North Shore NewsSpecial mahalo to UH Professor Panos Prevedorous and three UH students for dialogue on September 8, 2018 at the Sunset Beach School Cafeteria.
Traffic congestion is worsening on this 2-lane Kamehameha Highway. The tourism count reached 9.4 million last year and the Hawaii Tourism Authority is campaigning for more, with no thought for any “carrying capacity” threshold or the quality of life for local residents.
Frustrated residents have seen concierge and activity desks in Waikiki telling the tourists attractions that are actually off limits to tour companies, like Laniakea Beach.
While all recognized that solutions were not immediate, it was refreshing to have candid discussions about what could work and what could not from an experienced civil engineer like Prof Panos.
State Representative Sean Quinlan also provided some background history to the various ongoing
efforts and suggestions with State entities.
Laura Figueroa and Antya Miller shared their viewpoints on re-installing the cement aprons as part
of the solutions.
Lulu Esquivel asked about “Rest Days” like that of Haunama Bay, stoplights and crosswalks.
Flo and Bobby Robinson tried to explain that, “ adding more tourist stops to the north shore area was like building another Waikiki. They stated that some had already tried to build hotels or hotel-like buildings. They opined that tourist and related type businesses have already affected Sharks Cove, 3 tables,
Waimea Bay. “
They felt like these areas were cloaked as “sanctuaries” but there were impacts on fishing, diving, local
family outings and traffic. They felt that Laniakea Beach and Chun’s Reef would become such.
Another local resident Steve Cook, with architectural and engineering background, suggested the idea
of limiting access to the beach by implementing a marine life protection zone. Then reinstall the barriers
with just two openings and a sign indicating parking area. Additionally the Hawaiian tourist authority
needs to announce through all media methods and publications that Laniakea is a restricted beach, off
limits to all tourist traffic.”
Other discussions include access to the beach, asking the city and county to step up, seeking federal
assistance, and exploring other alternatives. There were concerns about plans to build a bypass through
the Kawailoa Ranch affecting important Hawaiian cultural sites.
The consensus was to see the contents in the State’s final study to be completed shortly. Prof. Panos
suggested that the public would then have printed information to digest and opine towards long and
short-term solutions.
Residents also resolved to carry on their “civil disobedience” activities to highlight Laniakea issues.