Concerns about non-native bees
While I understand the plan to increase residential beekeeping is well-intentioned (West Hawaii Today, July 2), I am concerned about the consequences of increasing introduced honeybee species because they compete with native bees.
The problem is the increase in non-native bees will increase the competition for resources between bee species and cause a decrease in native yellow-faced bee populations.
Maybe it exists, but I have been unable to find any evidence that any agencies have been consulted, specifically the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of Hawaii. They should be part of the conversation.
Lastly, regarding the statement in the article, “We’ve found that restricting by lot size inadvertently discriminates against people who cannot afford a larger lot,” will this apply to owning pigs and goats, too?
Chris Bothmer-Stinson
Keaau
Ali‘i Parkway should be highest priority
I was reading Mayor Mitch Roth’s campaign Q&A recently. He mentioned the Department of Public Works is restarting work on the Lako Street Extension and constructing a segment of the Ali‘i Parkway between Royal Poinciana and La‘aloa Avenue. I have a couple thoughts about these proposed plans.
The Ali‘i Parkway should take precedence over expending time and money to redo the environmental assessment for the Lako Street Extension. The congestion in this area is a result of traffic heading north south and vice versa — not mauka to makai. It doesn’t make any sense to construct the only middle segment of Ali‘i Parkway and Lako Street Extension. This will only compound the issue.
The Lako Street Extension traverses an area with significant historical features, and this should be another consideration.
DPW completed the final environmental assessment for this 1,800-foot roadway in 2004. The previous landowner filed a lawsuit against the county contesting the final EA due to significant historical features. The lawsuit was later withdrawn when John Kobayashi, the previous landowner, passed away.
The state isn’t in a position to help address this issue. They terminated work on widening Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway Extension and Kuakini Highway due to cost considerations. Their current policy of focusing on system preservation and safety projects also played a role in this decision.
I propose the county construct Ali‘i Parkway from Hualalai Road/Queen Ka‘ahumanu intersection to Keauhou Shopping Center in phases, pending funding availability.
I know the segment between La‘aloa Avenue and Ali‘i Drive is rife with burials, but I believe the congestion in this area won’t be addressed unless a complete midlevel road is constructed.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona