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Murashige, Laura <br /> From: fames Weatherford [gardengreen@hawaiiantel.net] <br /> Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2007 3:48 PM <br /> <br /> To: counciltest[mony@co.hawaii.hi.us ~ ,i ~ <br /> Subject: Bill 79 ~t~ ~ 2- <br /> C <br /> Aloha kakou, <br /> Comment Regarding Bill 79 <br /> My knowledge of the Hawaiian language is minimal; however, I do know that 'ua mau ke ea o <br /> ka aina ika pono' does not mean, 'pave Paradise...cut down the trees and put up a parking <br /> lot.' This is a problem with Bill 79. <br /> Furthermore, Bill 79 is an example of the conflict between good intentions and unintended <br /> consequences. <br /> 2n a central area with concentration of commercial and public services, an increase in <br /> parking space provides a short-term increase in access for private motor vehicles and <br /> impedes long-term development of mass transit. <br /> An alternative and more progressive policy successfully employed in other jurisdictions <br /> sets a limit on the number of parking spaces associated with each business, with an <br /> allowance for loading/unloading and handicapped parking, as well as a minimum of two <br /> regular parking spaces plus addition spaces based on the size of the business. <br /> Typically, parking spaces above the limit are allowed, and a fee is levied on each of <br /> these 'excess' parking spaces. The revenue collected is put directly into free mass <br /> transit 'loop routes' for buses in the central area. Critically, the public's access to <br /> commercial centers is not inhibited; rather it is accomplished in a different way that <br /> results in fewer motor vehicles moving in the central area, which in turn improves access <br /> for pedestrians. <br /> Generally, the above policy has been used for urban centers. Some version might be usable <br /> in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and/or Waimea; and, in my opinion, would work well in my community, <br /> Hawaiian Paradise Park. Of course, in all cases, a `business district loop' bus service <br /> must actually exist. <br /> Bill 79, as currently drafted, would add yet another obstacle to a seriously functional <br /> mass transit system in the County as a whole and especially in urban areas. <br /> The forthcoming Puna Community Development Plan will be recommending, as a matter of <br /> priority much higher than highway widening, the development of commercial and service <br /> centers in Puna. These would include one or more on the 20-acre parcel(s) zoned for such <br /> use in Hawaiian Paradise Park where the population is 10,000 and increasing faster than <br /> anywhere in the state. <br /> Approved as now drafted, Bill 79 would be a one-size-fits-all policy that mandates a <br /> County-wide deterrent to driving less. A deterrent to driving less even as there is a <br /> growing need to be able to do exactly that. <br /> Akahele <br /> Mahalo nui loa <br /> James Weatherford, Ph.D. <br /> PO Box 2017 <br /> [15-1888 6th Avenue, Hawaiian Paradise Park] Kea~au, Hawaii 96749 <br /> Telephone: 808-982-5549 <br /> Comm. No. ~ ~ 7' <br /> Ref. To: <br /> Ref. Date 22 <br /> 1 <br /> <br />