Kaua’i’s turn at statewide meetings is next month What can be done to protect the ahupua’a (the land from the ocean to the shore) on Kaua’i? How can endangered animal and plant species on Kaua’i be better protected? What can
Kaua’i’s turn at statewide meetings is next month What can be done to protect the ahupua’a (the land from the ocean to the shore) on Kaua’i?
How can endangered animal and plant species on Kaua’i be better protected?
What can be done to protect the island’s coral reefs?
What are the best economic options for Kaua’i’s coastline?
The CZM Hawai’i of the state Office of Planing and the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant Extension Service has scheduled three workshops in east and west Kaua’i and the North Shore area next month to find out where Kauaians stand on these issues.
The meetings are among 18 statewide the two state agencies began conducting last month and will conclude in mid-January. After reviewing public comments, CZM Hawai’i and the public will prioritize the suggestions.
CZM will then apply in February for hundreds of thousands of dollars from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect and enhance resources in coastal areas of Hawai’i, said Christina Meller, a planner with CZM on Oahu.
The projects would address 11 areas of key public concern: Coastal wetlands management and protection, natural hazards, public access, marine debris, cumulative and secondary impacts of growth and development, special management area planing, ocean resource planning, siting of coastal energy and government facilities, aquaculture, endangered species and marine protected areas.
CZM wants to reach as many people as possible and to develop priorities before it applies for the grant funds, Meller said.
“When we are finished with suggestions from the 18 areas (statewide), we will compile the suggestions, take into account the voting (by residents on their priorities) and find out what the community wants funded for enhancements,” she said.
Meller said priority will most likely go with projects that are deemed important by a majority of residents statewide.
If many residents want funding to protect endangered animals, her program would apply for grant funds to accomplish that goal, Meller said.
“We want to get the most out of the funds and support projects that affect the most people in our state,” she said.
Meetings have been held so far on Lana’i, Moloka’i and Honolulu, Meller said.
Lana’i residents voiced concern about secondary and cumulative environmental impacts and the need to clean up coral reef, Meller said.
Moloka’i residents talked about management of wetlands and about aquaculture.
People in Honolulu spoke about sedimentation that could hurt coral reefs, and management of Hanauma Bay, a world-famous natural resource on the leeward side of O’ahu, Meller said.
In light of the severe damage done to shoreline hotels on Kaua’i by Hurricane Iniki in1992, studies could be funded to look at the feasibility of placing hotels on such properties, Meller said.
Studies also can be done on buying shoreline property to prevent the placement of hotel resorts on them, she said.
Funds also can be used for the improvement of state harbors, she added.
Over the past six years, CZM Hawai’i has received $1.2 million in federal grants. Most of it was used for the protection of public access and the creation of government agencies to protect the access, Meller said.
The Hawai’i program can secure more grants by applying for funds not used by other states, Meller said.
CZM Hawai’i, which applies for the grant funds every three years, hopes to stretch them by working with other government agencies that have similar goals for coastal regions in Hawai’i, Meller said.
“For instance, if people want wetland projects, we could refer information to other government agencies that also are seeking funds for similar projects,” she said.
The Kaua’i meetings will be held at:
• Waimea Canyon School cafeteria from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2.
• Kapa’a Library from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 3.
• Princeville Golf Course’s Lehua Room from 7 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 4.
Meetings are planned this month and in January on O’ahu, Big Island and Mau’i.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and lchang@pulitzer.net
