MĀKAHA BEACH

To date, the Mākaha Bridges are being re-constructed; DOT didn’t do as planned to construct the steel bridges on the kai side of Mākaha Beach; DOT opted to construct off-site and install with minimal lane closures. But the facts still stand, the Master Plan is a much safer and smarter choice as it will take the bridges out of the flood zone and keep us safe from high surf, climate change, natural disasters, and the natural effects of beach erosion. It will also take away this straightaway route known for speeding and a lot of drunk driving and showcase the beauty of Mākaha with a more scenic route. 

Being that the newly constructed bridges are still in a FEMA “flood zone,” the community is still concerned about climate change and beach erosion that we see happening today. We need to be proactive about these safety measures, considering there's only one way in and out; no alternative means the community would be stranded in a disaster, no way to receive emergency services, food supplies, etc. Is there an emergency plan of action for a case like this?

There is also a desire to restore ancient marshlands (muliwai) a culturally significant area where Ohana's are meant to come malama and gather, it'll be an outdoor classroom for all; if the water is restored we could raise fish to conserve the environment and reintroduce some endemic to this area which is O'opu, 'Ōpae, Anae, HawaiianDamselfly and other natural resources that are impacted by Kili Drive and the two bridges currently standing. The Master Plan is a much safer and smarter choice as it will take the bridges out of the flood zone and keep us safe from high surf, climate change, natural disasters, and the natural effects of beach erosion. It will also take away this straightaway route that is known for speeding and a lot of drunk driving, it'll also showcase the beauty of Mākaha with a more scenic route.

I will email and hand-deliver signatures to all these decision-makers: Governor David Ige, Mayor Blangiardi City and County of HNL, Oahu Metropolitan Staff, State Department of Transportation, Senator Shimabukuro, City councilmember Tupola, Representative Gates