Kauai Path Kaua'i Coastal Path

Question for Council Member Tim Bynum, author of Bill 2354: In regards to the bike path, I just read in the newspaper that you suggested the delaying of the new bill allowing dogs on the path. Please explain.
I thought you were for them?
Why delay it when it was so close, when we had the three votes needed?
I'm very curious.
Thank you.
TM

Answer (from Kauai County Council Member Tim Bynum):

Aloha TM,
First, you are correct that my position is that dog walking should be allowed on the entire shared use path; if the current bill passes without amendment that will be the standard now and for future segments of the path.  However, amendments of the bill could change that dramatically, for instance a member could propose what the Mayor is recommending (i.e. outlaw dog walking everywhere on the existing and new path segments while allowing  only a limited area as an exception).  Although I do not support any restrictions, if there is to be any restriction it should allow dog walking everywhere on the existing and new path segments while outlawing dog walking in only a limited area.   There is a huge difference.  It is also my hope that what we decide now does not require revisiting this issue again (i.e. every time a new segment opens.)  In my opinion when new segments open, dog walking should be allowed.
 
The standard practice at Council is that any introduction of substantive amendments happens in committee.  There were three votes in committee to recommend passage of the bill without changes; two other committee members indicated they may have amendments.  If so any proposed amendments should be worked on and deliberated in committee. That is why a deferral to the May 5th committee meeting was appropriate.  It would, perhaps, be different if there were four votes in committee to recommend passage without amendments because four votes prevail in a full Council.   Therefore any amendments should be introduced, considered and votes taken on May 5th.   The bill (in whatever form it comes out of committee) should have a final vote on May 12th.
 
I know this may be confusing for people who are unfamiliar with the process at the County Council.  I would be happy to talk with you on the phone if you have any further questions.
 
Sincerely,
Tim
652-4575
 
Photo caption:  People wait for the Kaua‘i County Council to address the issue of dogs on the coastal path during the April 21, 2010 Kauai County Council meeting in Nawiliwili. In front at left is Lenny Rapozo, director of the county Department of Parks and Recreation, and next to him is Gary Heu, administrative assistant to Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.
Photo credit: Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island Newspaper

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