HAENA — Parking and road repairs were among key concerns expressed by North Shore residents at a Tuesday meeting at Opakapaka Grill and Bar at the Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena.
HAENA — Parking and road repairs were among key concerns expressed by North Shore residents at a Tuesday meeting at Opakapaka Grill and Bar at the Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena.
About 60 people met for the discussion led by the Hanalei Haena Community Association. The gathering was to keep the community informed during the post-flood recovery process as the reopening of Kuhio Highway to Haena and Wainiha nears.
Some are worried about an overflow parking solution to temporarily relieve parking issues while a section of Weke Road from Pilikoa to Black Pot Beach Park remains under construction. They said they do not think that overflow parking at Pine Trees is the answer.
Others wanted to be sure Kuhio Highway, damaged in the April flooding, is not reopened until it is completely finished and two lanes of traffic can flow. The highway is expected to open later this spring or early summer.
They also asked that the renovations to the Waioli, Waipa and Waikoko bridges, which are anticipated to be substantially complete by May, be finished as well before the highway is open, and that no parking signs be posted.
Adam Roversi of the Hanalei Canoe Club asked for feedback as to whether North Shore residents were ready to have the Haena-to-Hanalei run take place this year. The popular race, the club’s major fundraiser that attracted about 500 people, was canceled last year because the highway was being repaired.
Most at the meeting indicated support for the run’s return. Some called for a limit on the number of people who could register to reduce congestion and impacts in the Haena and Wainiha.
Organizers have not decided whether to hold the race yet. Possible dates include the first weekend in June.
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Monique Rowan is a lifelong North Shore resident who writes occasionally for The Garden Island.
