Scenic Byway Plan Seeks Comments

The next step toward state recognition of the Maunalua-Makapu’u Scenic Byway is to collect public comments, and that’s what advocates will do from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Hawaii Kai Library. Sign-in will begin at 5:45 in the first-floor meeting room.

Ka Iwi Coalition, formerly known as the Save Sandy Beach Coalition, is co-sponsoring the protective effort with Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board in a bid to officially designate the coastline – Kalanianaole Highway from Hawaii Kai Drive to Makai Pier – as a Hawaii Scenic Byway.

The local byway committee is starting to developing a Corridor Management Plan, and residents are urged to attend the meeting, learn more about the process and share their ideas. (Attendees should park on the street as the library parking lot is designated for patrons.)

For more information, email kaiwibyway@gmail.com. Local designation not only would showcase the 6.8-mile route’s scenic beauty, but could lead to national status and further safeguards for its natural, historic, cultural, archeological and intrinsic recreational values.

The next step – getting on the national list – opens the door to more grants and protective measures, as the surrounding areas become more urbanized.