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<br /> Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Murashige, Laura <br /> <br /> From: John Simmerman Dohns88usc@yahoo.com] <br /> Sent: Monday, March 24, 2008 2:54 PM <br /> To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us <br /> <br /> Subject: Hawaii County Capital Budget FY 08-09 <br /> N <br /> d <br /> March 24, 2008 <br /> 00 <br /> <br /> To: Hawaii County Council <br /> 3 <br /> Re: Hawaii County Capital Budget FY 08-09 w <br /> G: <br /> ca <br /> <br /> Aloha Council Members, <br /> <br /> As budgets are statements of our values, we wish to submit some comments and <br /> recommendations for the Hawaii County Capital Budget for fiscal year 2008-2009. <br /> <br /> We are at a critical tipping point in Hawaii 's future. Transportation has become a <br /> critical concern for many residents. A strategy which creates a safe, flexible transportation <br /> network will insure a strong future for our sustainable future and quality of life. <br /> <br /> It is very exciting to see bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Manono St . As the <br /> linkage between UH Hilo and downtown, Manono serves a critical link in the bike network for <br /> Hilo . We urge that the project extend bike lanes to West Kawili Street and that sidewalks be <br /> included. <br /> <br /> We strongly urge the council to read the Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Annual <br /> Report which details the top ten projects for Hawaii Island and recommends specific action <br /> steps towards moving these projects along. While completion of many of these is a long way <br /> off, we can and must fund the next reasonably achievable step in the next fiscal year to <br /> <br /> maintain progress. <br /> <br /> We also strongly support funding the Balance Transportation Coordinator. This position <br /> is currently funded for one year with thanks in part to a Department of Health grant. We urge <br /> the Council to fund this position for five years so we can truly develop a comprehensive <br /> program. <br /> <br /> The ADA improvement line items have great potential in improving walkability in towns <br /> like Waimea. We urge the design of these ADA projects to keep a "path of travel" in mind at <br /> all times. That is, to imagine how a pedestrian would walk from point A to B. Often a <br /> beautifully executed curb ramp leads to a phone pole in the middle of the sidewalk or an <br /> Gomm bkx I v 3 q• 2 <br /> Ref. To, Comal <br /> 3/24/2008 Ref. Date MAR 2 4 NUB <br />