05-12-2019, 03:53 PM
For most of my life I have lived where others don't just show up and go traipsing across the land. While at the same time I also have land in Waipio Valley. Land that is across so many streams and beyond so many signs that say if you aren't from here don't go here. And still you would be amazed at how many people come wandering across the loi. At times literally walking through the taro. Up to their knees in mud. With star struck eyes asking how they get to some waterfall or the beach. And I doubt that they ever, not once, considered whose property they are on. Or whose privacy they might be disturbing. They are for the most part respectful, but still they come.
In Waipio some residence and farmers are pretty accepting of this arrangement. After all, what are we going to do? We too are in awe of our surroundings and appreciate the sparkle we see in the eyes of those trying to get to some wonder they are attracted to. While for others, it drives them out of their mind. They want fences, gates, and all sorts of signs. They beg the county to do more. They plead with our state representatives. But try as they might, the tourists keep coming. From what I can tell the answer is in accommodating, in being kind and practicing aloha. After all, that waterfall is there, as is Puu Leilani.
As such I would hope that the folks in Leilani find a way to accept and adjust, and provide for, rather than resist. In the end I believe, based on more than 30 years of watching this drama play out in Waipio, resistance is futile. When all is said and done, if you give folks a path they will follow it. If there is no path they will go every which way. They are just trying to have a good time. Why not accommodate them?
In Waipio some residence and farmers are pretty accepting of this arrangement. After all, what are we going to do? We too are in awe of our surroundings and appreciate the sparkle we see in the eyes of those trying to get to some wonder they are attracted to. While for others, it drives them out of their mind. They want fences, gates, and all sorts of signs. They beg the county to do more. They plead with our state representatives. But try as they might, the tourists keep coming. From what I can tell the answer is in accommodating, in being kind and practicing aloha. After all, that waterfall is there, as is Puu Leilani.
As such I would hope that the folks in Leilani find a way to accept and adjust, and provide for, rather than resist. In the end I believe, based on more than 30 years of watching this drama play out in Waipio, resistance is futile. When all is said and done, if you give folks a path they will follow it. If there is no path they will go every which way. They are just trying to have a good time. Why not accommodate them?