Posted on: Saturday, November 23, 2002
City plans Waimanalo booster events
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — Responding to an economic crisis in Waimanalo caused by a rockslide project that closed one of two entrances to the area Nov. 6, the city and state have proposed economic relief measures for the community — including weekend events, free bus service and television commercials.
In a matter of days, the city has responded to the Waimanalo community's request for help, said Joe Ryan, a resident whose organization Envirowatch approached the city last week for help.
The city met with the community yesterday and decided to hold several weekend events, including a concert, festivals showcasing area crafts and products, and maybe movies for Thanksgiving weekend and three weekends in December, Ryan said.
There will be an effort to inform businesses about low-interest loans that are available, he said.
The events will be firmed up at a meeting at 11 a.m. Monday in the mayor's conference room, Ryan said. The events could spell relief for the businesses in Waimanalo, he said.
"I'm hoping that it proves as well as I think it should," he said.
Businesses have reported setbacks — worse than any they suffered soon after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — since the state began closures of Kalaniana'ole Highway on Nov. 6 to address a rockfall hazard on the cliffs above Makapu'u Beach. The first phase of the project is expected to end Wednesday and resume in December for another three weeks.
Mayor Jeremy Harris said the city sees the problem as a crisis and is willing to drop everything to help out.
"The small businesses in Waimanalo are really suffering as a result of the road closure," Harris said. "Although the city's economic development money to support small businesses in outlying communities was cut from the budget, we are still going to try and do all we can to help Waimanalo through these tough times."
Manuel Menendez III, executive director of the city Office of Economic Development, said he could not say what the cost might be.
The community is brainstorming ideas such as a $1 million prize for a hole-in-one shot at Olomana Golf Links and planning an event in conjunction with Waimanalo's annual Christmas parade, Menendez said.
In conjunction with the construction project, Councilman John Henry Felix will introduce a resolution to provide free bus service to residents and tourists. The free service would last until Jan. 2, Felix said, adding that he doesn't have details and will leave routing and scheduling up to the city Department of Transportation Services.
"The main thing is to assist the economy and assist the residents and visitors to access Sea Life Park and other points of interest in the area," Felix said.
The state Department of Transportation announced yesterday that it will spend $7,900 for television announcements for the next two weeks to remind residents and visitors that businesses and beaches in Waimanalo are still open.
State Sen. Fred Hemmings, R-25th (Kailua, Waimanalo), who requested the funding, praised the governor's office for responding quickly.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com. or 234-5266.
