Posted on: Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Neighborhoods balk at cost of signs

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Bureau

The cost of community identification signs in Hawai'i Kai and 'Aina Haina is substantially less than anticipated, but residents believe there are more savings to be gained.

The signs, in the planning process for three years, are a vision team project to identify the area. The city appropriated $670,000, thinking that land acquisition might be involved. The actual cost has been narrowed to $190,000, said Carol Costa, city spokeswoman.

But more savings could be realized if the city would listen, say 'Aina Haina residents who don't see a need for landscaping or irrigation near the sign at East Hind Drive.

"It's just a rock sign," said Memyo Rego, a member of the 'Aina Haina Community Association. "The city's idea is ridiculous. The plan calls for trees and irrigation. We were trying to do it as simple as possible."

While no firm date is set for the start of construction, firming up the cost puts the city closer to building the signs.

The city plans to landscape around the signs, one at the entrance to East Hind Drive, the other at West Hind Drive.

The city says the sprinkler system and landscaping are needed to maintain the area.

The signs will be large boulders with the name of the community etched and inset into the face, said Bob Parker, another member of the 'Aina Haina Community Association.

"The sign is still costing more than we thought it should cost," Parker said.

In Hawai'i Kai the design will be much the same. It will be on the 'ewa mauka corner of Hawai'i Kai Drive and Kalaniana'ole Highway.

Murray Luther, the champion for the project, worked with city consultants on the design and also helped work out the agreement that enabled the city to put the sign on land owned by the Hawai'i Kai Marina Association, where landscaping and a sprinkler system are already in place.