Here are some of the messages we have received:

Sustainable Growth

Thanks you for your proactive efforts for sustainable growth. I would like to point you in the direction of a city that has done things right and can be used for inspiration and modeling as Waimea navigates the pressures of the future. Arcata California in Humboldt County is a perfect example of how to approach the areas future. They have a great general plan and community development plan. Looking to their success can help you avoid sprawl, traffic, and other pitfalls as well as maintain an independent, self sustaining economy within "town" and keeping the character of your community intact and prospering. Please look up Arcata California on the web and rally the community to follow suit.

Also, in regards to the bypass and it's effects on the Waimea economy.... take a look at ski towns like Breckenridge Colorado and Park City, UT, Truckee, CA and even a coastal town like Arcata, CA or Cannon Beach OR to see how the bypass can actually not only ease traffic problems but greatly enhance a town's main street economy.

Safety of Our Children

I am most concerned about the lack of safe walking (and biking) areas in town including sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and crossing lights. I would love for kids to be able walk to their friend's homes, or to the store, without the fear that they will be hit by a reckless or speeding driver, or a driver focused on area congestion and unable to register pedestrians. As and example: my son attends school on Opello road, and that corner is particularly dangerous!

There are many, many children in the area (about 300 on any given afternoon due to Montessori preschool & elementary, No'olani Apartment children and Kanu O'ka Ania Charter school) many of whom are on foot or bike, and the cars just overwhelm the intersection and seriously threaten the safety of these kids. I think it reflects very poorly on a community that does not take into account the needs of our most vulnerable members, who do not have the option to drive to avoid being the danger of being hit!

Thank you for taking the lead in this vital effort to improve and protect our little piece of heaven here in Waimea.