LIHUE » The Kauai County Council has delayed a decision on approving a proposed residential beachfront development on the island’s north shore as it considers public access to a beach.

The Garden Island reports developer Falko Partners has offered access to Waipake Beach over 200 yards of narrow footpath with a 12-foot cliff on one side and lava rocks and ocean on the other.

Buyers for 80 already approved homes at Kahuaina Plantation subdivision would have straight access to the beach.

Hope Kallai attended a council meeting last week. She says the proposed easement is a safety problem.

Falko Partners attorney Dennis Lombardi urged the council to accept the easement and then work out easier access with developers.

Council members deferred a decision to Nov. 13 after a site visit.