Question: I read that the city is doing a survey about which Honolulu views to preserve. First, why do we have to choose? Protect them all! Second, this survey is only online. What about those of us who don’t have a computer or smartphone? I would like to express my opinion!
Answer: Hawaii’s public libraries provide free access to internet-connected computers for patrons with a valid library card and PIN. If you don’t already have a library card and PIN, visit your nearest branch to obtain them (bring proper ID). Then you could log on to 808ne.ws/citysurvey to complete the Honolulu Public Views Study Survey being conducted by a consultant for the city Department of Planning and Permitting. Access to the online survey closes May 31.
We shared your concern with DPP, and a spokesman said you could express your opinions in person at a community meeting or by mail to DPP. However, without your knowing the survey questions, it’s doubtful either method would convey the same level of detail as gathered by the interactive, online tool. The survey questions funnel down from general questions gauging support for various views visible from urban Honolulu, to specific questions about views of particular landforms, bodies of water and historic buildings.
For example, respondents are asked whether views of landforms (mountains, craters), buildings, water (ocean, shoreline, lagoons, canals, harbors) or something else (“other”) are most important. Then, regarding mountains, they’re asked whether it’s OK to see only the peak or whether a view of the whole range is important. Then the survey lists 15 landforms, including the Koolau Range, Diamond Head, Punchbowl and the Waianae Range, and asks, “In your opinion, views of which landform(s) is/are most important?” Respondents can select more than one. There are similar ranking lists for views of specific bodies of water and historic buildings.
There’s also a section that gauges respondents’ overall priorities, asking, for example, whether they are “concerned about the impact that the elevated rail guideway will have on public views,” or “looking forward to new views being made available from the rail guideway system.”
An introduction says the survey will “help determine the views of natural and manmade features that are most important to protect as the city develops. … Ultimately this survey will help the city achieve the right balance between new development and the preservation of valued public views.”
Knowing that, we encourage you to seek free access at the public library before the online survey closes. We’ll also follow up again with DPP to see whether there is a way that most elements of the survey can be replicated in a hard-copy or telephone format so that more people can participate.
In the meantime, DPP spokesman Curtis Lum said you can submit written comments to:
Department of Planning and Permitting
650 S. King St., 7th Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
ATTN: View Study
The May 31 deadline doesn’t apply to written comments.
There also will be at least one community meeting open to public comment, he said; it has not yet been scheduled.
Q: Is this limited to people who live in Honolulu?
A: No; the online survey is available to anyone with internet access.
Auwe
Auwe to the person who abandoned or let loose as many as four rabbits in an upper Pearl City residential district. The rabbits managed to eat many orchid buds, ornamental plants and my spring flower seedlings. I’ve spent considerable resources to keep those creatures off my property, without much success. I worry they will multiply and cause more problems for my neighborhood. — A reader
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