P.O. Box 1480, Kapa’a, Hawaii, 96746
808.651.3273   www.kbakauai.org

 

July 31, 2006

Members County Council
County of Kauai
4396 Rice Street, #206
Lihue, HI 96766



Re: Coastal Trail


Honorable members of the Council,


The Kapaa Business Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation representing the interests and welfare of the residents and businesses on Kauai’s east side. In a formal vote, our Board of Directors resolved to write this letter to let you know our official position regarding the 18 mile Coastal Trail.


KBA is a strong supporter of the 26 mile coastal bike and pedestrian trail and believe that it should be located along the coastline, wherever possible. We believe that the trail will be a huge benefit to the community, invite a healthier lifestyle, reduce dependence on cars by visitors in the area, and make East Kauai a popular destination for health-conscious visitors.


KBA has both supported and actively participated in the planning of the trail from the beginning. KBA members Tim Bynum, John Lydgate, Steve Thatcher, Dale Rosenfeld and Neill Sams have attended many planning meetings, walked the proposed routes, pressed for environmental studies, studied the results of those studies, and listened to the concerns of affected residents and business owners. Two consistent themes related to the path have emerged within our communities: 1) the desire to have a safe way to travel on foot and bicycle, and 2) to have unobstructed and through access to what are public lands.


Thank you for your consideration of our position.


Respectfully,

Pat Pannell, Executive Director

Cc: Neill Sams, President