I relish any opportunity to visit Kaua‘i and had the opportunity to return once again on Sept. 19. It was a full itinerary but well worth the investment of time to share progress and concerns alike on a wide variety
I relish any opportunity to visit Kaua‘i and had the opportunity to return once again on Sept. 19. It was a full itinerary but well worth the investment of time to share progress and concerns alike on a wide variety of issues.
As Governor of Hawai‘i, the practical truth is that much of the state’s official business takes place in Honolulu, but I assure you that this administration is not O’ahu-centric. We serve all the people of the Hawaiian Islands, and I want to be sure that we keep an open dialogue with various communities across the state.
That is why I chose Kaua‘i for my first “Governor’s Cabinet in Your Community” event, held at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
But prior to that, my first stop was in Anahola. There, I joined Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Jobie Masagatani and many others for the groundbreaking ceremony of Pi‘ilani Mai Ke Kai, Phase II. The ceremony kicked off construction on what will become the future home for 51 Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries and their families.
Located approximately 13 miles north of the airport, makai of Kuhio Highway, the project represents a collaborative effort by federal, state and county government with the community. The ceremony reminded us of the state’s commitment to the beneficiaries of this land. Prince Kuhio, a native of Kaua‘i, had the foresight to know native Hawaiians would thrive if given an opportunity to return to the land. This vision is realized here today.
I congratulate the Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries and their families who in a few months will be truly setting roots on this land.
Next, I participated in the dedication of the first segment of the Kaumuali‘i Highway Widening Project in Lihu‘e, where the state Department of Transportation (DOT) marked the completion of the first segment of the project, as well as the breaking of ground on the next phase.
The first segment widened the highway from two to four lanes at Anonui Road, west of the Kaua‘i Community College (KCC) campus. The second phase will continue the widening east to Rice Street and include the construction of a new bridge structure adjacent to the Lihu‘e Mill Bridge. It is aimed at solving a long-time bottleneck and help to improve traffic from Downtown Lihu‘e to the Kukui Grove shopping district and past the busy KCC campus.
The project is an example of our New Day works projects, which allow us to partner with other government entities to create jobs for our local workforce and improve the lives of our residents. Since entering office, my administration has announced the release of more than $469.7 million for various Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) that benefit Kaua‘i either directly or as part of statewide investments in repair, maintenance, upgrades and other needed improvements. More than $71.6 million of these CIP funds are or will be used exclusively on Kaua‘i.
Capping the day was the Governor’s Cabinet in Your Community. For this first-of-its-kind event, I invited members of my Cabinet, including the heads of the Departments of Human Services, Land and Natural Resources (DLNR); Agriculture; Health; and Transportation. It was a unique opportunity to address, face-to-face, many issues relevant to the people of Kaua‘i.
Among the many topics raised, those which stood out included agriculture and health — two of my administration’s highest priorities — including the need for more ag inspectors. From my first months on the job as Governor, I began the hiring agricultural inspectors, restoring some positions that were eliminated in 2009. But more needs to be done. In the coming months, I will provide updates on our progress.
The issue of ocean use was also raised, and DLNR Chairman William Aila Jr. agreed to return to Kaua‘i for a talk story and mapping session, which he did that weekend.
Although not an issue when planning began for this event months ago, the Public Land Development Corporation (PLDC) became a focus for many at the meeting. A high degree of public concern has been expressed by Kaua‘i residents about preliminary administrative rules. To demonstrate that the PLDC Board of Directors has heard those concerns, I have urged the board to adopt a “Strategic Plan,” created collaboratively by members of the Legislature and PLDC board, to better define its priorities and scope.
As I stated in my letter to the board, I am encouraged that the people of Kaua‘i share my interest and passion for the stewardship of public lands. However, at this juncture, calls for repeal are not productive, particularly before projects have even been identified. Such extreme action would only impede the public comment process to which the public is rightly entitled for projects and proposals with great public support.
I believe that the PLDC — once its scope and rules are clearly defined — is one of our best opportunities to work cooperatively and align public and private interests toward the enhancement, protection, conservation and management of public lands for Hawai‘i’s people.
I encourage The Garden Island readers to review the PLDC’s Frequently Asked Questions available at hawaii.gov/gov under “Quick Links.”
I sincerely thank all those who attended the Cabinet in Your Community event for their time and input. Communications goes both ways and is essential as we move forward on Hawai‘i’s New Day Plan.
I look forward to building on this relationship.
• Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s guest column runs monthly.
