Past
ProgramsIn December 2013, KPAA completed rehabilitation and stabilization work along the world-renowned Napali Coast Trail — the first major trail maintenance project in nearly 30 years.
Background
KPAA was awarded Grant-in-Aid (GIA) funding by the Hawaii State Legislature. Working through the Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks Division, funding to KPAA was released by Governor Lingle in June 2009 for the first two miles of trail from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach.
In May 2012, Governor Abercrombie released funds for the second phase of work — miles 3 to 12, between Hanakapiai Beach and Kalalau Stream. Specific sections of the trail were identified and prioritized for improvement and reconstruction. The objectives were to improve park user safety and reconstruct portions of the trail based on an assessment of trail conditions.
After a public bid process, Pono Pacific Land Management LLC was selected as the contractor for both phases to address drainage, erosion control and safety, having demonstrated mastery in the rehabilitation techniques appropriate for severely eroded wilderness trail systems.
Throughout the project, a Citizen Advisory Committee provided input to guide the work. All trail restoration was in accord with environmentally-friendly protocols to increase public safety while maintaining the rustic appearance of this famous State Wilderness Park.
Identification and preservation of archeological assets and native and endangered botanical species along the trail corridor were included in the work plan as well. Trail work protected historic structures and re-established historic portions of the trail that were covered in vegetation.
Understanding Kauai’s Housing Shortage
Panel Presentation at KPAA’s Annual Meeting June 25, 2015
Guest Speaker Presentations:
⦁ Kamuela Cobb-Adams, Director, County of Kauai Housing Agency
⦁ Marie Williams, Senior Long-Range Planner, County of Kauai Planning Department
Links to informative resources and data are offered below:
“Socioeconomic Analysis and Forecasts (February 2014)”, SMS Research & Marketing. A General Plan Update technical study for the County of Kaua‘i, http://plankauai.com/the-plan-2/resources-2/
“Measuring Housing Demand in Hawai‘i, 2015-2025”, DBEDT Research and Economic Analysis Division (April 2015), files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/economic/reports/2015-05-housing-demand.pdf
Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice
⦁ “Accessory Dwelling Units: Expanding Affordable Housing Options in Hawai‘i”, April 2014 Policy Brief, http://www.hiappleseed.org/adu
⦁ “Hawai‘i’s Affordable Housing Crisis (July 2014)”, http://www.hiappleseed.org/affordable-housing-crisis
⦁ “Innovative Affordable Housing and Tax Fairness Report”, http://www.hiappleseed.org/policy-research
Singapore’s Brilliant Housing Plan, Bob Jones, MidWeek, June 2, 2015, http://www.midweek.com/singapores-brilliant-housing-plan/
3. Sports and Recreation Event Inventory and Economic Impact
KPAA prepared an inventory of sports and recreation events that attract off-island visitors staying at least one night for the event. This inventory was the starting point for the contractor, Dr. Jerry Agrusa, professor of travel industry management at Hawaii Pacific University. Individual event organizers were contacted to gather information on number of off-island attendees, length of stay, dollars spent, etc. The data was used to determine the collective economic impact of these events, which was $4,310,005 in additional revenue to Kauai’s economy directly from sports events. That number increases to $7,154,608 when calculating the “multiplier” that accounts for the additional impact beyond the event that generated the revenue. Examples that generate this multipler are car rentals, hotel rooms, restaurant meals, etc.
The final report included recommendations for the County regarding the type of data needed to effectively track economic impacts in the future. In mid-February 2013, a presentation was given to the County Council. Read the final report: The Economic Significance of Kauai Sports and Recreation Events.
4. Arts and Culture Facility Visioning and Collaboration Building
KPAA developed a list of 80 culture and arts groups on Kauai and invited them to participate in an survey to begin assessing facility needs and their interest in participating in the development of an arts and culture center. Using the results as a foundation, three sessions were held. Primary needs are for office, classroom and meeting space as well as a 200-300 seat multi-purpose performance/ exhibition area. An online calendar of events is also a high priority for promotion and to avoid scheduling conflicts.
The need for training, technical assistance or facilitation was also discussed to build capacity within organizations and strengthen collaboration within the sector. KPAA made a presentation to the County Council in late February 2013. Read the 2013 report Kauai Culture and Arts Facility Visioning and Collaboration Building.
5. Keiki to Career Kauai Feasibility Assessment
In early 2012, KPAA led the exploration of a new initiative to determine the feasibility of establishing an improved system of services for children from birth to the time they leave school to enter a career. It would mean that public and private groups and agencies would work together with a common vision, mission and goals. To help get this started, KPAA developed an inventory of programs serving youth. We also created a baseline of data on the status of the island’s young people and prepared the Kaua`i Youth Report 2012. Organizations confirmed the feasibility of this initiative and selected KPAA as the backbone organization to provide coordination services. Read the Feasibility Assessment Final Report. See www.keikitocareer.org for more information.
6. Waimea Sports Complex Master Plan & Feasibility Study
KPAA formed a Steering Committee of interested business, education and community members from Waimea to consider expansion of Waimea Canyon Park to include baseball and softball fields and additional facilities.
The proposed site would include acreage owned by Kikiaola Land Co., adjacent to the existing park. Kimura International, Inc. was hired by KPAA to complete a master plan for the site after securing community input. An economic analysis was prepared and included in the final report presented to the County Council March 2013. To view the proposed plan, go to: www.waimeasportscomplex.tumblr.com.
7. County Operations Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
KPAA worked with County departments to create their first three-year operations plan focused on sustainability and climate action. Through a survey, KPAA assessed what actions departments have already taken or have planned to increase their operational sustainability. We facilitated meetings with department representatives, who set goals, guiding principles and created action plans. Ken Stokes of Island Matters prepared the written plan.