REP FC 105 2023/10/31 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DATE: October 31, 2023 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 9:30 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Re: Comm. No. 561/Bill No. 97 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 97, reports as follows: Bill No. 97, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako via Communication No. 561 dated October 13, 2023, amends Ordinance No. 23-51, as amended, relating to public improvements and financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. This bill adds the Public Works Lanikaula Street Rehabilitation Kilauea Avenue to Manono Street — County project ($1,250,000) and the Lanikaula Street Rehabilitation Kilauea Avenue to Manono Street — Federal project ($5 million) to the Capital Budget. Funds for this project shall be provided from General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund — Fund Balance and/or other Sources ($1,250,000) and Federal Grants Receivable ($5 million), to rehabilitate roadway pavement. Committee Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy asked Public Works Deputy Director Malia Kekai if these funds were only intended for street rehabilitation or if it included bike paths, sidewalks, and painting of streets. Ms. Kekai replied that this is only intended for street rehabilitation. Ms. Kekai provided a more detailed background on this measure. Ms. Lee Loy commented and asked if the department would consider including sidewalks in this project, as this is in the area of the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus. Sidewalks would ensure student safety when walking to classes. Committee Member Michelle Galimba asked Ms. Kekai if she could tell her how many blocks on Kilauea St. She replied that it was only one block. Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada wanted to second Ms. Lee Loy's sentiments regarding the students' safety. Ms. Kagiwada also supported this project. Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commented on the recent road improvements on a section of Kilauea and how that impacted the community. He mentioned that there has been an increase in traffic, which can occasionally be backed up at one of the busiest intersections. Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder told Ms. Kekai that with this project, he hopes the department will find some balance for both the need for street rehabilitation and the community's needs. FC Report No. 105