Clearly waste Clearly waste ADVERTISING What does DLNR do? We regularly stand up paddle in our gorgeous Kailua Kona harbor area. On June 22, at approximately 9:30 a.m. while in the water, a large, floating (approximately 30 feet by 60
Clearly waste
What does DLNR do?
We regularly stand up paddle in our gorgeous Kailua Kona harbor area. On June 22, at approximately 9:30 a.m. while in the water, a large, floating (approximately 30 feet by 60 feet) mass of thick, yellow and bubbly debris, clearly human waste, surrounded our boards.
When we exited the water, I approached an official-looking truck parked on the pier with a “Department of Land and Natural Resources” decal on the door and spoke to the person sitting in the cab.
I asked to whom I should report this waste spill. His response was, “Well, first you would have to obtain a sample,” and I responded that would not be happening. He then added that he did not know who to contact.
Can anyone tell us how we should have reported and documented this incident? The Kona harbor is so precious, beautiful and rich with coral, exotic fish, dolphins and even a pair of resident manta rays, and we cannot ignore this. Please help.
And, oh, what does the government agency “Department of Land and Natural Resources” do?
Donna ONeill
Kailua-Kona
Midlevel road
Extend the highway
Hawaii County, Federal Highways Administration, Nan Inc. and the Hawaii Department of Transportation did a great job on the Ane Keohokalole project. They were able to design, obtain permits and construct this highway within three years. This is a remarkable feat that should be recognized.
I’ve strongly supported this project for a while. This highway provides an alternative route into Kailua-Kona if an accident closes Palani Road and helps reduce traffic congestion on Queen Kaahumanu Highway. In short, this highway is more than a concrete slab; it helps improve West Hawaii’s roadway connectivity.
Hawaii County and the state Department of Transportation should actively seek funding for the Phase III of this highway. This phase, which would extend Ane Keohokalole Highway to Kaiminani Drive, is estimated to cost between $30-50 million.
It will be a challenge to secure that much funding in the current budgetary climate. However, there isn’t any guarantee the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project will ever start.
I hope federal highways reallocates this funding to extend the Ane Keohokalole Highway instead — if the Queen Kaahumanu Highway widening project can’t proceed.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
