Kaua’i now has the state’s strongest coastal protection law after years of work stemming from public outcry over vanishing beaches and precarious property improvements. After hearing hours of testimony, the County Council passed a science-based shoreline setback ordinance yesterday at
Kaua’i now has the state’s strongest coastal protection law after years of work stemming from public outcry over vanishing beaches and precarious property improvements.
After hearing hours of testimony, the County Council passed a science-based shoreline setback ordinance yesterday at the Historic County Building. The vote was 4-2.
The law mandates a 40-foot minimum setback plus 70 times the annual coastal erosion rate as recommended in the Hawai’i Coastal Hazard Mitigation Guidebook.
Previously, the county required a 40-foot setback with an option for land owners to appeal up to 20 feet.
The law preserves beaches and protects property owners’ coastal assets, Councilman Mel Rapozo said.
Environmentalists, such as Caren Diamond, said the new ordinance establishes a strong foundation to protect the island’s diminishing coastline, but its failure to factor in global warming and predicted rises in sea level remains a concern.
She and fellow North Shore resident Barbara Robeson were some of the many who testified before council – advocating for a clear, strong, coastal protection bill.
Councilwoman Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho said the resulting legislation reflected compromise.
Councilman Jay Furfaro proposed an amendment that would have made the county’s shoreline setback bill similar to a version Maui approved before the Guidebook was published Jan. 1, 2005.
The Council defeated his proposal, which would have required a 40-foot minimum setback plus 50 times the annual coastal erosion rate.
Furfaro argued for the weaker version, based on arbitrary numbers, to suffice until a study is completed that is expected to provide aerial photographs and historical documentation of the Kaua’i coast.
During a break in the meeting, Diamond said the new law will require landowners in the interim to do the science themselves and conduct their own coastal erosion studies.
The Council deferred bills related to vacation rentals and Grove Farm property.
• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.
