County Officials Discuss Waipi’o Access Road

Hawai’i County officials met with residents of Waipi’o Valley last Wednesday to discuss options for the Waipi’o Access Road.

Hamakua Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter and Noland Eskaran of the Waipi‘o Taro Farmers Association organized the meeting that was held at the Honoka‘a Sports Complex.

Two other community organizations were present including the Waipi‘o Kukuihaele Community Circle and Hā Ola O Waipiʻo.

Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi, along with representatives from the Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works, Fire Department, Police Department and Parks and Recreation were also present.

According to Barett Otani, Hawai’i County Information and Education Specialist for the Department of Public Works, the purpose of the meeting was to obtain input and feedback from the Waipi‘o community in what they envisioned for the Waipi‘o Access Road.

“The Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works presented options and rough cost estimates of possible road improvements and modifications,” he said. “The County’s primary focus is on safety and access of the road for the general public. A follow up meeting will be scheduled to further discuss the direction the Waipi‘o community wants to take regarding Waipi‘o Access Road.”