A recent Hawai'i Supreme Court ruling reiterated the state's commitment to retaining as much of the shoreline as possible for use by the public.

The court said the public shoreline extends to the highest wash of the waves during the high tide of the season with the highest waves, and that those establishing where the shoreline is can use vegetation or wave-washed debris, whichever is farther inland.

Still, it can be hard to reach the public coastline in many parts of the Islands when private property abuts the beach. Public parking is often limited at existing beach access lanes, and access routes can be overgrown or blocked by neighboring landowners. In many parts of the state there is no legal way from public roads to the shoreline.

A Kaua'i project points out a different way to approach the issue of coastal access.

The county's Ke Ala Hele Makalae — translated as "the path by the shore" — is well under way toward creating a developed path along a 16-mile stretch of shore from Anahola south to Nawiliwili. It amounts to about one-seventh of Kaua'i's coastline. And while small portions will detour away from the beach, most of it will run right along the coast.

If completed as planned, it will provide unprecedented access for Kaua'i residents and visitors to the sea. Much of that coast is rocky and rugged, but it also has several impressive sandy sections. The path will be built for walkers, bikers and, in some areas, horseback riders. No motorized vehicles will be allowed.

And while a path is about moving, in the long run the more important function of the Kaua'i path may be access. Not since the days when plantations let residents freely travel along plantation roads to get to the beach has this kind of access been available.

A shoreline trail, in essence, becomes a "linear coastal park," Ke Ala Hele Makalae supporters say. And it gives teeth to the state's commitment that beaches are public.

If you have a question or concern about the Hawaiian environment, drop a note to Jan TenBruggencate at P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766 or jant@honoluluadvertiser.com. Or call him at (808) 245-3074.