State land chief cautions guidebook writers
Maui News
By VALERIE MONSON, Staff Writer
KAHULUI – The co-author of the controversial guidebook, "Maui Revealed," has been asked by Peter Young, chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to make revisions in future editions regarding descriptions of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve and surrounding sensitive places.
"We believe that with the recommended changes, visitors using your book will be safer and have a better quality experience, and at the same time, the natural and cultural resources of the area will receive less direct human impact," wrote Young in a 6¢-page letter sent Monday to Andrew Doughty of Wizard Publications based on Kauai.
The letter was distributed to members of the Ahihi-Kinau/Keoneoio Advisory Group Tuesday. The panel endorsed the suggested revisions and added three of its own that will be sent to Doughty under separate cover.
Lisa Williamson, the director of marketing for Wizard Publications, told the advisory group in August that recommendations from DLNR would be reviewed. Harriett Friedman wrote the book with Doughty.
While other guidebooks contain information about Ahihi-Kinau and adjoining Keoneoio, "Maui Revealed" has been blamed for much of the increase in traffic because of its detailed maps and style of writing that seems to suggest that readers can disregard signs posted by private landowners.
Young recommended that the authors encourage visitors to snorkel at Ahihi/Kanahena Cove and Dumps (Maonakala) rather than the vulnerable coves known as Fishbowl and Aquarium.
"A reduction in the number of visitors to the Aquarium and Fishbowl sites is needed to protect the sensitive natural resources (such as rare corals) found in these areas, and we believe the alternative sites provide an equally impressive snorkeling experience," wrote Young.
The recommended revisions "also reflect an intent to include more information about the natural conditions of the area, so that visitors are aware of the potential dangers of walking over lava to remote areas and of snorkeling or swimming in rough seas," Young continued. "This recommendation is to increase public safety – there have been several rescues in this area that are a result of unprepared users."
The advisory group applauded Young’s letter, but decided to send Doughty three more suggestions that emerged from Tuesday’s meeting. Those are:
” Being aware of the panel’s decision to ask DLNR to completely close off access to Fishbowl and Aquarium.
” Urging visitors to stay away from dolphins so they don’t harass them.
” Properly identifying private property and making it clear that visitors should respect those properties.
Young also asked that the authors tone down some of their descriptions, eliminate directions to some sites and completely delete a hike to Kalua O Lapa, the vent on the mauka side of the road which involves difficult hiking on a rocky trail as well as trekking across a lava field without a path.
"If there is no existing trail, then it is irresponsible to direct people to this area," wrote Young. "They will end up trampling the lava, thereby committing illegal offenses."
State land chief cautions guidebook writers
By VALERIE MONSON, Staff Writer
KAHULUI – The co-author of the controversial guidebook, "Maui Revealed," has been asked by Peter Young, chairman of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to make revisions in future editions regarding descriptions of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve and surrounding sensitive places.
"We believe that with the recommended changes, visitors using your book will be safer and have a better quality experience, and at the same time, the natural and cultural resources of the area will receive less direct human impact," wrote Young in a 6¢-page letter sent Monday to Andrew Doughty of Wizard Publications based on Kauai.
The letter was distributed to members of the Ahihi-Kinau/Keoneoio Advisory Group Tuesday. The panel endorsed the suggested revisions and added three of its own that will be sent to Doughty under separate cover.
Lisa Williamson, the director of marketing for Wizard Publications, told the advisory group in August that recommendations from DLNR would be reviewed. Harriett Friedman wrote the book with Doughty.
While other guidebooks contain information about Ahihi-Kinau and adjoining Keoneoio, "Maui Revealed" has been blamed for much of the increase in traffic because of its detailed maps and style of writing that seems to suggest that readers can disregard signs posted by private landowners.
Young recommended that the authors encourage visitors to snorkel at Ahihi/Kanahena Cove and Dumps (Maonakala) rather than the vulnerable coves known as Fishbowl and Aquarium.
"A reduction in the number of visitors to the Aquarium and Fishbowl sites is needed to protect the sensitive natural resources (such as rare corals) found in these areas, and we believe the alternative sites provide an equally impressive snorkeling experience," wrote Young.
The recommended revisions "also reflect an intent to include more information about the natural conditions of the area, so that visitors are aware of the potential dangers of walking over lava to remote areas and of snorkeling or swimming in rough seas," Young continued. "This recommendation is to increase public safety – there have been several rescues in this area that are a result of unprepared users."
The advisory group applauded Young’s letter, but decided to send Doughty three more suggestions that emerged from Tuesday’s meeting. Those are:
” Being aware of the panel’s decision to ask DLNR to completely close off access to Fishbowl and Aquarium.
” Urging visitors to stay away from dolphins so they don’t harass them.
” Properly identifying private property and making it clear that visitors should respect those properties.
Young also asked that the authors tone down some of their descriptions, eliminate directions to some sites and completely delete a hike to Kalua O Lapa, the vent on the mauka side of the road which involves difficult hiking on a rocky trail as well as trekking across a lava field without a path.
"If there is no existing trail, then it is irresponsible to direct people to this area," wrote Young. "They will end up trampling the lava, thereby committing illegal offenses."
posted by DP at 11:22 PM
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