To: Greggor Ilagan, Councilman, Warren Lee, Director of Dept. of Public Works, Warren Lee, Director of Dept. of Public Works, and Senator Russell Ruderman, State Senator, District #2
The Old Government Beach Road Petition
The 3.8 mile section of the Old Government Beach Road from Hawaiian Beaches/Shores to Ko`a`e in Kapoho has a long history as a public path/road dating back to pre-contact days. We recognize and honor the past and wish to see this area preserved for the archeological remains that it contains. Yet, the roadway serves other purposes as the only legal easement to a populated subdivision (Wa`awa`a), the Kahuwai, and other private properties. Portions of the road, about 15-20% of its entire length, have recently been paved without widening the roadway. In order to preserve this roadway and improve emergency response options for lower Puna, we request the remaining sections of this 3.8 mile stretch of road be paved and that speed humps be installed to prevent speeding and reckless driving on this narrow road that contains several blind hills. If you agree with this request, please sign the petition below and forward to others who may support it.
Why is this important?
The paving of this road has been debated for decades and meantime the roadbed has degraded further compromising the health and safety of the County's residents. Without continued and repeated additions of road materials and grading, this section of road does not support many passenger cars. Most emergency vehicles cannot traverse the roadway. Many people residing in the County permitted subdivision and private properties, which hold the same value in terms of property taxes as nearby areas with paved roads, simply request equitable treatment. They wish to receive the same access to emergency services as other communities in Puna, while still protecting this historically and culturally significant area of the island.