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C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Afqvor William V. Brilhante.1r. Vanagnig, I jo-ector County of Hawai % i POLICE DEPARTMENT 141) Kapi"olani %trect I filo, Hmui'i 96720-3948 18080.15-3311 MARCH 7, 2025 TO: HEATHER L. KIMBALL, COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 FROM: BENJAMIN T. MOSZKOWICZ, POLICE CHIEF A7$- SUBJECT: DEPARTMENTAL INPUT; BILL NO. 28 Benjamin T. Yloszkowicz Pnhce Chief Reed K. Mahuna Dejylo�v Police Chief This responds to your memorandum dated February 19, 2025, requesting the Hawaii Police Department's (HPD) recommendation on Bill No. 28, as to whether the operation of commercial bicycle tours on the affected highways, or portions thereof, should be prohibited. Additionally, you requested the HPD's opinion on whether the proposed prohibition be extended out to Lakeland and the intersection of Old Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea. Staff reviewed the proposed Bill No. 28 as well as the 'Proposed Prohibited Area for Bike Tours.jpg" and "Extended Proposed Prohibited Area for Bike Tours.jpg" you provided. Although there is no record of calls for service, as reported by H5m5kua District Captain Reynold Kahalewai, relative to a bicyclist causing a hazard or being involved in a traffic collision on Old Mamalahoa Highway between Mauna Loa Street and Highway 19 in the past three and a half years, it should be noted that the road is very narrow in some areas allowing only a single vehicle to traverse at a time. With traffic including large commercial vehicles going to and from the quarry as well as ranch traffic towing livestock trailers, cyclists would face risk, especially at these narrow areas and particularly those unfamiliar with the roadway. Additionally, Captain Kahalewai noted that during an Ahualoa Association meeting in November 2024, residents reported "close calls" with bicyclists. The Ahualoa residents in attendance unanimously encouraged that this Bill move forward. Due to the roadway's limited width, traffic composition and riders' expected unfamiliarity with the road conditions, HPD recommends adoption of Bill No. 28. Further, HPD supports the extension of the proposed prohibition on commercial bicycle tours to the entire length of Old Mamalahoa Highway from Mauna Loa Street to Lakeland and the intersection with Highway 19 in Waimea. JE/dmv 25HQ0165 "I kmai'i County is an Equal Oppontinity 11roviderand Lmplt)Ner"