1 October 2001
To:����� �����������
Chair Mike Molina and Members
����������� ����������� Public
Works and Transportation Committee, Maui County Council
From:� ����������� Elliott Krash, President
����������� ����������� Kula
Community Association
Subject:��������� Public Works and Transportation Committee
Meeting, October 3, 2001
����������� ����������� Agenda
Item PWT-32: Draft Maui Outdoor Lighting Standards
Position
The Kula
Community Association supports the bill proposed by the Ad Hoc Maui Committee
for Outdoor Lighting Standards which would establish standards for outdoor
lighting to: maintain safety, security, and production; promote energy
conservation; improve environmental conditions for astronomical studies,
wildlife, and plants;� and minimize
unsafe and unsightly light trespass, light pollution, and glare.
Explanation
The Kula
Community Association (KCA) Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the
"Draft Maui Outdoor Lighting Standards".�� In addition, a report by the Ad Hoc Committee to the general
membership of the KCA was enthusiastically received.� The KCA Board supports the proposed ordinance and asks that there
be serious consideration to the full acceptance of its content.
The KCA
has been active in the past in recommending remedies for our state and county
lighting practices.� We responded to
detailed questions from the County Public Works Committee on Outdoor Lighting
in 1995 and supported lighting standards in the 1996 Upcountry Community Plan
Update.� Our association and others
proposed comprehensive outdoor lighting standards which were not adopted.� Such standards are long overdue.
The
proposed "Maui Outdoor Lighting Standards" would address many
problems caused by our existing inappropriate lighting.� A few of these concerns are: light trespass
and pollution, energy waste, glare, visual clutter, unsafe travel conditions,
and endangered wildlife.� As population
increases and urban areas grow, these problems will intensify, resulting in
diminished safety, economy, and quality of life.
The KCA
Board believes outdoor lighting restrictions, established and enforced by a
comprehensive ordinance, are the only remedy to poor lighting practices.� We urge the Maui County Council to adopt the
proposed "Maui Outdoor Lighting Standards".