REP PWIRC 045 05/16/2006 2004-2006

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DATE: May 16, 2006 RE: Comm. No. 824/Res. No. 317-06 PLACE: Council Chambers TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred Resolution No. 317-06, reports as follows: Resolution No. 317-06, transmitted by Hawaii County Council Member Donald Ikeda, via Communication No. 824, dated April 13, 2006, requests a feasibility study for the closure and realignment of the existing Hilo Bayfront Highway and the restoration of the Hilo Bayfront Beach. The resolution cites the County of Hawaii General Plan's identification, in its recreation profile for South Hilo, of a plan for the elimination of the Bayfront Highway, the widening and realignment of Kamehameha Avenue and the expansion of costal recreation areas. The resolution further cites the County of Hawaii General Plan's identification, in its transportation profile for South Hilo, of a plan for the closure of the Bayfront Highway. The resolution also cites the "Envision Downtown Hilo 2525: ACommunity-Based Vision and Living Action Plan for Downtown Hilo" study, adopted by the Hawaii County Council, wherein it identifies the need for a study on the realignment of the Bayfront Highway to develop walking access from Downtown Hilo to Hilo Bayfront, and the need to restore Hilo Bay to a clean and healthy state. Your Committee heard testimony from two members of the public regarding the proposed request. Both members of the public spoke in support of the resolution. One member of the public stated that although closure of the Hilo Bayfront Highway may be inconvenient, it would be a good idea since the clean-up of the highway due to storm surge generated rubbish and debris is constant and costly. He also expressed hope that the Hilo Bayfront Beach would restore the azea to its natural state as it was prior to the 1946 tsunami. The other member of the public spoke in favor of the resolution via written communication. Mr. James M. O'Keefe, Vice President of the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association ("DIA") informed members of your Committee that the Board of Directors of the DIA is in unanimous support of the resolution. Mr. O'Keefe stated that by moving the beach "closer to the downtown core, it would become more convenient and accessible to those many people who frequent the downtown area for shopping, historical tours, and cultural events."