Can You Trust the Realtor Lobby?

We did a lot of grass roots awareness this past legislative session, and moved forward, albeit slowly, in fashion with the political process. Recently Pacific Business News provided a recap on Real estate-related bills must await another day.
Among those favoring the proposal was Marti Townsend, program Director for Kahea, the Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance.

"From high parking fees to no parking at all, private gates to shoreline shrubbery, poor signage to vacation rentals beachfront resorts to military installations, access to Hawaii's beaches is in serious danger."

Opponents included the Hawaii Association of Realtors.

"With regard to major developments, it is highly likely that property owners would readily agree to providing public access upon final approval of their projects," the association testified. "It is not practical to impose requirement for public access prior to the final approval on entitlements."

When I first read this comment (my emphasis in bold) I thought it was a typo! Did they mean "highly unlikely"? That has certainly been the position taken by beach front property owners in Kailua. Just drive down Kalaheo Avenue and you will see a steady stream of "Private Lane" and "No Public Access" signs posted block after block. And let's remember that it was the gating off of the traditionally shared access point on L'Orange Place that led to the formation of Beach Access Hawaii.

Here are just a few advantages for homeowners. The more access points we have:
* The less traffic impact on each individual access point.
* The faster emergency response for fire and safety officials should you or your guests be in danger on the beach.
* The more the local residents can keep the access clean and monitored for good behavior.
* The less hostility will be generated in the community; hostility can lead to vandalism.
* The more we get to share the spirit of Aloha and keep Hawaii, Hawaii, instead of becoming like the gated communities on the mainland.

I would love to see our local realtors start a public petition stating their name, company, and an affirmation that they indeed will promote beach access in every sales contract they write up, and will help us educate beach front homeowners to the many advantages of keeping more access, not less. 

Realtors, do we have any takers? Do you really believe that most homeowners that most homeowners are likely to willingly provide unfettered beach access? I'd love to hear from you.

[Rich is on vacation and he has asked me to blog in his absence.]