North Shore Path Alternatives

On May 15, 2012, over 180 people attended the North Shore Path meeting at the Prince Clubhouse in Princeville.  Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. spoke spoke about how the North Shore Path fits into the HoloHolo2020 plan.  JoAnn Yukimura talked about SmartGrowth.  Ben Welborn discussed the North Shore Path Alternatives Report. 

Ben Welborn, Thomas Noyes (Kauai Path), JoAnn Yukimura (Vice Chair, Kauai County Council) and Mike Dahilig (Director, Kauai County Planning Department) served on a panel for a Question and Answer session to facilitate the community's exploration of the many concepts under consideration for a North Shore path network. 

Meeting attendees indicated areas they considered to be the most important next steps for the North Shore Path, with the top votes (of over 200 cast) going to Detailed Route and Feasibility Analyses, Cultural Assessment and Kupuna Interviews, Fundraising/Grant Writing, and Organizing a Citizens Advisory Committee.  Attendees were also given the opportunity to nominate community members to be part of a Citizens Advisory Committee. 

For anyone who did not attend the meeting but would like to contribute ideas at this time, you can:

Let us know if you can volunteer your time in any of these areas:

  • Fundraising
  • Grant Writing
  • Community & Stakeholder Outreach
  • Political Outreach
  • Safe Routes to School Liason
  • Cultural Outreach & Kupuna Interviews
  • Administrative & Organizational Development
     

The North Shore Path Alternatives Report (NSPAR) was produced with support from Communities Putting Prevention to Work, and is available to the public as a PDF document and is also available in printed form at the Princeville Library. 

NSPAR Map

The NSPAR is the result of the North Shore Path planning effort that seeks to create a network of inter-linking bicycle and pedestrian trails to connect the communities of Kilauea, Princeville, and Hanalei as a critical, viable, and vibrant component of a multimodal transportation system, which will lessen our dependence upon cars while at the same time promoting healthier, more active lifestyles and more vibrant communities.

As defined on page 9 of the Report:NSPAR

This North Shore Path Alternatives Report (“NSPAR”) is a visioning document. Its goal is to put forth a number of ideas and possibilities, and thereby, to simulate a healthy, enthusiastic, and informed discussion among community members, political leaders, regulators, landowners, interest groups, and potential funding sources regarding the North Shore Path. … the NSPAR is not a plan. It does not make specific recommendations. Rather it offers and evaluates the opportunities, challenges, and alternatives that have become evident through extensive research and community input. The NSPAR is a grassroots effort. The Report has been prepared for the benefit of our local communities, by members of our communities, and is the result of many years of effort.

A primary objective of this report is to identify and distinguish the existing physical, legal, and land-use conditions which will influence the feasibility of developing a comprehensive and complete multi-use path network. The end goal is to suggest “the path of least resistance” which pays most respect to the environment, the host culture, and the rural character of the North Shore.

Topics discussed in the NSPAR include Existing Conditions, Alternative Path Routes (with detailed maps), Land Owners, Supportive Legislation, Regulatory/Construction/Cost Considerations, Funding Sources, Maintenance, Next Steps, and much more.  

Please take a look at the report (PDF), and share it with your friends.  The North Shore Path has a web presence at nspath.kauaistyle.com and at Facebook.com/northshorepath where you can stay up to date with this planning effort and how you can contribute. 

A public meeting will be announced soon to discuss the NSPAR and the next steps in the process.  

Please click here if you'd like to be notified of any upcoming North Shore Path meetings.