One of my priorities is to ensure that developers make good on agreements they make with the community.
After a decade of closure, a recreational public boat ramp is finally up at Ko Olina. Boat owners across the Leeward coast have waited years for the ramp to be reopened after being torn down in 2005—however, since its reopening, boaters are now raising concerns regarding restrictions imposed by the Resort.
The new ramp’s regulations include limiting the total truck and trailer length to 40 feet, require boaters to have $500,000 of liability insurance, and charge fees to launch a boat and park with a one-night maximum. Residents are concerned that these newly imposed rules affect public access and prevent many in the boating community from being able to use the ramp.
On Oct. 16, the state Land Use Commission (LUC) held a public meeting to listen to community feedback regarding the boat ramp. At this meeting, LUC commissioners voted 5 -1 to seek more information from the Commission staff, the Resort and conditioners of a public access master plan approved by the City. The motion encouraged the Resort and boaters to try to reach common ground.
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I urge the members of our fishing, boating and recreational community to get involved with the process, so they can provide their valuable input on how this ramp should be open to the public. If you would like to learn more regarding this matter, I encourage you to sign up for agenda updates from the LUC for upcoming meetings. Find out more by going to http://luc.hawaii.gov or feel free to contact me at kmpine@honolulu.gov.
