I am writing to express my discontent with the county’s recent decision to close the parking lot at Laaloa, also known as Magic Sands Beach Park. As many of you know, the heiau that rests to the south of Magics is a very sacred space and holds deep cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. The reverence shown for this heiau is not the issue I tend to address, but rather the heavy-handed manner in which the county dealt with the problem.
The problem stems from complaints that were made in regard to people trespassing on the oceanfront site. I am unaware of the evidence regarding the allegations but from what I have seen myself it seems that the plastic fencing that the parks department put up had been kicked over and presumably trampled. Whether the offenders were tourists or locals who park in the lot or the homeless people who camp on the other side of the rock wall is uncertain. But regardless of who the perpetrators were, the current system doesn’t prevent anyone from walking right up and kicking that rickety fence over. It only prevents cars from using the much needed spots. As a result, people are now instructed to use the parking lot across the street which, ironically enough, is right next to another heiau! Although the lot is bigger, it fills up quickly and requires people to cross the street. This crossing has created a danger zone due to increased traffic and impatient drivers since the switch early last week.
Another issue that needs to be addressed is the issue of signage. One of the first Hawaiian words you’ll learn if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like myself is kapu. Pretty strait forward, it means keep out! There was a sign that said kapu, but over the years the wood that it had been written on has rotted and it’s hardly legible any longer. Now there are laminated, medium font, typed, printer paper sized signs hanging from the pathetic plastic fencing telling people to respect this sacred place and kapu! The fence and the signs themselves show me level of reverence the state has for this cultural monument and the amount of devotion they have for preserving that space. I find the fence and the whole situation absolutely disgraceful!
In my opinion, a plaque showing the history of the site should be erected and a more high quality fence should be built. The lot should be reopened and any suspicious activity should be reported to the police. We have summer vacation coming up and traffic throughout that area and along Alii Drive is going to pick up quickly. By not thoroughly addressing the causing factors and taking appropriate measures to correct the situation, it is my believe that the county has done a blatant disservice to our community.
Matthew Pinstein is a resident of Holualoa