Editorials
Friday, February 1, 2002
Bills erode protection of
Haleiwa's charms
The issue: The City Council is poised
to OK drive-through operations in the historic district.
The City Council seems likely to approve one of two bills that would
revise special district regulations to allow drive-through service at
businesses in Haleiwa. If the intent is to legalize an existing
drive-through for a McDonald's restaurant and end a long-running
dispute, fine. However, the regulations were set up to preserve the
historic character of Haleiwa and further erosion should be resisted.
The bills before the Council are opposed by residents who correctly
argue that the drive-throughs do not conform to the distinctive
atmosphere of the town. Some businesses are against the measures
because drive-throughs may exacerbate the traffic congestion along
Kamehameha Highway.
One bill, submitted by the Department of Planning and Permitting, would
allow drive-through services until 10 p.m., only along Kamehameha
Highway and at least 2,000 feet apart. Businesses would be required to
screen vehicles with landscaping and resolve traffic problems. The
second bill, proposed by Councilwoman Rene Mansho, would restrict
drive-throughs to the ends of town.
The special district was set up after the old Haleiwa Theater was torn
down to make way for the fast-food restaurant, which stirred the town's
advocates of preservation. In 1997 MCDonald's was granted a variance
for its
drive-through window, but residents and the environmental group Life of
the Land sued. A state judge overturned the variance and the case rests
with the Hawaii Supreme Court. To resolve the issue, the Council last
year voted to revise the regulations and, in December, the Planning
Commission recommended that the laws be changed.
The special district designation seeks to protect Haleiwa's ambiance.
Tourists are attracted because the town's rural architecture recollects
a bygone era. Haleiwa lures residents seeking escape from urban Oahu.
The town's appeal had resulted in bumper-to-bumper traffic on
Kamehameha Highway until a bypass was built.
The Council sees the measures as a compromise that would extract the
city from the legal dispute. Drive-through opponents view the Council's
action as a chipping away at regulations intended to protect Haleiwa.
If the city and Council no longer want Haleiwa to remain a histori;c
treasure, they should repeal the special district designation instead
of breaking it apart bit by bit, then be prepared to meet the voters
who clamor for preservation.