Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. met on January 15, 2010 with representatives of several Hawaiian groups regarding Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use coastal path, and informed them that the proposed alignment for the Wailua Beach section will be shifted from the beach to the right-of-way on the makai side of Kuhio Highway.
The groups included: Hui Na Makaiwa o Wailuanuiahoano, Ka`ie`ie Foundation, Halau Kanikapahuolohi`au, and Papa Ola Lokahi, along with several Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
In addition, representatives of federal, state and county agencies, along with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), were in attendance.
The meeting was a follow-up to a series of meetings that began in June, 2009 when a number of groups came to the mayor and expressed their concerns and/or support for the makai alignment of the Lydgate to Kapaa segment of the multi-use path.
An environmental assessment (EA) for the segment, which was completed in 2007, recommended a makai alignment for the portion of the path along Wailua Beach. The EA was conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued by the County in April 2007. A federal FONSI was also issued in September 2007.
Following a public meeting on Dec.7, where dozens of residents expressed their feelings on the proposed Wailua Beach alignment, numerous meetings have been held between the governmental agencies and OHA to determine the best way to proceed.
At the meeting, the mayor told the groups, “As a result of all of the input we've received, I've decided to move forward on a makai alignment, keeping the path within the Kuhio Highway right-of-way.”
The mayor stressed that this adjustment is still within the parameters of the EA findings and the completed 106 process.
The EA states that, “through the mid-section of Wailua Beach Park, the path will be as far inland as possible, running parallel to Kuhio Highway and on the makai side of a low rock wall.”
In the new design, the existing rock wall will be removed and a replacement barrier will be constructed as an integral part of the path.
“We are hopeful that this adjustment addresses many of the concerns raised by the community,” said the mayor.
In aligning the path within the highway right-of-way, the path will be constructed of concrete at a depth of just 18 inches, even shallower than that of the adjacent roadway.
“There will be no additional drilling or 'augers' required,” said Building Division Superintendent Doug Haigh. Haigh also noted that an archaeological site survey will be conducted prior to construction, even though such a survey is not required.
The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) is conducting a re-evaluation of the EA.
FHWA confirmed at the meeting that the 106 review process, which is required under NEPA, is not open at this time; however, FHWA is seeking more information relative to how this adjustment may impact any historic properties along the route.
Individuals wishing to comment may do so through January 25, 2010. Comments may be submitted to the County's Department of Parks and Recreation via email or by regular mail: 4444 Rice Street, Suite 105, Lihu'e, HI 96766.
More information on the new alignment can be found on the County's website.