
Please find below a copy of an e-mail sent to all council members;
Dear Council members and government officials:
It is an unfortunate choice to appoint Ms. Erickson to the Kokee
Advisory Council.
The decision to appointment Marsha Erickson to the Council presents
a serious conflict of interest and should be reviewed before final
appointment occurs. As the director of Hui O' Laka, she has a vested
interest in the development of Kokee and has been a vocal champion
of development in Kokee park, including a new lodge and museum
facility, and a gated entry. Her involvement will be clouded by her
personal interest as director of a major non-profit that will be
directly affected by the park's further development.
This organization is funded with monies from the state of Hawaii,
such as the Hawaii tourism authority and parks depts., which clearly
impact her decisions on the issues affecting Kokee.
I humbly request your consideration on this matter.
Paullie Purdy
Marsh Erickson's
rebuttal
Aloha Representative,
I am presenting this e-mail as a citizen testimony towards
policies to be initiated in the near future regarding the use and
preservation of Kokee State Park. I am a long time resident (nearly
40 years on Kauai) married to a local born woman with 3 children
still living on Kauai and raising families. Having hiked, biked,
hunted, fished, camped, and stayed overnight at a great many of the
cabins in Kokee over these years, I feel I have a considerable
perspective to draw upon in making my comments. First of all I
would like to state that I consider Kokee to be the crown jewel of
Hawaiian parks, even preferable in scope to the magnificent national
parks of Haleakala and Kilauea. And there is no place with such a
range of activities available from trout fishing to ultralight
flight. The condition of this park in general has been maintained
adequately through the years despite very low funding from DNLR.
The area most in need of improvement is one my wife and I tackle
with on all trips up there, the terrible road conditions. It has
reached a very dangerous level in areas above the lodge and although
I was hopeful to see moneys appropriated for the improvement this
past year, upon inquiry of the DLNR, it seems the money was diverted
elsewhere. I see this as a travesty. Not only is this probably the
worst road in the state, it is also one of the most heavily used by
tourists seeking a dramatic look of the world famous Kalalau
lookout. My wife and myself have both taken bad spills on mountain
bikes while using this road in recent times. So we both literally
feel the pain that this neglect has presented to travelers visiting
this area whether local or non-local. As our national
administration has stressed, our infrastructure is badly in need in
upgrading and with the provision of funds nationwide, I feel there
is no longer an excuse not to fix this road. In the promotion of
tourism, good roads go a long way.
I would also like to comment on the state cabins by the
lodge. Over the years, these cabins have fallen in great disrepair
even though rates have gone up considerably. I would like to make a
couple of recommendations regarding their use. One is to exchange
time to individuals and groups willing to donate personal time and
resources into making each of these cabins better. If people know
they can reserve a week or two in exchange for painting or repairing
wooden structures, etc., the donations could be noted and this would
greatly increase voluntarism.
Part of the problem in maintaining private cabins over the
years has been the tenuous long term lease agreement situations.
People are not willing to invest personal time and resources in
maintaining their cabins if they feel they may lose their lease or
have to pay an extraordinary amount per year. And many families
such as ours would like to have a cabin, but are unable to bid due
to the present lack of action. While many cabins have been kept in
families for years and in many cases well maintained, this is more
likely if they were very wealthy or owned by an organization. The
Wilcox, Sloggett and Grove Farm cabins are examples. Cabins owned
by churches or large organizations are another example. They will
always maintain their cabins and invest in proper upkeep. Other
cabins owned by individuals of lesser means generally run down over
time and are of marginal value. If the state were to look at each
cabin inside and out, take pictures, evaluate overall conditions and
monitor level of use and evaluate relative values, they could arrive
at fair values for each lease and move from there. I feel that the
general citizenry of the island should have a chance to acquire a
cabin first, before offering it for example over the internet which
would drive prices upwards and involve many individuals more
interested in speculation than the environmental concerns of Kokee
and the social concerns of the island.
Lastly, I would like to say that Kokee is not a national park
and should not operate like one. An admission booth with rangers
collecting user fees would greatly detract from the rural, rustic
nature of this park which in itself is fine the way it is. Smart,
low cost ideas will promote voluntarism on both individual and group
levels in preservation of the park resources and let the people feel
truly connected to the park that they both love and enjoy. Mahalo.
Bill Fritz
6/4/09
Re: Kokee general plan
The testimony I sent below, I find needs additions.
I now find that Kokee is already generating more than 2 times the
amount of money that is spent keeping up the park. Therefore NO
ENTRANCE FEE SHOULD BE CHANGED AT ALL. This would eliminate any
need for a wider road, for changing the road to a state road, for
hiring a person to sit in the collection house or for putting any
concessions on the roads. For all these reasons there should be
no entrance fees at all.
6/1/09
Please do all you can to keep the state plan to a minimum. Actually
I do not object to an entrance fee collected at a very small
entrance station. Most of the fees collected on Kauai should
remain on Kauai for upkeep of the park.
We also need work on most of the trails and some of the worst roads
- not more lanes but filled in pot holes.
Rebuilding of existing buildings is OK as long as the footprint is
not increased or more stories added.
No Hotel
Overnight in cabins as now - they can be upgraded on the same
footprint.
Larger parking lots only were really necessary.
Don't let them threaten you that they will close the park down.
Tell them if they try that the Superferry demonstration will look
very small in comparison to the demonstrations they will get for
trying to close the park down.
Thanks for your work on this - I know it is looking like a hopeless
job.
Best,
Marge Freeman
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Subject: Please leave Kokee as is
Please leave Kokee in its original state.
We don’t want more tourists to destroy one of the most precious
Kauai’s heritage, at least not more then they are already doing…
MAHALO & ALOHA!
Isabella Sabelli Nadeau
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Subject: Testimony
6/1/09
To Whom It May Concern:
I am submitting my testimony regarding the plans for development at
Kokee State Park. I am a twenty-one-year resident of Kauai and have
always enjoyed the splendor and rustic appeal of the park as it has
been as long as I've been here. It truly would be a shame to do a
major development of the park as proposed in the master plan. I am
not opposed to a park entry fee, but I feel that it should be
reasonable and there should be a discount for kamaainas. Generally,
my vote goes to preserving and protecting Kokee State Park by
maintaining the current infrastructure and resisting new
development.
Thank you for your attention to this letter.
Sincerely,
Charlotte K. Beall
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Subject:
Please leave our park as is. Some places are best left "wild &
natural" & give solace in that state. Concentrate on caring for the
park as is. Mahalo Danita Aiu Kauai Resident & Park Lover
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Subject: my testimony
To the Kokee Advisory Committee:
Thank you for your hard work for Kokee and for inviting my public
testimony.
I am against the recommendations proposed in the Kokee State Park
Master Plan that seek to further develop Kokee. I do not want the
proposed park entry station, and do not want parkgoers to to pay to
enter Kokee. I most definitely do not want to see a new visitor
facility and new parking lots.
The beauty of Kokee is that it is largely undeveloped. It is a place
I go to get away from all that the city holds. The only other state
park that I know of in Hawaii where one must pay to enter is Hanauma
Bay on Oahu, and entry fees were installed there was to control its
overusage and to help correct the environmental problems to the bay
caused by that overusage.
That is not the case with the DLNR's proposal to charge entry fees
at Kokee, which is a money-making operation intended to pump funds
into general state coffers.
In the past, there was a proposal to turn Kokee into a national
park, like Haleakala, and Kauai fought it off, knowing it would
bring increased usage, development, and entry fees. Kauai's people
were wise then, and are still wise now.
Ironically, leaving Kokee alone, in my opinion, does more to
generate income for the State in that it is ultimately Hawaii's
natural beauty and wilderness that draws our tourists.
Thank you,
Mary Alexander
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Subject: KokeeAdvisory.org
Aloha,
I appreciate the work the Waimea Canyon State Park Advisory Council
has done. As a biologist, I too have been involved as a member of
advisory groups and understand the effort it takes. After reviewing
the Master Plan, I feel no actions should be taken. Waimea State
Park should be left "as is." Although Waimea Canyon State Park is a
valuable state asset, it should not be further developed at this
time.
Bill Lane
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Subject: kokee
Just leave Kokee alone. You don't have the money to fix and maintain roads now,
so why make more projects. What about doing something for the locals rather than
the tourist. You guys couldn't even fix Polehale or Kekaha harbor. Just use the
money to fix what you already have. I go up Kokee almost everyday and the roads
are overgrown. The turns past the checking station is all eroded away, and what
was the solution? Put rock that washed away onto the road making it more
dangerous than it was originally. I saw a motorcyclist almost fall down because
of that! Not to mention all the rocks that fly up and damage my truck. Leave
Kokee alone and just maintain the roads, it seems to me that you have a hard
enough time to do that already!
David Ruiz
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 6:11 AM
Subject: Keep Koke'e AS IS!!!
As a long-time Kauai visitor, I am urging you to keep Koke'e as it is - no
development, no fees, no government interference! There is NO WAY an entry fee
could ever generate $750,000 in net revenue - that would mean over 2000 vehicles
per DAY, every day, every year! Do the math or tell the whole story about
revenue. Please keep the aloha spirit Kauai is famous for.
Mahalo,
Cathy Ceci
Date: Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 6:10 AM
Subject:
Please leave Kokee as it is.
Bob Waybright
Date: Tue, May 26, 2009 at 9:19 PM
Subject: Agenda protocol
Regarding tonight's discussion about agendas, please consider adding the two
items listed below for all subsequent meetings. This suggestion is based on the
Governor's Kauai Community Advisory Council Agenda format (see attached).
- Public Testimony
- New Business
Mahalo,
Rayne Regush
Subject: My Testimony
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 12:16 PM
Aloha,
My name is Tristen Green, and I live on the North Shore, with my
children, Kelly and Kamalei Alexander, and Brandy Green. We have
lived on this beautiful island for eight (8) years now after moving
from the stressful life of the Mainland. I, personally, wanted more
for my children, than falling into the rut of running the wheel that
takes you no where -- The Rat Race. We have embraced all that the
islands have to offer in their many blessings and have been welcomed
into the Community by many with open arms. We have talked many times
about not having as much money wise here, but being more fulfilled
and at peace with the beauty that surrounds us and the simplicity of
life. The Community is strong.
We have all enjoyed the beauty and magic of Kokee and the
nourishment she brings to our souls as we have picnicked, hiked, and
shared the overlooks with many visitors. This Island is very healing
to many who come to experience and are open to receiving the many
blessings she bestows upon us all. All of our visitors have taken so
many blessings back with them after being inspired by the the beauty
and experience of living life simply as it is meant to be lived.
With this blessing, they have made changes to their lives back on
the Mainland and have become more at peace and happy in their day to
day living.
There are so many blessings that Kauai has to offer that no other
place in the World has. Kokee leaves an imprint on every soul who
visits. To make the changes to Kokee, to "Commercialize", is to ruin
all that this beautiful and blessed place has to offer the locals
and visitors who want to experience the healing she offers as she
is. With these economical times especially, so many would not go and
visit; we would not go visit.
I have traveled across the U.S. three times by car, camping all
along the way. I also grew up camping in State Parks almost every
weekend as a child. As experienced on the Mainland, the number of
visitors to these parks have been declining since more and more fees
have been placed. There have been expensive renovations, changes,
advertising, commercialization with the thought, this would bring
the people -- No, it did not happen, and now they are left with the
debt. There are other trails and sites that are still free, and this
is where you will find the deterred visitors. A lot of the State and
National Parks are, at this time on a list to be closed because
there are not the funds to keep them going. To go into debt by
creating a more "commercial" area at Kokee is not going to bring
more visitors, but will have the opposite effect.
On one of my trips across the U.S., my husband and I wanted to see
Mt. Rushmore, however, when we drove up and saw the big gates and
the entrance fee, we turned around, and so did a number of cars. We
took a back road, and what we experienced was even more than what we
expected. There was a series of tunnels carved through rock, that
perfectly framed Mt. Rushmore, and IT WAS FREE!!! We also
experienced an architectural marvel as we traveled on what was
called the Pigtail Bridges on this same road. In talking to so many
others who had paid the entrance fee and seen the Commercial side,
they stated it was a disappointment and were amazed to hear about
our experience.
Instead of spending the millions to "Commercialize" Kokee, I suggest
leaving her be, as she is beautiful. Too many want to "beautify"
with cosmetic and plastic surgery, when the natural beauty is so
much more. The money will be better spent going to our Keiki in the
Community, the schools, the programs, the teachers who devote so
much -- this is the future of Kauai, not ruining or trying to change
her natural appearance, but by taking care of her children she
nourishes and who nourish her with their loving visits and time
spent. This will be sure to bring a positive outcome in the future
of the island, which will in turn make her more prosperous by
allowing her to grow naturally.
I truly wish I could make the journey to speak in person. Mahalo for
your time in reading our thoughts as a Family.
With warmest Aloha
The Green and Alexander Ohana
Subject: Kokee testimony
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Friday, March 27, 2009, 9:21 AM
Dear DLNR
Please reconsider your plans for turning Kokee into a commodity. By
adding tourist “niceties” to Kokee you are destroying the very
nature of the place and of the Island itself. Visitors come to Kauai
to enjoy her wildness and untouched beauty. The changes you are
proposing will irrevocably alter that image. Neither the people of
Kauai nor the visitors want the changes you are planning. You have
heard endless testimony against these kinds of changes in the recent
past and now you are trying once again to overcome the justifiable
resistance of the public to achieve financial gain. I assure you
that the experience of the Superferry will pale in comparison to the
public outcry to save Kokee. We cannot help but wonder whether
Governor Lingle is deaf to our concerns or simply does not care.
Please show more respect and Aloha for the Island of Kauai and its
people and search for state revenue elsewhere. Mahalo
Aloha,
David Dinner
Subject: kokee
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Sunday, March 29, 2009, 3:25 PM
I work Thursday evenings and therefore won't be able to attend the
meeting, but feel that many voices raised can have an effect and
therefore hope that mine will be included. I have just come back
from a wonderful weekend up in Kokee. One of the reasons I enjoy it
so much is because of all of it's untouched beauty. Even where human
hands have touched it up to this point it still retains its ancient
splendor. Driving up to a toll gate would be the first immediate
place that would ruin the whole experience of going up there. If you
need money to maintain the park as is I am sure many people would be
happy to donate. Not only residents, but guests to our island as
well are very giving when it comes to taking care of the aina.
Please don't "modernize" Kokee. There is nothing that needs to be
added - it is perfection. I do feel that some of the existing
roadways and overlooks need work, but not expansion or changing.
Everything on the island is already changing so fast. I don't feel
these changes have enhanced anything for the residents of Kauai. I
can't even think of the words to express my love for Kokee. I hope
there is someone out there who can and that the government will
listen. I feel like once they start it will only be a short time
till we see Starbucks up there.
Please listen to the many voices pleading that these changes do not
occur. I don't remember hearing even one voice saying that there
should be hotels and gates up there. Only the governments. It is all
about money and business. I go there to forget about all of that.
Sincerely,
Tina Wartman
Wailua
Subject: Save Kokee
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Sunday, March 29, 2009, 6:58 PM
To Whom it may Concern:
I have lived on Kauai for 14 years now and in that short time have
seen so many changes to the island. Kauai is increasingly getting
more crowded, and sadly, more commercial. I fear that with the
changes now being proposed for Kokee, within the next few years
Starbucks, Jamba Juice and Cold Stone will be available at the
lookout as well. It is sad that the beauty and majesty of Waimea
Canyon and Kokee is not enough of an attraction, that the state
thinks visitors need shiney new buildings and concessions to make
their visit fulfilling.
I feel the majority of people, visitors and locals alike, want to
see Kauai remain as natural and raw as possible. The wildness of
Kauai is what draws people to it. When I was a visitor here, I loved
driving on the rough roads, it was thrilling and different to me. I
looked forward to discovering each little town as I drove around the
island. I didn't come on vacation to Kauai to shop fine retail, I
came to get back to nature and enrich my soul.
Waimea Canyon and Kokee are the attraction, we don't need to add
anything! I would like to see how much revenue the state could
generate if they installed simple donation boxes at existing
lookouts and at the Lodge. I know I always donate to museums and
nature trails I go to when I'm on vacation, I know I'm not alone.
Perhaps the solution is as simple as that.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Amy Winters
Kapaa, HI
Subject: Bless Kokee
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 7:14 AM
To whom it may concern,
I have been enjoying the splendors of Kokee since 1986. This is a
jewel on planet Earth and needs to be respected as that. The inner
solitude offered in Kokee is irreplaceable.The proposed changes
would lead to the loss of something that is more valuable than a few
dollars of income from tourists. In an economy that is now being
restructured into one of simplification, of letting go of the
unnecessary, I would strongly suggest that we leave Kokee as it is.
Save the money that would be used for these proposed projects to
improve roads (such as the road to Polihale) and other local
community services. Use the funds to plant trees, crops for self
sustainability of Kauai and all the islands, for education about
ecology, farming, gardening and Hawaiian philosophy. Use the funds
to support keeping Kokee clean, the streams maintained, water pure
and invasive species at bay.
As a spiritual teacher I would propose to have everyone take a look
at Kokee, to walk the trails and breathe in the perfection of what
already is. There is no need to bring in the mindset of the concrete
jungle into this precious delicate ecosystem. That mindset is a way
of the past, it is an experiment of human nature that has no real
future. It is in the process of collapse now as the natural laws of
balance and harmony are in effect.
I suggest to consider deeply your direction here with Kokee, as our
choices today shall affect the future of everyone, and consider the
lives of countless generations of children who deserve to enjoy the
same natural splendors of this precious bit of paradise that we
have.
aloha sincerely,
Mana Ji
Subject: Save Kokee
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 9:44 AM
Please do NOT implement the so called Master Plan, which is devised
to benefit a few, and will in the process destroy natural beauty and
tranquility which belongs to the people of Kauai. Have the foresight
to keep Kokee as it is for future generations.
Mahalo,
Nola Ann Conn
Anahola, HI
Subject: Testimony in Opposition to BLNR Master Plan proposals
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 9:51 AM
I oppose each proposal of the BLNR Master Plan for Kokee State Park
. It is my belief that the function of the DLNR and BLNR to manage
and protect the precious land and resources of Kokee for the people
of Kaua‘i and our future generations. It may be the intent of the
DLNR to utilize monies from proposed lodges and concession stands
for this purpose, but these amenities will ultimately and negatively
impact the same resources and community that it claims to want to
protect and preserve. Kokee should exist first and foremost for the
west-side community and Kauai residents, especially those who have
loved and cared for the land for many generations. We already
compete with crowds of tourist in order to access Kokee and to
continue our many traditions associated with the area. Tourism is
not a stable economy, as has been shown by its tendency to radically
fluctuate, especially in the last five years. If we can expect the
numbers of tourist to continue to drop, then it will be residents
that will be paying fees as well as bearing the spiritual and
cultural detriment of the developments proposed. With no known limit
to the amount, size, or expanse of proposed developments, the
environmental, ecological, spiritual, cultural – and even economic
value of Kokee’s future will be seriously and irreparably
compromised.
Listen to the people. Kokee is ours, not yours to do what you
please. Selling her to tourist for dollars is not the way to save
her. Instead, I would like to see the continuance of the “old
system” as we know it. Improvements should be limited to existing
amenities and be small and low key. Perhaps fees could be collected
from visitors, as should be our right to collect, because their
numbers negatively impact Kokee’s resources and our residents’
ability to enjoy Kokee. But, otherwise, BLNR, concentrate on your
duties to manage and improve upon the uniqueness of the land,
forest, waters, and ecology and recognize that the people of Kaua‘i
want to preserve Kokee as she is for its families and future
generations.
L. Kaiaokamalie, MURP with emphasis on Community and Ahupuaa
Planning,
Of the Kilauano 'Ohana, Kekaha & Mana
Proud Kanaka maoli of Kauai
Subject: Save Koke'e
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 10:28 AM
I am amazed and appalled that there is still consideration being
given to the many proposed changes to Koke'e. The changes have
consistently been opposed by the community. As a matter of fact, the
changes are also opposed by the tourists I imagine you still wish to
visit our island. I frequently ask tourists about their experience
here compared to their previous trips. All say that Kauai is fast
becoming another Maui, over-developed and more like the mainland and
less likely to be their vacation pick next time. They want to come
for a peaceful, slow-pace experience surrounded by natural beauty.
Well that's what we residents want too. My family and friends look
forward to our monthly adventure to Koke'e because it is not
developed and commercialized and crowded.
Please do not take away our wilderness experience by changing
forever the face of Koke'e.
Cindy Granholm
Subject: Save Koke'e for Kauaiians
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 1:05 PM
Koke'e is a special place and visitors to our island benefit from
visiting there. Some improvements to protect the beauty of the land
and our endangered species is reasonable. But proposed additions to
the road, lodge and other facilities seem excessive.
I visit Koke'e many times each year. I hike the trails, camp, and
enjoy many of its natural offerings. I also take visiting friends to
Koke'e. We never have trouble with parking or with the road - other
than the pot holes! - and see no reason to expand the lodge or other
facilities.
Koke'e is not a place mainland residents can easily visit like
Arizona's Grand Canyon or California's Yosemite. We are a small
island. Koke'e is important to the people who live here, and
tourists should not be the prime concern for management of this
special part of our island. Many tourists never visit Koke'e; those
that do usually just spend a little time there on a day that
includes other site seeing. Traffic and parking are not a
significant problem.
Please listen to the voice of the people of Kauai. I think
improvements to the road should be limited to repairs and no
expansion of the buildings is needed. I think if there is a fee for
entry, the local residents should not have to pay, or should get
unlimited access for just one payment per year. This is our home!
Sincerely,
Kathleen Luiten
Princeville
Subject: FINAL MASTER PLAN FOR KOKE`E AND WAIMEA CANYON STATE
PARKS
To: "testimony@savekokee.org" <testimony@savekokee.org>
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 1:49 PM
Aloha friends,
Please consider the following comments for these proposals for the
FINAL
MASTER PLAN FOR KOKE`E AND WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARKS:
1. DO NOT put an entry station with gate to collect entry fees and
control
park access, anywhere.
This would be disruptive to the tranquility and natural beauty and
is totally unnecessary. We don't want to charge a fee for a shared
resource,
especially fees that go back to some other place.
2. The entry station will require (3) lanes of traffic, an elevated
median
strip, a support building (550 sq ft including 150 sq ft for staff
to "relax
and be comfortable") with retaining wall and parking.
NO: This would be completely out of place and at odds with the
purpose of
people visiting the park -- to see pristine nature. Considering that
there
are areas adjacent to the park that are designated as pristine and
wild,
those areas would be jeopardized as well.
3. The development of a new "lodge complex," at Kanaloahuluhulu
Meadow,
without defining or limiting the size and scope of this potential
hotel
with additional parking.
NO: No one needs this. Again, the reason so many people go to the
park in
the first place is not to see things they can see anywhere else,
like a
hotel, but to experience the pristine natural beauty, to hike in the
wilderness, and look all around without seeing man-made things.
Leave it
alone.
4. The development of a new "Park Visitor Service Center" at
Kanaloahuluhulu
Meadow.
NO: Given that the park entrance, entry station, and new lodge are
not
necessary this would be completely unnecessary as well. The meadow
should be
left as is.
5. The possibility of replacing all of the existing buildings at the
meadow
without defining or limiting the size and scope of the buildings.
NO: Buildings could be repaired or replaced but not expanded or
added too.
There are enough.
6. A permanent concession building at Waimea Canyon Lookout.
ABSOLUTELY NOT: Why again ruin the view, what everybody comes for?
No
permanent building.
7. Development of an unlimited number of lower elevation viewpoint
turnouts.
NO: Any undefined permitting is wrong. How many? How big? Where?
Why?
8. Development of new parking lots at trailheads (e.g. 45 vehicles
at
Discovery Center, 50 at Kaluapuhi Trail across from Awa`awapuhi
Trail) and
expansion of Kalalau, Waimea Canyon and Pu`u Hinihina lookouts.
NO: These are not necessary.
9. Super-sized railings at lookouts, guardrails and along pathways.
NO: what for? Have the current railings failed? WHY?????
10. Increase fees to hunt, fish, and gather.
NO: just enforce the limits we have. Don't make this a rich person's
place.
11. The overall goal is to increase revenues to the DLNR for
statewide
projects, not limited to Koke`e.
NO NO NO: Kauai has little enough to rely on and we don't need the
state
coming in and making this beautiful place into a cash cow, stripping
it
clean and feeding the money back elsewhere. What is the benefit to
the
people and place of Kauai -- absolutely nothing!
This is absolutely the wrong approach to protecting Koke`e. This
will
benefit the business people only and not the people or place. The
park will
be ruined forever as it cannot be rebuilt once these changes are
made.
Thank you for considering these points.
Lynn Heckman
April 1, 2009
TO: Koke`e Advisory Council
FROM: Laurel Brier; 5155 Papaa Road, Anahola, HI
SUBJECT: Master Plan for Koke`e and Waimea Canyon State Parks
It is disheartening to see that BLNR is turning a deaf ear to the
community in regards to its plans for developing Koke`e and Waimea
Canyon State Parks on Kaua`i. The community has spoken loudly and
clearly about their strong desire to preserve and protect Koke`e and
not spend dwindling State resources to exploit and develop these
parks. The plans cater to our unsustainable and waning brand of
tourism with a lodge complex of unspecified size, lots more concrete
and permanent concession building. Furthermore, the plans discourage
the people of Kaua`i who have a deep reverence & appreciation for
the area, and have volunteered countless hours to preserve the
natural beauty of the area, with the proposed entry fees, higher
fees for hunting and gathering and commercialization. Send this plan
back to the drafting table.
Subject: kokee changes
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 3:36 PM
I am a resident of Kapaa, Kauai, and I am concerned about certain
proposals for kokee state park. I support a better created plan than
what is currently proposed. We can still keep kokee free and
protected by smarter alternative methods beyond what has been
thought up, that supports nature and the people. No such changes
should occur until that has been discovered and everyone has an
opportunity to be made aware.
Thank you. Laura Michele 6510 B Kahuna Rd. Kapaa, HI 96746
Subject: Opposition
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 6:00 PM
Strongly oppose an entry gate with admission
Strongly oppose permanent concession stands at lookouts
Strongly oppose any development/hotels etc in meadow
Please, this is the last untouched and unruined part of Kauai.
Please let's leave it as is.
Kerry Dowhan
Anahola Hawaii
Subject: testimony to save Kokee
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 10:41 PM
Aloha,
I am not a native Hawaiian, nor do I live in the beautiful state of
Kauai - but this issue is very close to my heart. I want to say
though when I was blessed to visit your beautiful island almost 6
years ago I found an inner peace and love that I had not ever had
before.
The people of Kauai are special, and they treat their aina with the
utmost respect. They want visitors to come and see what a beautiful
place God has blessed them with - but they do not want it to
interfere with nature.
I am disturbed by some of the proposals in regards to Koke'e,
because I feel that it should be open to all visitors - but not at
the cost of disrupting the beauty. I do not feel that it should
become "just another tourist spot" - with a guard shack to collect
monies, a large hotel & parking lot, and definitely not a permanent
concession stand at the lookout.
All of these things destroy what it is meant to be - a very
tranquil, and beautiful experience. when you walk to the fence, and
look out over the Kalalau Valley you discover new things, and feel
new things - that's what it should be.........not a rushed walk,
look over the side & go!
I do agree with making more guardrails, and more lookouts since both
are really a safety issue, and I am sure there are other ways to
generate revenue - I imagine there are many people that feel the
same way I do. I beg that you listen to the people, and re-think
this proposal. I wish I could have been here in person to talk to
you, but I give you this statement as my true feelings and hope that
it will enlighten your decision.
Christi McLellan
HE 'OLINA LEO KA KE ALOHA (Joy is in the voice of love)
Subject: Testimony - Final Master Plan for Kokee
To: "testimony@savekokee.org" <testimony@savekokee.org>
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 9:31 AM
Aloha,
Since I will not be able to be at the Public meeting for the Final
Master Plan for Kokee, I am emailing my protest. I would like to
state that I disagree with all of the proposals as listed below. And
I would want DLNR/BLNR to follow the recommendations of the Koke’e
Advisory Council.
1. An entry station with gate to collect entry fees and control park
access, to be located immediately north of the junction of Waimea
Canyon
Drive and Koke`e Road near mile marker 6.9.
2. The entry station will require (3) lanes of traffic, an elevated
median strip, a support building (550 sq ft including 150 sq ft for
staff to "relax and be comfortable") with retaining wall and
parking.
3. The development of a new "lodge complex," at Kanaloahuluhulu
Meadow, without defining or limiting the size and scope of this
potential hotel
with additional parking.
4. The development of a new " Park Visitor Service Center " at
Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow.
5. The possibility of replacing all of the existing buildings at the
meadow without defining or limiting the size and scope of the
buildings.
6. A permanent concession building at Waimea Canyon Lookout.
7. Development of an unlimited number of lower elevation viewpoint
turnouts.
8. Development of new parking lots at trailheads (e.g. 45 vehicles
at Discovery Center , 50 at Kaluapuhi Trail across from Awa`awapuhi
Trail) and
expansion of Kalalau, Waimea Canyon and Pu`u Hinihina lookouts.
9. Super-sized railings at lookouts, guardrails and along pathways.
10. Increase fees to hunt, fish, and gather.
11. The overall goal is to increase revenues to the DLNR for
statewide projects, not limited to Koke`e.
Mahalo for your time,
Annette Perreira
Waimea, HI 96796
Subject: FW: save kokee
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 10:36 AM
Aloha-generally I agree with all of the content of this e-mail and I
regret I will not be able to attend the meeting tonight as I work
nights. Kokee is a VERY special place to all of us and I pray there
is enough commnity support to keep it the way WE want it, not the
way the state, which supposedly represents us, wants it. I think we
have the collective power to determine the future of our precious
remaining wilderness areas, and I thank all of you who are working
for this from the bottom of my heart.
Andy Johnston
> Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 09:17:45 -1000
> Subject: save kokee
> To: testimony@savekokee.org
>
> I oppose all of the below:
>
> 1. An entry station with gate to collect entry fees and control
park
> access, to be located immediately north of the junction of Waimea
> Canyon
> Drive and Koke`e Road near mile marker 6.9.
>
> 2. The entry station will require (3) lanes of traffic, an
elevated
> median strip, a support building (550 sq ft including 150 sq ft
for
> staff to "relax and be comfortable") with retaining wall and
parking.
>
> 3. The development of a new "lodge complex," at Kanaloahuluhulu
> Meadow, without defining or limiting the size and scope of this
> potential hotel
> with additional parking.
>
> 4. The development of a new "Park Visitor Service Center" at
> Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow.
>
> 5. The possibility of replacing all of the existing buildings at
the
> meadow without defining or limiting the size and scope of the
> buildings.
>
> 6. A permanent concession building at Waimea Canyon Lookout.
>
> 7. Development of an unlimited number of lower elevation viewpoint
turnouts.
>
> 8. Development of new parking lots at trailheads (e.g. 45 vehicles
at
> Discovery Center, 50 at Kaluapuhi Trail across from Awa`awapuhi
Trail)
> and
>
> expansion of Kalalau, Waimea Canyon and Pu`u Hinihina lookouts.
>
> 9. Super-sized railings at lookouts, guardrails and along
pathways.
>
> 10. Increase fees to hunt, fish, and gather.
>
> 11. The overall goal is to increase revenues to the DLNR for
statewide
> projects, not limited to Koke`e.
Subject: Kokee Master Plan
To: testimony@savekokee.org
Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 10:46 AM
Testimony regarding Kokee
As we may not be able to attend the meeting on Thursday at 5:30pm,
we would like to comment on the DLNR plans for Kokee.
We did attend the meeting held at the War Memorial Convention Hall
with the previous DLNR Director. That meeting was attended by
hundreds of Kaua`I folks who are very concerned by the DLNR’s lack
of proper maintenance of this very special place on Kaua`i. We were
also unanimous in our opposition to the proposed financial
exploitation and commercialization of this sacred place and special
environmental treasure.
Now, after being assured that the State DLNR had listened to the
people of Kaua`I and had given up the ideas of an entry gate,
charging admission and building and running a “lodge”; we understand
that DLNR is again planning to implement these same plans.
We are absolutely opposed to the building of an entry gate. We don’t
see the reason for spending tax payer money for this installation
other than to charge admission. Security has not been an issue.
Whether residents of Kaua`I are charged or not, it is our belief
that Kokee is a place which should be open to and shared with anyone
who wishes to go there, regardless of whether they can afford an
admission. An entry gate and building would close off access to
Kokee from the rest of our Island .
We, like so many others have rented a cottage in Kokee and would not
be opposed to building a few more inconspicuous cottages, but we are
completely opposed to any kind of multi-room hotel or “lodge.” It
would simply be commercializing a sacred area, negating the natural
environment, and providing the basis for more commercialization in
the future. It is reasonable if the present restaurant is remodeled,
but there is no need for expansion to any other commercial
businesses. The existing “hot dog stand” at the first Waimea Canyon
lookout is an affront to the ambience of the area and should be
removed; no one needs “concession” stands.
The DLNR’s mandate is to preserve Kokee for future generations.
Invasive species of plants have taken over many areas, roads are not
maintained, and trails are becoming dangerous. The much used and
un-maintained trail from the Kalalau lookout is a good example of
erosion creating a dangerously rutted trail.
You in DLNR are entrusted with this very special area not to exploit
it for financial gain, but to preserve it intact for future
generations. Kokee is unique in the world as well as being a source
of renewal and relaxation for the residents of Kaua`i.
Please listen to the people of Kaua`I and do not pursue these plans
to destroy Kokee, our world treasure.
Stephen and Sharry Glass
6277-A Puuopae Pl.
Kapaa, Hi 96746
On Wed, 4/1/09,
Subject: Concerning Koke'e and Waimea Canyon Parks
To: "testimony@savekokee.org" <testimony@savekokee.org>
Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 2:18 PM
As a member of the community who visits Koke'e on an almost weekly
basis I would like to voice my concern with respect to the following
proposals pertaining to Koke'e and Waimea Canyon Parks. The proposed
items are not only harmful but are also largely unnecessary.
If they are put in place, what makes Koke'e what it is will be lost.
In Koke'e you feel truly in nature and away from what ever human
accommodations you generally have. Setting up an entry station will
turn it from a "beautiful world just up the hill" into a Disney
Land. This impact would go for both citizens of Kauai as well as
tourists.
There are plenty of places on Kauai that are very "humanized" but
there is no place like Koke'e. If all of these proposals are put
into place, where will people go to "get away from it all"? Somehow,
on a small island in the middle of the ocean, there will be no
escape.
1. An entry station with gate to collect entry fees and control park
access, to be located immediately north of the junction of Waimea
Canyon
Drive and Koke`e Road near mile marker 6.9.
2. The entry station will require (3) lanes of traffic, an elevated
median strip, a support building (550 sq ft including 150 sq ft for
staff to "relax and be comfortable") with retaining wall and
parking.
3. The development of a new "lodge complex," at Kanaloahuluhulu
Meadow, without defining or limiting the size and scope of this
potential hotel
with additional parking.
4. The development of a new "Park Visitor Service Center" at
Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow.
5. The possibility of replacing all of the existing buildings at the
meadow without defining or limiting the size and scope of the
buildings.
6. A permanent concession building at Waimea Canyon Lookout.
7. Development of an unlimited number of lower elevation viewpoint
turnouts.
8. Development of new parking lots at trailheads (e.g. 45 vehicles
at Discovery Center, 50 at Kaluapuhi Trail across from Awa`awapuhi
Trail) and
expansion of Kalalau, Waimea Canyon and Pu`u Hinihina lookouts.
9. Super-sized railings at lookouts, guardrails and along pathways.
10. Increase fees to hunt, fish, and gather.
11. The overall goal is to increase revenues to the DLNR for
statewide projects, not limited to Koke`e.
Margot Taylor
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