Kauai Path Kaua'i Coastal Path

Terms Ke Ala Hele Makalae is the name of the linear park pedestrian and bicycle (multi-use) trail system envisioned to connect Lihue and Anahola. As of this writing, one portion of Ke Ala Hele Makalae is in use in Lydgate Park and a second section is under construction between Kapaa and Kuna Bay in Kealia. "Ke Ala Hele Makalae" translates as "The Path That Goes by the Coast." Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee is the citizens' group that was convened in the 1990s to assure community oversight of the pathways development and culture. The committee is currently in the process of establishing a non-profit organization, tentatively to be named "Ke Ala Hele O Kaua'i to advocate for pathway enhancements. The proposed Ke Ala Hele O Kaua'i organization is expected to assume the role presently fulfilled by the Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee. References to the Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee in this Plan also apply to the successor organization. Path, trail, linear park, or pathway refers to the improved park areas designated for public use by pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, and other muscle powered activities within the Ke Ala Hele Makalae corridor. If found useful, this Path Management Plan may be adopted for other linear parks developed around the island.

Multi-Use Path Design In order to maximize safety, enjoyment, and functionality for users, and to minimize liability exposure for the County of Kauai, the linear park designs will meet all mandatory and advisory standards as identified by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), and other relevant agencies and documents. As Ke Ala Hele Makalae is Kauai's most ambitious linear park project undertaken to date, it is desirable to apply the standards established in Lydgate Park (Phase I of Ke Ala Hele Makalae) and expanded in this Pathways Management Plan to future components of an island wide pedestrian and bicycle friendly network. Linear park facilities will have consistent and predictable review procedures, standardized graphic elements, attractive and appropriate signage, and effective usage guidelines. The linear parks will encourage and embrace cultural and heritage expressions.

Maintenance Issues

• Adequate pavement structural sections should be provided to support emergency response vehicles.
• Provide vandal-proof or resistant features that minimize maintenance needs.
• Provide adequate access to the path to minimize trespassing.
• Provide adequate railing and fencing where appropriate.
• Provide drinking fountains and water hookups along pathway.

Bike Path Management Responsibilities The County of Kauai Parks Division (PD) will serve as the designated Path Manager for pathway projects and will be responsible for operating the pathways. Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee will partner with the County to further these objectives. The following sections address specific operating procedures and responsibilities.

Developing Linear Park Use Regulations The purpose of linear park regulations is to promote trail etiquette, user safety, and enhance the enjoyment of all users. Concise pathway etiquette and use regulations will be posted at entry and key access points, and in published trail guides. Establishing that the pathway facility is a regulated traffic environment like other public rights-of-way is critical for compliance and often results in a facility requiring minimal enforcement. Appropriate civil statutes and penalties will be referenced on regulatory signs other than basic traffic control signage such as speed limit signs. The pathway management agency will review proposed pathway regulations with the County Attorney for consistency with existing ordinances and enforceability. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee recommends that the Offices of Community Assistance submit an Ordinance to amend the Kauai County Code to allow animals (primarily horses and dogs) on the pathways without permits, subject to the terms contained in this Path Management Plan.

Guidelines Currently in Effect in Lydgate Park

• Be courteous: All trail users should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode of travel, speed, or skill level.
• Keep Path Clear: Use no more than one-half of the trail when in a group.
• Keep Right: Stay to the right on the path except when passing. Move back or to the right once safely past.
• Respect Private Property: Stay on designated paths or roadways. Avoid shortcutting switchbacks.
• Signal When Passing: Give a clear warning signal by voice, bell, or horn before you pass.
• Be Predictable: Travel in a consistent manner. Look behind you before changing position on the path.
• Yield to Slower Traffic: Cyclists yield to pedestrians.
• Respect the Park: Keep litter in trash receptacles.

Additional Guidelines for Ke Ala Hele Makalae Expansion

• Motor vehicles are prohibited except for power-assisted wheelchairs, light service vehicles, and authorized emergency response vehicles.
• Standard Kauai County Codes apply on the trails: no vandalism; no dumping, etc.
• Yield to on-coming traffic when passing.
• Bicyclists and pedestrians yield to equestrians.
• Bicyclists yield to pedestrians and roller bladers: Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
• Make room for those who are overtaking you.
• Upon resolution of admitting animals to pathways, pets must always be on short leashes.
• Place your trash, including souvenirs left by pets, in the available trashcans, or pack it out. (see next item regarding equestrians)
• Equestrians will immediately remove horse droppings from paved sections of the path and staging areas, but may leave droppings on the equestrian trails.
• Leave no trace: be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
• Unpaved trails will be provided in specified Ke Ala Hele Makalae trail areas for use by equestrians.
• Equestrians should not ride on the paved sections of Ke Ala Hele Makalae except within designated staging areas and at crossing points, or in cases where the safety of the horse or rider may be jeopardized.
• Equestrians are allowed on designated equestrian paths and designated equestrian trailhead areas.
• Give a audible warning when passing.
• Travel no more than two abreast.
• 20 mph speed limit.
• Respect the workers who care for the trails.
• Service vehicles yield to all trail users.
• Service vehicles are clearly marked. Report those that do not seem to be appropriate to the trail.
• Bicyclists and equestrians may ride on open trails only: Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
• Control your bicycle: Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
• Never scare animals: All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When bicyclists or runners are passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
• Plan ahead: Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others.
• Leave your guns, bows and arrows, fireworks, explosives, and drugs at home. The trails are places of peace.
• Bicyclists and equestrians are advised to always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Multi-Use Path Maintenance Plan Proper maintenance of the pathway is of utmost importance for the productive use of the facility and the protection of the financial investment the community has made in the pathways. The following list represents suggested maintenance practices to be followed by PD.

Table 1: Bike Path Maintenance Activities and Frequencies

It is assumed in this plan that limited landscaping and amenities (plaza, historic markers, benches) will be provided as integral features along Ke Ala Hele Makalae. PD maintenance responsibility will be limited to the pathway and pathway elements only (see table above), and will not include structural or major maintenance issues related bridges, water and sewer lines, roadways, culverts, or other major infrastructure components. As PD staff or members of a path ranger program (recommended to be developed) will travel the bike path daily, they will note items needing repair: also the bike path users will inform the PD. PD maintenance staff will be trained to limit maintenance vehicle operation (engine running) to a minimum. Manure on any specific section of equestrian path system will not be regarded as a concern until such time as the administrator of the Parks Division provides written notification to the Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee (or a similar successor organization) that droppings are accumulating at an unacceptable rate. The notified organization will then have one calendar month from receipt of notification to respond to the administrator of the Parks Division with a mitigation plan, and two calendar months from receipt of such notification to implement the agreed upon mitigation plan.

Security and Public Safety Ke Ala Hele Makalae will benefit from a reasonable level of self-enforcement in terms of user safety and security. Studies by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy indicate that the frequency and character of crime and other problems on multi-use paths is generally similar to that of adjoining communities. These studies have also shown that the best and most effective method of enhancing safety and security is to design a functional facility that is well used by the general public. Although multi-use paths will pass through isolated locations, similar trails in other communities nationally have not experienced significant safety problems. The approach to safety and security outlined in this plan is to provide reasonable security features and be prepared to enhance those efforts in the future if safety and security prove to be problems.

Hours of Operation Ke Ala Hele Makalae is being funded and designed to accommodate bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian uses (in specified areas), and is envisioned to provide a key linkage between Anahola and Lihue and other destinations. Based on comments raised at the public meetings, and in order to meet the requirements of project funding, the pathway should be accessible 24 hours a day. It is proposed that a test period of one (1) year from initial opening be conducted to evaluate the open access policy. Adjustments in hours, patrols, and other items will be made by the PD based on incidents reported to the County of Kauai fire and police departments. If these departments record in excess of three (3) significant incidents (vandalism, arson, assault, or other significant crimes) after the first year of operation, operating hours would be reevaluated by the parks Division in consultation with the Ke Ala Hele Makalae committee.

Signage Installation of standardized regulatory signs at regular intervals along Ke Ala Hele Makalae will help users internalize the rules. This could include "Bicyclists Yield to Pedestrians,” "Pass on the Left,” "Slower Traffic Stay Right” and speed limits (if applicable).

Patrols and Enforcement Based on experience with other multi-use paths nationwide, Ke Ala Hele Makalae is expected to be generally self-enforcing by the general public. The PD staff (or path ranger program participants) will patrol the bike path on bicycles on a daily basis, reporting issues to the PD, local police, or fire departments as they are encountered and as appropriate. The ultimate level of patrols will be based on reported incidents and problems.

Security Features Below are suggested security measures:

• Provide emergency services (e.g. fire, police departments) with a map of the system, along with access points and keys/combinations to any gates/bollards.
• Locate mileposts every 1/10th mile; identify markers on maps.
• Provide emergency telephones or call box systems linked to the local 911 network with instructions for use and penalties for mis-use.
• Provide adequate lighting within any tunnel built along any pathway.
• Trim all vegetation at least 10 feet from the pathway where possible to maximize visibility, and try to minimize thick undergrowth.
• Enforce speed limits and other rules of the road.
• Consider installation of CCTV cameras, with internet feeds if warranted. It is not expected these would be continually monitored, and law enforcement has indicated their only interest in CCTV would be for incident investigation. As visible cameras may imply to users a level of security and monitoring that does not exist, the County should carefully consider whether it wishes to incorporate this feature.

Emergency Response and Access Emergency access for safety, security, or maintenance purposes will be based on an established protocol between the County of Kauai fire and police departments. Response protocol will be developed along with an Emergency Plan/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will be developed between the operator and these departments. The initial responding party will notify the other departments as soon as possible. Ke Ala Hele Makalae itself is designed to allow emergency vehicles full access to the facility and adequate vehicular access/egress.