03-04-2018, 08:12 PM
Handicap accsess is required by law, any anything built after ADA must have it. And a lot of older things must be retrofitted
And a large number of things that might have been built will never be, especially by the ocean. The Hilo Bayfront Trails Project, with its paved walkway mauka of Bayfront Highway, was originally discussed as having a spur run out to the berm where the lone tree stands.
But such a spur would have to be ADA compliant. Meaning a big paved walkway. It is pretty much illegal anymore to build a simple footpath. It discriminates against wheelchairs.
A paved walkway by the ocean = a large footprint. Much harder to get shoreline permitting. A simple footpath can easily be restored after high surf washes over it. Paved walkways get destroyed.
Statewide it is exceedingly difficult make any shoreline improvements. There's some 4-5 reasons for this; ADA is just one of them.
Just something to ponder next time you go to Richardson's Beach Park and observe how many people, especially tourists, stub their toes on the sharp rocks entering the water at the tiny 25-foot wide beach (especially at high tide). Think officials will ever remove these rocks for public benefit? Think again.
And a large number of things that might have been built will never be, especially by the ocean. The Hilo Bayfront Trails Project, with its paved walkway mauka of Bayfront Highway, was originally discussed as having a spur run out to the berm where the lone tree stands.
But such a spur would have to be ADA compliant. Meaning a big paved walkway. It is pretty much illegal anymore to build a simple footpath. It discriminates against wheelchairs.
A paved walkway by the ocean = a large footprint. Much harder to get shoreline permitting. A simple footpath can easily be restored after high surf washes over it. Paved walkways get destroyed.
Statewide it is exceedingly difficult make any shoreline improvements. There's some 4-5 reasons for this; ADA is just one of them.
Just something to ponder next time you go to Richardson's Beach Park and observe how many people, especially tourists, stub their toes on the sharp rocks entering the water at the tiny 25-foot wide beach (especially at high tide). Think officials will ever remove these rocks for public benefit? Think again.