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+--- Thread: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY (/showthread.php?tid=5497)
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Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - Rob Tucker - 04-09-2009
FROM CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/09/hawaii.volunteers.repair/index.html
(CNN) -- Their livelihood was being threatened, and they were tired of waiting for government help, so business owners and residents on Hawaii's Kauai island pulled together and completed a $4 million repair job to a state park -- for free.
Volunteers bring in a heavy crane for work on a bridge to Polihale State Park on Kauai last month.
Polihale State Park has been closed since severe flooding destroyed an access road to the park and damaged facilities in December.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources had estimated that the damage would cost $4 million to fix, money the agency doesn't have, according to a news release from department Chairwoman Laura Thielen.
"It would not have been open this summer, and it probably wouldn't be open next summer," said Bruce Pleas, a local surfer who helped organize the volunteers. "They said it would probably take two years. And with the way they are cutting funds, we felt like they'd never get the money to fix it."
And if the repairs weren't made, some business owners faced the possibility of having to shut down.
Ivan Slack, co-owner of Napali Kayak, said his company relies solely on revenue from kayak tours and needs the state park to be open to operate. The company jumped in and donated resources because it knew that without the repairs, Napali Kayak would be in financial trouble.
"If the park is not open, it would be extreme for us, to say the least," he said. "Bankruptcy would be imminent. How many years can you be expected to continue operating, owning 15-passenger vans, $2 million in insurance and a staff? For us, it was crucial, and our survival was dependent on it. That park is the key to the sheer survival of the business."
So Slack, other business owners and residents made the decision not to sit on their hands and wait for state money that many expected would never come. Instead, they pulled together machinery and manpower and hit the ground running March 23.
And after only eight days, all of the repairs were done, Pleas said. It was a shockingly quick fix to a problem that may have taken much longer if they waited for state money to funnel in.
"We can wait around for the state or federal government to make this move, or we can go out and do our part," Slack said. "Just like everyone's sitting around waiting for a stimulus check, we were waiting for this but decided we couldn't wait anymore."
Thielen has been waiting, too. She wants the legislature to approve her Recreation Renaissance project, a $240 million booster shot to help fix parks across the state. Without it, at least five state parks may be forced to close, and there would be no emergency repair money to fix Polihale State Park.
"We shouldn't have to do this, but when it gets to a state level, it just gets so bureaucratic, something that took us eight days would have taken them years," said Troy Martin of Martin Steel, who donated machinery and steel for the repairs. "So we got together -- the community -- and we got it done."
The park is a fixture on the west side of the island and a favorite spot for many in the area, but it's also a hub for tourists.
"Tourism is our lifeblood. It's what pays all of our bills," Slack said. "The money that pours in comes from tourism is really an important factor for everyone here in Hawaii, and it's such an important time to encourage tourism."
And it's an important time to keep jobs, which were threatened if the park had to remain closed. In February, Kauai's unemployment rate was at 9.1 percent, up from 2.8 percent during the same time in 2008, according to Hawaii's Department of Labor.
"I think it's crucial to say the doors are open, everyone is ready," Slack said. "So when one of the most important parks in Hawaii is closed, it really changes things."
Now, because of their hard work, volunteers hope they'll be ready to send that positive message -- right in time for the tourist season.
Slack said he likes to have business up and running by April 15, and the season gets busy around May 1.
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The business owners and residents are hopeful that their generous contributions in time and resources mean the park should officially open soon. Pleas says they have only to get the new bridge certified and do minor cleanup.
"A lot of people are quietly sitting by, waiting for it to open," Slack said. "This really this is one of the nicest parks in the state and in all of Hawaii, in the entire state parks department. Now, hopefully, those people get their wish."
Great Story!
Punaweb moderator
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - JerryCarr - 04-09-2009
What does this tell us about the contracting, procurement, and bidding processes that our State and County governments use to cost out projects? Do you think it cost the citizens $4,000,000 to do the repairs?
There is a lot more here than just an uplifting story about community activists getting the job done.
Cheers,
Jerry
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - mdd7000 - 04-09-2009
This is one heck of a good story! I applaud these people for going out and doing what needed to be done.
I also agree with JerryCarr - $4 million for the state to do the same thing?
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - aline - 04-09-2009
maybe the idea will catch on and much more everywhere can be accomplished.
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - Rob Tucker - 04-09-2009
I'm kinda surprised the State of Hawaii hasn't had them arrested. I'm also very curious as to the net cost of the job.
Congratulations to our Kauai neighbors!
Punaweb moderator
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - Obie - 04-09-2009
We are trying to repair the road in Vacationland that fronts the tide pools.Basically we cannot rebuild our private road that was destroyed over the years by the 1975 earthquake and then many storm surges.
Anyone who has used the tide pools knows how bad this road is.
We have been told we could be prosecuted for repairing the road without the proper permits.
We are dealing with DLNR ,EPA,Corps of Engineers,a couple of agencies at the county and OHA.
We have a cost estimate of $250,000.00 that we can ill afford.We are a very small community and maybe we should put together some grassroots effort like they did on Kauai.
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - Blakeyboy1 - 04-09-2009
Hey Rob I saw this on CNN today too and forwarded to a few people. Good example of people pulling together to get stuff done.
-Blake
http://www.theboysgreatescape.blogspot.com/
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - mdd7000 - 04-09-2009
quote:With some media coverage, NO ONE will dare turn you down at this point. Organize and go for it. Good Luck.
Originally posted by Obie
We are trying to repair the road in Vacationland that fronts the tide pools.Basically we cannot rebuild our private road that was destroyed over the years by the 1975 earthquake and then many storm surges.
Anyone who has used the tide pools knows how bad this road is.
We have been told we could be prosecuted for repairing the road without the proper permits.
We are dealing with DLNR ,EPA,Corps of Engineers,a couple of agencies at the county and OHA.
We have a cost estimate of $250,000.00 that we can ill afford.We are a very small community and maybe we should put together some grassroots effort like they did on Kauai.
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - Rob Tucker - 04-09-2009
Obie, The state always had lots of reasons to not do something. Try calling some of the people named in the article on Kauai and get the straight scoop. They certainly seem to know how to get it done. Let us know what you find out.
Punaweb moderator
RE: Kauai won't wait for state to repair road - DIY - Seeb - 04-09-2009
found this
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/04/03/news/kauai_news/doc49d5ca5ae4ecb395590983.txt