Councilmember Gabe Johnson Held a Lāna‘i Community Talk Story and almost a Streptopelia Chinensis

By Anthony Kaauamo

Lāna‘i Councilmember Gabe Johnson hosted a community talk story at the Lāna‘i Senior Citizen Center on January 31st, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event, attended by 32 community members, also included Councilmember Johnson’s staff, Legislative Analyst Kate Griffiths and Executive Assistant Roxanne Morita. Key topics included updates on the Lāna‘i Affordable Housing Project, Lāna‘i skate park, youth center, dog park, Expeditions ferry purchase, proposal for a four-way stop sign at 7th and Lāna‘i Avenue, and plans for a County Farmers’ Market space.

The Lāna‘i Affordable Housing Project

The Lāna‘i Affordable Housing Project, developed by Ikaika Ohana, a nonprofit with expertise in affordable housing, is set to include 18 to 26 multifamily units for kupuna and up to 46 single-family homes. The project aims to provide housing affordable to those earning 30% to 60% below the Area Median Income (AMI), focusing on the elderly and lower-income residents. A rent-to-own model, reflecting community preferences highlighted in surveys conducted by CM Johnson three years ago, is being considered to meet local needs. The initiative has gained support from Mayor Bissen’s administration, which will pursue $10 million in federal funding for essential infrastructure development.

Skate Park Discussion 

CM Johnson raised concerns about the Lāna‘i skate park project. The bid for the park came in higher than originally projected, totaling $2.9 million, which led to hesitation from the Bissen administration. CM Johnson continued to advocate for the park with Parks and Recreation Director Patrick McCall agreeing to bond the required funds. However, this decision would require a vote of passage from the Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance, and Economic Development (BFED) committee chaired by Councilmember Yuki Sugimura. CM Johnson urged Lāna‘i residents to participate in the council meeting on February 5, 2024, to express support for the skate park. At the BFED committee meeting on February 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM, discussions led to a recommendation for the passage of Bills 17 and 18 (2024), securing $2.9 million in funding for the Lāna‘i Youth Center and Skate Park. The committee emphasized the project’s importance and the community’s strong support, urging prompt action to avoid further delays.

Dog Park Update 

Despite significant local support evidenced by an online petition with over 100 signatures, and the council approving the budget of $400,000, the administration’s decision not to proceed has stalled the Lāna‘i dog park project. CM Johnson emphasized the need for renewed community backing to influence the administration’s decision or suggested reallocating the funds to support the skate park.

Youth Center Update and Community Discussions on Future Use of Old Facility

CM Johnson updated the community on the progress of the new Lāna‘i Youth Center’s construction, highlighting its safety features which include special hurricane-safe windows. CM Johnson shared his hope of utilizing the existing youth center behind the County Gym for Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) services, with final approval resting with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

During the public discussion, Deborah Dela Cruz highlighted the need for better safety measures for children accessing the new youth center, particularly at night at the dark intersection of Fifth and Fraser. Michele Weinhouse inquired about the possibility of expanding MEO’s use of the old youth center to include a commercial kitchen for local farmers and value-added product companies, while Heather Ruth-Durham suggested establishing an adult daycare facility, a proposal previously made by kūpuna from the Lāna‘i Senior Center.

Four-Way Stop Sign on 7th Street and Lāna‘i Avenue

The Department of Public Works (DPW) approved the installation of three speed tables on Lāna‘i Avenue between 3rd and 7th streets to address speeding concerns. DPW decided not to proceed unless it could combine the effort with another traffic project to save costs. Robbie Sanches, the Highway Division district supervisor for Lāna‘i, mentioned that at the time, there were no other projects available for such a combination. In response, Butch Gima proposed an alternative: a four-way stop at the intersection of Lāna‘i Avenue and 7th Street. He advocated for this solution due to its potential for immediate impact on traffic safety, particularly in light of speeding vehicles and the proximity of neighborhood children. To gauge community preference, a survey was circulated asking residents if they support the installation of a four-way stop, prefer the speed tables, oppose the four-way stop, or need more information before deciding.

The results from the 32 people who responded to the survey indicated mixed responses, with some favoring a four-way stop and others suggesting speed tables as a better alternative. CM Johnson emphasized the importance of community feedback in decision-making, encouraging more residents to participate in the survey for a comprehensive understanding of public opinion.

Diane Preza expressed reservations about the stop sign, concerned that it could add confusion and might not be as effective as speed tables in slowing down traffic. 

Proposal for Open Space County Farmers’ Market on Lāna‘i

CM Johnson discussed the initiative to establish a county farmers market at the County Park on Fraser Avenue near the fire station on Lāna‘i. The proposal suggests holding the market once or twice a week, in the evenings or on weekend mornings, catering to the community’s preference and demand.

This initiative, however, is navigating through administrative challenges due to a shift in responsibility from the Department of Parks and Recreation to the newly established County Department of Agriculture. This department is formulating a strategic plan which includes a pilot Lāna‘i farmers’ market within its first-year goals and has appointed a food access coordinator for better organization.

Community discussions have emphasized the need to involve home gardeners and small-scale farmers, highlighting the advantages of a county-managed market for greater inclusivity and control. The Hawai‘i Farmers Union United (HFUU) is set to manage the market, focusing on insurance and logistics, ensuring a structured and community-focused approach to enhancing local food security and the economy.

Expeditions Ferry Purchase Update

A feasibility study, funded by the last budget, is assessing the possibility of the county purchasing the Expeditions ferry, which is up for sale. The proposed model for county ownership is inspired by the county bus system, emphasizing service over profit. 

Despite Expeditions’ support for this idea, bureaucratic anxiety within the county over executing the plan poses an obstacle. County ownership could lead to expanded services, including a potential Moloka‘i route, and open federal funding opportunities for improving harbor facilities.

Ongoing efforts to gather support involve discussions with federal and state representatives, aiming to secure a future for the ferry service that aligns with community values and needs.

Streptopelia Chinensis

“Throw a towel over it?!” someone from the attendance shouted.

Calmly, Kathy Carroll responded, “Okay, just gently put something over it, like a towel.”

Though an introduced species, the Streptopelia chinensis, or spotted dove, was named ‘ehakō by Hawaiians for its call of “prolonged pain.”

The bird, now a centerpiece of this small-town action, was perched on the window ledge behind CM Johnson’s table. It had barged into the Lāna‘i Senior Center during the Q&A, repeatedly taking nosedives into the sun illuminated windows.

“He’s on that table,” CM Johnson announced. “Ben’s gonna throw it.”

Ever the man of action, Pastor Ben Sheets of the Lāna‘i Union Church, had risen. With a green sheet in hand, Pastor Ben stalked the bird. But, sensing the Pastor’s approach, the bird in a startled panic attempted another escape through the window.

“Ooooooo! Ohhhhh!” the meeting attendees gasped in unison as it hurled itself into the window again.

“Oh, poor thing!” Kathy sympathetically exclaimed.

The Streptopelia chinensis, commonly known as the spotted dove, stands as a prominent figure within the introduced avian population of the Hawaiian archipelago. Characterized by its plush, gray plumage and the distinctive black and white spotting on its neck, the spotted dove thrives in both urban and rural settings, a testament to its versatility. Introduced from eastern China to Hawai‘i in the 1800s, this species secured a presence across the major islands by the dawn of the 20th century.

This individual bird, likely drawn by the prospects of foraging from human activity, showcases the natural behaviors and interactions between the local wildlife and the community. 

Roxanne, with a flick, darkened the room. “I think it’ll help with the darkness,” she said. “Yeah, it’ll find the light and go out the door.”

The bird dove into the kitchen area, prompting CM Johnson to take matters into his own hands; the bird’s presence was a clear disruption to the ongoing community talk story. With no towel in sight, he opted to use his bare hands. Cautiously but swift footedly, he closed in, reached out his arms and nearly grasped the bird between his hands. But, just as before, the bird sensed imminent capture and took off. CM Johnson’s intervention, though unsuccessful in catching the bird, inadvertently guided it towards the side door, allowing it to escape and restoring order to the meeting.

The crowd erupted, “Yay!”

Kathy, clapping, proclaimed, “And a bird-saver, too!”