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Waipio Valley Controversial Issues
Information about controversial issues related to the Waipio Valley.
Waipio Valley residents and workers have concerns about public access and tours in the valley
Residents, farmers, environmentalists, Big Island residents, tour operators, and tourists
all have different perspectives.
Stream Maintenance and Water Rights
Some people don't want stream maintenance.
Some do want it to avoid flooding, excwess erosion, crop damage.
Proposed restoration of the Lower Hämäkua Ditch brings that issue to a head.
Environmentalistsw don't want it. Many farmers and valley residents do want it,.
1900: Lalakea Ditch Was Built (decreased water over 2 Falls)
1988: Waipio Valley Comm Assoc started fighting to restore streams
1989: Hamakua Sugar Company closed
1990's: KamS bought land from Hamakua Sugar Company
1998: Eart Justice Joined with WVCVA to fight for stream restoration
2002: Water Commission Fined Kamehameha for Improper diversion
2002: KamS Requested Permit to Abandon Lalakea Ditch
2004: 1987 State Water Code was invoked
Public Access and Tourism
Other controversy is around public access to the valley and tourist realted operations.
Farmers in the valley are protective. Some tour operators and visitors
have disrespected property rights in the valley, which is partly because bounderies
between public (state and county) and private lands are not alwyas that clearly marked.
There are also concerns over the proper portrayal of the Valley’s history and culture
and the protection of its valuable cultural resources.
Bishop Museum is the largest land owner in the Waipio Valley
The Museum, sthe state, and the county of hawaii need to clarify
boundaries and responsibilities over roads, trails, and other areas.
Survey has not been done for many years
Roads and Valley
Groups Split along Cultural, Legal, and Personal Views
Community Groups
Tour Operators / Vacation Rental Owners
Government Agencies
Private Agencies
Waipio Taro Farmers Association
They support stream maintenance: "regular routine maintenance not only assures
efficient water flow but also helps prevent greater damage in more threatening weather
conditions"
Waipio Valley Community Association
Some of its members support complete freedom of the river with
no stream maintenance, allowing the river to meander and change
as it will. "It is natural for a stream to change over time".
One psroblem with that is the private owners have lots valuaable
and usable land ebcause of widening and meandering waterways.
Waipio Valley Community Circle
Elders, taro farmers, educators, tour operators and both large and small
property owners meet regularly to discuss the challenges and future of Waipio
Valley. Circle participants have mutually agreed the description of the valley is:
"Waipio Valley is Wahi Pana" (legendary or sacred places, alive with enchantment,
experiences of the past and mana of its present.)
See also:
About the Waipio Valley
Hamakua District of Hawaii Island
About the Hamakua Coast
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Related Links
Hawaii Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
Elsewhere on the Web
2008:
USACE Waipio Valley Stream Management Plan (pdf)
2004:
Big Isle Stream To Be Fully Restored
1999:
Waipio Valley Planning - Fall 1999 Practicum (PDF)
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