Letters – Your Voice – for July 18

Concerns about non-native bees

While I understand that the plan to expand residential beekeeping is well-intentioned (West Hawaii Today, July 2), I am concerned about the consequences of the increase in introduced honey bee species as they compete with native bees.

The problem is that the increase in non-native bees will increase competition for resources between bee species and lead to a decline in native populations of the yellow-faced bee.

Maybe there is, but I could not find any evidence that any agencies were consulted, specifically the state Department of Forestry and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Hawaii. They should be part of the discussions.

And finally, a question about the statement in the article: “We have found that limiting the size of plots of land unintentionally discriminates against people who cannot afford larger plots of land.” Does this statement also apply to the keeping of pigs and goats?

Chris Bothmer-Stinson

Keaau

Ali’i Parkway should be a top priority

I recently read Mayor Mitch Roth’s campaign Q&A. He mentioned that the Department of Public Works is resuming work on the Lako Street Extension and building a section of Ali’i Parkway between Royal Poinciana and La’aloa Avenue. I have a few thoughts on those plans.

The Ali’i Parkway should take priority over wasting time and money on the Lako Street Extension environmental assessment. The congestion in this area is the result of north-south and vice versa – not Mauka-Makai traffic. It makes no sense to build the single middle segment of the Ali’i Parkway and Lako Street Extension. This would only exacerbate the problem.

The extension of Lako Street crosses an area with significant historical features and this should also be taken into account.

DPW completed the final environmental assessment for this 1,800-foot road in 2004. The previous landowner filed suit against the county, challenging the final environmental assessment based on significant historic features. The suit was later withdrawn when John Kobayashi, the previous landowner, passed away.

The state is not in a position to help solve this problem. It has halted work on the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway Extension and Kuakini Highway due to cost concerns. Its current policy of focusing on system maintenance and safety projects also played a role in this decision.

I propose that the County construct the Ali’i Parkway in phases from the Hualalai Road/Queen Ka’ahumanu intersection to the Keauhou Shopping Center, subject to the availability of funds.

I know that there are many burials in the stretch between La’aloa Avenue and Ali’i Drive, but I believe that the traffic congestion in that area will not be resolved unless a continuous median is built.

Aaron Stene

Kailua Kona