My name is Lewis Upfold. Maui resident my entire life, Upcountry since middle school and now live in Haiku with my Wife and 4 children, and I manage Haleakala Bike Company, Bike Maui. Thank you for allowing me to read this prepared statement.
I want testify of my adamant opposition to GREAT-44, not because it looks to address a long-standing concern of upcountry citizens, but because it’s unwarranted overreaching regulation, that comes as a result of the disappointing conduct of this committee. I mean no disrespect to anyone personally, but professionally I find it difficult to condone the actions taken or lack thereof by this committee. On multiple occasions I have invited all committee members to witness our operations firsthand. I am frustrated that not one committee member took the opportunity to visit us to learn more about what we do and who we are, and what we can do to help.
Council Member Kama was the only committee member to reach out to have a conversation after that initial invite. The virtual meeting was a productive and enlightening conversation for both sides. Thank you, Councilmember Kama, for reaching out and displaying the valued traits of community representative.
I can’t think of a better way to address a community concern than being completely informed on the subject from all sides? That’s what the Maui County Dept. of Public Works did when they conducted the Downhill Bike Study in 2010 shortly after the industry peaked. Glen Kimura himself went as far as to DO the bike ride to become better informed. Though he stated he did not feel it was not an unsafe experience he was able to make some recommendations which have been available for the County since the study 12 years ago, when the industry was much much larger than it is now
It’s not only good practice to do this, but an obligation as elected representatives of our community to be informed. Doing anything less would be downright negligent. With hundreds of local residents livelihoods on the line, I’d hope it is worth the effort.
I understand Committee members did have a site visit on Haleakala and met with select Kula residents to discuss the route and regulating our businesses. We unfortunately were not informed about this meeting, nor were we invited. Our experience in the industry could have been useful, so I question why didn’t you consider inviting industry reps to this site visit instead of having that conversation amongst yourselves?
Other questions I have include, Are you aware of the safety features installed in our operations? Do you know the procedures we already take to accommodate local traffic concerns? Have you thought about the state and size of the industry now versus what it was a decade ago? Did you consider the ramifications that will affect the local businesses, residents, and hard-working employees, make a living in this harsh economic climate. Unfortunately, many of those employees can’t be here to express their concern for their careers because they work during these business hours. Speaking as a voice for those that can’t be here, I assure you that like me they are greatly concerned for their livelihood, their families and their wellbeing.
I want to recognize that Chair Molina did reach out to Phil Feliciano who serves as a resource on this issue. Phil is also our Director of operations. were excited about the discussion with Chair Molina and the prospect of being able to work together to find a solution in order to preserve businesses. Following a suggestion by Chair Molina we came up with a proposal that would satisfy many concerns regarding the downhill bike industry. This simple proposal presented 5 points that truly is a compromise with concessions being made by these companies. But it’s something that would not cost any local jobs, would support local businesses, allow informative tours, all while addressing the main concern of the community.
Unfortunately our excitement to collaborate and compromise faded. Needless to say it was absolutely heartbreaking to see the revised ordinance released, not with these sacrifices in mind, but those exact concessions being added to the already extreme restrictions.
Over-regulating organized tours will not help the downhill situation, it will make it worse. By pushing out experienced business you will only open the door for unregulated illegal operations and independent rentals all. The result would be not too unlike how illegal vacation rentals that have had a negative impact on local neighborhoods. Or independent travelers in their rental cars have tarnished the road to Hana experience. When demand remains, commercial tours are essential to providing safe, informative, and enjoyable experiences for our visitors. They also are able to best address the concerns of the community. We always have been open to discussion and reasonable suggestions.
Unfortunately this ordinance as it is written, suggests regulation, but in reality spells elimination. Elimination of jobs and businesses. Prohibiting tours to above 4500 ft and prohibiting self-guided tours will do just that.
I want to express my grave concern for my team, their families, and the other operators, the partners and vendors we work with, as well as the merchants in Kula, Makawao, Haiku and Paia which welcome and rely on our guests to support their business. This industry has been painted as a nuisance by some, but has been a blessing to many in our community. I do believe we have compromised solutions that can be a positive win for all sides. Only If we can have that fair and balanced discussion.
Mahalo
Lewis Upfold
COO – Haleakala Bike Company, dba Bike Maui
Aloha GREAT Committee members,
My name is Lewis Upfold. Maui resident my entire life, Upcountry since middle school and now live in Haiku with my Wife and 4 children, and I manage Haleakala Bike Company, Bike Maui. Thank you for allowing me to read this prepared statement.
I want testify of my adamant opposition to GREAT-44, not because it looks to address a long-standing concern of upcountry citizens, but because it’s unwarranted overreaching regulation, that comes as a result of the disappointing conduct of this committee. I mean no disrespect to anyone personally, but professionally I find it difficult to condone the actions taken or lack thereof by this committee. On multiple occasions I have invited all committee members to witness our operations firsthand. I am frustrated that not one committee member took the opportunity to visit us to learn more about what we do and who we are, and what we can do to help.
Council Member Kama was the only committee member to reach out to have a conversation after that initial invite. The virtual meeting was a productive and enlightening conversation for both sides. Thank you, Councilmember Kama, for reaching out and displaying the valued traits of community representative.
I can’t think of a better way to address a community concern than being completely informed on the subject from all sides? That’s what the Maui County Dept. of Public Works did when they conducted the Downhill Bike Study in 2010 shortly after the industry peaked. Glen Kimura himself went as far as to DO the bike ride to become better informed. Though he stated he did not feel it was not an unsafe experience he was able to make some recommendations which have been available for the County since the study 12 years ago, when the industry was much much larger than it is now
It’s not only good practice to do this, but an obligation as elected representatives of our community to be informed. Doing anything less would be downright negligent. With hundreds of local residents livelihoods on the line, I’d hope it is worth the effort.
I understand Committee members did have a site visit on Haleakala and met with select Kula residents to discuss the route and regulating our businesses. We unfortunately were not informed about this meeting, nor were we invited. Our experience in the industry could have been useful, so I question why didn’t you consider inviting industry reps to this site visit instead of having that conversation amongst yourselves?
Other questions I have include, Are you aware of the safety features installed in our operations? Do you know the procedures we already take to accommodate local traffic concerns? Have you thought about the state and size of the industry now versus what it was a decade ago? Did you consider the ramifications that will affect the local businesses, residents, and hard-working employees, make a living in this harsh economic climate. Unfortunately, many of those employees can’t be here to express their concern for their careers because they work during these business hours. Speaking as a voice for those that can’t be here, I assure you that like me they are greatly concerned for their livelihood, their families and their wellbeing.
I want to recognize that Chair Molina did reach out to Phil Feliciano who serves as a resource on this issue. Phil is also our Director of operations. were excited about the discussion with Chair Molina and the prospect of being able to work together to find a solution in order to preserve businesses. Following a suggestion by Chair Molina we came up with a proposal that would satisfy many concerns regarding the downhill bike industry. This simple proposal presented 5 points that truly is a compromise with concessions being made by these companies. But it’s something that would not cost any local jobs, would support local businesses, allow informative tours, all while addressing the main concern of the community.
Unfortunately our excitement to collaborate and compromise faded. Needless to say it was absolutely heartbreaking to see the revised ordinance released, not with these sacrifices in mind, but those exact concessions being added to the already extreme restrictions.
Over-regulating organized tours will not help the downhill situation, it will make it worse. By pushing out experienced business you will only open the door for unregulated illegal operations and independent rentals all. The result would be not too unlike how illegal vacation rentals that have had a negative impact on local neighborhoods. Or independent travelers in their rental cars have tarnished the road to Hana experience. When demand remains, commercial tours are essential to providing safe, informative, and enjoyable experiences for our visitors. They also are able to best address the concerns of the community. We always have been open to discussion and reasonable suggestions.
Unfortunately this ordinance as it is written, suggests regulation, but in reality spells elimination. Elimination of jobs and businesses. Prohibiting tours to above 4500 ft and prohibiting self-guided tours will do just that.
I want to express my grave concern for my team, their families, and the other operators, the partners and vendors we work with, as well as the merchants in Kula, Makawao, Haiku and Paia which welcome and rely on our guests to support their business. This industry has been painted as a nuisance by some, but has been a blessing to many in our community. I do believe we have compromised solutions that can be a positive win for all sides. Only If we can have that fair and balanced discussion.
Mahalo
Lewis Upfold
COO – Haleakala Bike Company, dba Bike Maui