Public reaction
split on
Ka Iwi plans

Concerns still remain over the
project's environmental impact

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By Diana Leone
dleone@starbulletin.com

Public reaction to a scaled-down parking and access plan for the Ka Iwi coast was mixed yesterday at a hearing before the city Department of Planning and Permitting at Koko Head Elementary School.

A revised proposal from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reduces the size of the "upper" parking area -- nearest the Makapuu Lighthouse and the windward side -- to allow space for 20 cars and five "oversize" vehicles, such as multipassenger vans.

"This means the upper lot becomes more of a pullout area," for people who want to pull off the road a few minutes and see the view, said Dan Quinn, DLNR's parks administrator.

One viewing area will look windward and the other will look "down the valley" toward Hawaii Kai.

KN Consulting is designing the "lower" lot, which will have 40 parking spots for cars, to be positioned where it will cause the least effect on those looking toward Koko Head from the upper lot.

The lower lot design remains unchanged and would serve as the parking area for people who want to hike to the lighthouse or check out tidepools.

Twenty speakers at last night's hearing were almost evenly split between supporting the amended plan and questioning whether the public -- especially Waimanalo residents -- had enough input into the proposal. Even those who said they support the plan emphasized that certain things need to be watched.

Henry Curtis of Life of the Land said he supports the plan with "strong reservations" that included a desire for local plants to be used in re-vegetation, concern that additional phases not be added, the involvement of native Hawaiians in rebuilding the King's Highway and keeping area water clean with improvements to Waimanalo sewage treatment.

"The Ka Iwi Action Council believes that this amended plan provides the necessary safe access and parking but is configured in such a way as to have minimal impact on that experience," said spokeswoman Adrienne King.

The city Planning Department will make a recommendation to the Planning Commission. The issue then goes to the City Council Zoning Committee and then to the City Council for consideration.