Wisdom Meets in the Middle

WATCHDOG © 2011

The Watchdog has been observing of late. Things are progressing nicely for the most part; everyone seems to want to try to work together. That being said, this is no take away from the positive things, but a note of caution. Normal human reaction to a situation that has become extreme is to knee jerk to the other extreme. Is it perhaps time though for the dust to settle, time to pause and try to see the trees in the forest not just the barren land? 

It is time to reevaluate the different rules and regulations that keep the governing of this substantial community as equitable for all as possible. Toes will be stepped on, ideas will be lost that may be wise, differences of opinion will occur and that is how it should be. When any group of people come together it is really the stronger of the personalities that guide the goal setting and the eventual accomplishments of that group. Certainly an agenda is an important tool for completing tasks to reach the end goal. 

We live in a beautiful place. The trees, the flora, the avian life each and all appeal to the sensory mechanism that triggers the heart to be enamored of this lovely place. When someone comes along and decimates the land, denudes the trees and flora from the land and consequently destroys the avian habitat most people will grow ill at ease. The Watchdog does! The Watchdog loves the forest that provides shelter and beauty. Unfortunately, one of our beautiful canopy trees is also considered hazardous within a populated area and from time to time must be pruned or removed in order to diminish its ability to destroy private property or public safety. Why all the commentary and what does this have to do with the pendulum swinging from one extreme to another? Great question.

As a means to prevent the destructive devastation of flora and fauna/avian life within our community, a strong consideration for redefining what 'Land Clearing' may mean for each Member is under discussion for change at some point in the near future. Our current governing documents: " DECLARATIONOF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS HAWAIIANSHORES RECREATIONAL ESTATES " --  #19 -- provides a thorough explanation for the Owner responsibilities with regards maintenance and repair of the individual lot/s. Words like '...prevent...from becoming unsightly or hazardous...' and ' ...removal of trees/roots...prevent damage...' The actual text used in the document is explicit. It lacks any ambiguity --yet current consideration of various changes will eventually lead to the Board of Directors and ostensibly out to the Membership for consideration. Being considered: a change to reflect a 'single' tree removed [regardless of the definitions in #19] will require additional bureaucracy in filing an application for review by a committee for approval. At a time when the Board has dealt with complaints about Albizia Tree overgrowth posing hazards to the water lines, private property, etc., for years; and at a time when trying to have individual Members accept the responsibility to maintain their lot according to item #19 of our CCR's, adding a new requirement to seek permission to remove a tree would/could be considered counter intuitive. Additionally, from time to time, trees become fire hazard, having died and become brittle. The responsible thing for a homeowner is to cultivate their property in a way that promotes the health of the environment at least within the parameters of their own property. Removing dead wood is essential to that goal but now may require approval from a committee???? While it is agreed, bulldozing a lot from 'pin to pin' on the premise that it somehow manages invasive species from propagating is absolutely reckless land management and should be overseen by someone other than the reckless individual. But, removing a tree because it has become hazardous or has lived its life and presents a hazard of another type by approval of a committee is extreme in the opposite direction. 

Perhaps, reasonableness is the wise course and meeting both extremes in the middle with rationale planning is the best option. Most folks who take their land management seriously wind up planting trees for food or aesthetics even when they have a virtual jungle of natural flora still remaining. Most who take their environment seriously understand the essential life giving purpose of every tree, plant, leaf, etc. They are more likely to add to that cycle by planting more than simply eradicating what little is left. 

Let's be reasonable. Let's understand what 'Land Clearing' is and let's work with the folks to moderate the actions of those who would simply 'doze a lot' while leaving those who wish to 'landscape' and 'manage' their lot to their dreams and ambitions. 

This commentary is not written to expose or chastise anyone. Factually, having those who are trying to take the lead in proper stewardship of the community at the many levels is commendable. However, it will be necessary to stay in touch, observe what is being planned. Those discussions which may be over the line need to be further developed within the community for a broader expression through definition. That is the sole purpose of this particular post, to begin discourse among members of the community and inspire them to come and share their concerns and suggestions with the Board for consideration by the Board during their decision process. The more the merrier and with an active Membership reasonable minds will prevail to the best for all instead of the whims of special interests.

JUST SAYING....