Haena beach access or the lack of it

[Devany]

Bob,

If you walk along the shoreline, there is no problem with access, it just takes a lot longer and it is very hot. My point is that they do not have to create and maintain a ROAD which people can drive on, which is what Kimo seemed to be asking for. There is already good access along the shoreline and that is all that the county is required to provide. I know of many so called secret beaches on the West side and many of them require hikes of 1-3 miles to reach the beach.Big deal! That is what it takes to find a beach where you might be the only ones.

What you are basically asking for Kimo is handicap access, being able to drive there and have a parking lot. That is never going to happen. Next people will be asking for lifeguards and picnic tables. Never going to happen.

It has far less to do with the rich land barons as it does to do with the fact that this is and always has been a remote beach, difficult to access only because of its remoteness and the jungle surrounding it. The county should not be responsible for providing well groomed access, just access.

It is my understanding that the coastal access is more about providing access for fishermen (as has been a tradition since the original Hawaiians settled here) and for ancient gathering places, which this place once was. That is what the original protests were about (referred to in my story.)

I say, if you have been there, then you will appreciate the hike in and out. True, you may not visit as often as you would other beaches, but it is a special place and the hike in makes it even more so. The lack of restrooms etc. also makes it a place that less people would frequent. It is perfect just the way it is.

FYI, Kimo...bringing Jesus into this debate is both absurd and offensive to me.



Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

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