REP PWIRC 003 12/16/2008 2008-2010

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS DATE: December 16, 2008 Re: Comm. No.12Bi113 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 TIME: 1:00 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred Communication No. 12, regazding Bi113, reports as follows: Bi113, transmitted by Director of Public Works, Bruce McClure, via Communication No. 12, dated November 17, 2008 amends Chapter 24, Article 10, Division 1, Section 24-260, Schedule 8 (45 mile per hour limit), paragraph (c) South Hilo, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 edition, as amended), by adding the following, to be appropriately numbered and to read as follows: " (1 Puainako Street Extension. from Komohana Street to a noint five hundred eiehty- four feet east of Wilder Road." There was no testimony from the public on this proposed bill. Committee Chair Brenda J. Ford relinquished her seat to Committee Vice Chair Kelly Greenwell. Public Works Director Warren Lee and Traffic Division Chief Ron Thiel appeared before your Committee. Mr. Thiel commented that these recommendations were submitted by fonner Public Works Director Bruce McClure. As submitted on the November 17, 2008 transmittal, the future plan for the subject road is for the County of Hawaii to turn ownership over to the State of Hawaii. Furthermore, Mr. Thiel commented the need for this amendment is for traffic enforcement purposes at 45 mph speed limit while the subject road is still under County of Hawaii jurisdiction. Mr. Greenwell felt strongly that decreasing the speed limit is counter productive and very frustrating for the public which can cause anarchy on our highways. Council members Donald Ikeda and Pete Hoffmann commented on the need to re-evaluate the current 45 mph speed limit because they felt it was too slow. A suggestion by Mr. Thiel was PWIRC RPT NO. 3