A number of community members blocked access to the entrance of the Waipiʻo Valley Access road yesterday in protest to Mayor Roth’s recent decision to begin allowing limited access to the road.  The Mayor’s recent decision, which went into effect yesterday, allows limited access for Hawaiʻi island residents, county-permitted tour operators and those seeking to practice Native Hawaiian customs and traditions. People entering the valley must travel in covered four-wheel drive vehicles. Access on horseback, all-terrain vehicle, by foot, or riding in the back of pick-up trucks is prohibited.

Protect Waipiʻo Valley held a press conference to discuss their presence on the roadway and their group’s position regarding the updated rules related to access of the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road.  The group objects to Mayor Mitch Roth’s decision to start allowing limited access into the valley.

Mayor Roth released the following statement on the event:

“Our administration stands by the potential danger that the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road presents to all who traverse it. To mitigate that potential danger, we closed the roadway to all non-valley residents and/or kalo farmers in February. Since then, we have been challenged on our decision in court and have gone through mediation regarding access rules for other constituencies, have listened to additional community concerns, and have continued to review expert information. The amended declaration and rules reflect all of those factors. However, this access only pertains to the roadway itself and not the land beyond where the County road ends. All land beyond our roadway is privately owned. That said, we understand that the residents, kūpuna, and kalo farmers of the valley are asking that no one enter the valley at this time unless they have an immediate responsibility there or are a resident. Our administration supports their efforts to educate prospective visitors about their sentiments and asks the community to be mindful of their actions as they affect others. Hawaiʻi Island is a place of great respect and aloha, and we are confident that our residents and visitors will make decisions representative of such. We look forward to continued discussions regarding access to the roadway and encourage everyone who is a stakeholder to participate in those meetings to ensure their manaʻo is represented. This is the only way that we will be able to ensure a thriving Hawaiʻi Island where all our keiki can thrive and succeed.”

Photo credit: Protect Waipiʻo Valley Facebook Page