Course clear for $4.7 million Makapu'u makeover

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

MAKAPU'U — Hikers and sightseers soon will be able to park safely and walk along paved paths to take in the stunning scenery on this last undeveloped stretch of coastline in East O'ahu, state officials say.

Chris Pliska, right, and Alex Colby watch as their friend, Don Ikenbery, paraglides at Makapu'u. The state could launch its $4.7 million construction plan for Makapu'u as early as next month. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

"Undergrounding the utility lines is an outstanding idea," said Rob St. Onge, an 'Alewa Heights resident who was there Tuesday. "What we have here is rather unattractive. It's very unsafe to park along the side of the road when you go hiking."

The plan cleared the last major government hurdle yesterday when the City Council unanimously approved the Special Management Area Use Permit. That allows state officials to begin as early as next month with a $4.7 million construction plan.

Long sought-after by preservationists, the plan will improve the scenic lookout at Makapu'u Point and the walk up to the Makapu'u Lighthouse by taking the cars off the roadside, and building two 18-space lots. The parking lot near the hiking trail will be locked at night and will be only for cars. Tour buses will only be able to drop off passengers and leave.

The goal of the state's plan is to preserve the scenic vista and make it safer for motorists, hikers and bikers. This is the second time the state has had to obtain city approval for the permit. The first approval was in 2001, but the permit expired because of bureaucratic delays over obtaining ownership agreements among state, city and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The state has been working on the project since a master plan on the area was adopted in 1996.

"I'm happy with the council action today," said Dave Matth-

ews, a key preservationist and proponent who worked with the state to create the 354-acre Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline spanning from Queen's Beach to Makapu'u Head. Matthews, who has pushed for the project for years, said he looked forward to seeing it completed in his lifetime.

Most important is that the area will never have any hotels built there as once were proposed, Matthews said.

Tim Tilden of Hawai'i Kai rides his bike along Kalaniana'ole Highway to the Makapu'u Lookout three to four times a week. He says he likes the idea of the utility lines in the area being placed underground. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Stopping at the lookout earlier this week was Kalihi resident Lynn Defebaugh, who was showing the view to visiting friends.

Defebaugh, who regularly brings visitors to the point, said that the triangle area where tour buses, vans and individual cars stop now is dangerous. It's hard to merge onto the highway in either direction and the lookout is shabby.

"It's way overdue," Defebaugh said. "You can't take visitors to Hanauma Bay anymore just to stop because it's often closed. So this is it."

Cyclist Judi Harrison, a Hawai'i Kai resident, praised the state on its efforts to keep the area rustic, natural and yet safe.

"I bike up here and sometimes check out the surf," Harrison said. "It could be so attractive up here."

The state plans to remove seven utility poles along the makai side of Kalaniana'ole Highway and five off-road poles and place the lines underground. This is a key component of the project, which is being paid for with federal money.

Also part of the plan is the relocation of a sightseeing platform, which is about 60 feet in diameter, about 25 yards from the lookout. The new lookout areas will be higher and offer the same panoramic view of Makapu'u Beach, the ocean, and Manana and Kaohikaipu islands. All lookouts will meet Americans with Disability Act standards.

Reach Suzanne Roig at 395-8831 or at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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