Guest Viewpoint for Thursday — March 11, 2004

• Kamalani solution

Kamalani solution

By James G. Trujillo

An opportunity exists to create a win – win situation for users of the Kamalani Kai Playground Bridge and the beach access road for vehicles. A simple solution to solve a complex problem maybe possible if Mayor Baptiste elects to designate an alternative entry point for fishermen and their vehicles north of the current vehicle access point. By relocating the vehicle access point to the vicinity makai of the new restroom, fisherman and other beach goers’ vehicles would still have access to the beach without compromising the safety of the children’s playground area at the bridge.

Providing an alternate access point at this location would facilitate a vehicle free picnic and playground area underneath and around the bridge while continuing to allow vehicles of fishermen, surfers, beach goers and emergency personnel access to their desired locations. The Mayor could also designate the beach areas north of the access point to Lydgate Park a vehicle free beach area to satisfy the desires of beach goers who prefer a non motorized and vehicle free beach experience.

The issues brought up by the closure of the vehicle access road beneath Kamalani Kai Bridge go beyond beach access and playground safety. At the meeting convened by Mayor Baptiste on Feb.26, County of Kaua‘i Community Response Specialist Tim Bynum’s slide show demonstrated what a high use area this part of Lydgate has become. Mr. Bynum’s slides illustrated the high impact that beach goers have on the surrounding environment. Rubbish from large beach parties along with nails from pallets being used for bon-fires have created additional hazzards. Testimony from some participants suggests that the behavior of irresponsible and inconsiderate drivers are causing irreparable damage to the dunes and the surrounding protective vegetation. These same dunes that hide the iwi kahiko of the kanaka maoli are being abused by ATV’ers for pleasure. The nau paka that protects these dunes and the shore birds that nest there are being torn up by thrill seekers with little or no regard to the damage that their tires and vehicles cause. Everyone present at this meeting agreed that this was not right. Suggestions to move additional boulders to protect the dunes and the vegetation were welcomed and loudly applauded. Establishing a visible police presence was also suggested by many in the audience but with the current recruitment challenges and personnel shortages faced by the Kaua‘i Police Department, the reality check by Mayor Baptiste suggested that alternatives such as self monitoring or a citizen watch should be considered first before expecting Kaua‘i’s finest to police the beaches in addition to the neighborhoods and roadways of Kaua‘i.

Many of those who testified agreed that signs could be posted to warn motorists of children playing or to watch out for moving vehicles. Suggestions to increase safety by adding fences around the playground area or to install speed bumps were made by some as well. Recommendations by some participants for increased public awareness and education would go far in addressing all of the above issues. All of these action steps would increase user safety but the fact remains that moving vehicles and playgrounds are a bad mix. Add to that mix alcohol use and irresponsible drivers and the recipe for serious injury is complete.

By relocating the vehicle entry point to the suggested area just makai of the restrooms a safer play area is created and vehicle access to the southern beach area is ensured. During winter months access may be reduced by the tides but with other points of access near Kitchen’s and Marine Camp fishermen, surfers and others still can drive to their destinations and enjoy the pastimes and pursuits that many have enjoyed for generations. Moving boulders to protect the dunes from destructive and irresponsible drivers would be welcomed by many. By prohibiting vehicles on the beach areas north of the bridge and the new campground area a safer and quieter beach experience will be offered to those who prefer a more tranquil setting.

Today around 5 p.m. at the Lydgate Park big pavilion, Mayor Baptiste will hold the second meeting to talk story about the issues surrounding Kamalani Bridge and look towards community involvement in resolving these issues. Please attend if you have concerns or suggestions for creating a win-win situation for our community by making the playground area safer for families, providing vehicle access for responsible recreationists at designated beach areas, protecting the environment and iwi kahiko while enhancing the beach experience for campers, sunbathers and beachgoers of all walks and persuasion. For more information contact the Office of the Mayor 241-6300.

James G Trujillo is a resident of Kapa‘a