The Hanapepe Economic Alliance has promoted the economic and social well-being of Hanapepe town for more than 15 years. Now the non-profit group may be getting help in addressing issues of key interest to Hanapepe residents — economic expansion, affordable
The Hanapepe Economic Alliance has promoted the economic and social well-being of Hanapepe town for more than 15 years.
Now the non-profit group may be getting help in addressing issues of key interest to Hanapepe residents — economic expansion, affordable housing, a regional park, maintenance of parks and the opening of the island’s first residential drug treatment program for youths near Salt Pond Park.
Residents recently gathered at a county-sponsored Ka Leo O Kaua‘i meeting at the Hanapepe Armory to discuss the establishment of a community association.
If formed, the association would work with Hanapepe Economic and other groups to give the area a unified voice in government, opening the way for that community to receive more government funds to enrich the area for residents and visitors alike.
Angela Headley, vice president of Hanapape Economic, said her organization has helped the community immensely through business and beautification projects, and would welcome the help to address new issues.
“The more the better,” she said. “We need as many people as possible who are willing to volunteer.”
William Trugillo, a community response specialist with the Ka Leo program, said some residents voiced the need for the new group a few weeks ago and audience members helped bring more form to it at the Ka Leo meeting.
Trugillo said some residents feel another group would bring another way of doing things to the table and possibly resolve issues more quickly than if fewer groups worked on them.
“They want the group because they wanted a more recognized voice in the community,” Trugillo said.
The role of the new group, if established, has yet to be defined, he said.
“Because this is the beginning, how it would be different from the other groups is not known right now,” Trugillo said.
The need for more groups focusing on issues specific to Hanapepe may be tied to more growth in the area.
“I have lived in Hanapepe for seven years, and you can already see there are more houses than before, more artists in town and more residents up in Hanapepe Heights,” Trugillo said.
The new group would tackle a new slate of issues important to the community, he said.
He thanked groups that have served the community, including the Boys and Girls Club of Hawai‘i, which set up after-school sport activities and tutoring programs at the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center.
Those programs have helped West Kaua‘i youths find self-esteem and develop self confidence, he said.
Another existing community group whose focus is park improvement has sought funding and has helped install playground equipment at Hanapepe Heights and at the Hanapepe Cliffside Park.
Before the new group is formed, Trugillo said, “we need to make sure that everybody is involved, so that there is a buy-in.” If established, the group may represent the interests of residents from ‘Ele‘ele and Port Allen, Trugillo said.
Those wanting to help form the new group can contact Trugillo at 241-6246.
• Lester Chang, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@kauaipubco.com.
