2024-09-03 PL-INT-2024-008546 GP 2045 Draft Comments - Hilo Bayfront Trails

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20.c Establish a corridor planning/management program that is data-driven and uses performance-based targets and outcomes. We encourage this and want to see the data available to the public. 20.e Adopt a Complete Streets ordinance. This is a critical requirement for complete streets to be advanced in the County in reality, rather than just proclamation. 22.a Amend the County Code to incorporate Vision Zero safety principles and Complete Street design principles. We encourage this. 35.c Partner with government, private and nonprofit agencies, and other stakeholders to increase funding sources for park, recreation, and trail development and maintenance. As a group that has authored four non-County grants along with private donations totaling more than $2 million to help build Hilo Bayfront Trails, we pledge to continue assisting the County and we applaud the commitment to partnering. 35.cc Expand active open recreational opportunities at the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Equestrian Center properties such as bike/walking trails, horse trails, dog- friendly trails, and other outdoor recreation that would complement the Pana'ewa complex. We support this. One important implementation item that we believe is missing from the GP 2045 is a commitment to an Urban Development Plan (UDP) for Hilo. Why is this important? The town of Hilo is unique of all regions on the island in that it lacks a modern CDP (the last Hilo CDP dates from 1975). There is thus no mechanism to accomplish the intended functions of the CDP, which the GP 2045 says are to: 1. Translate the General Plan's broad statements and community development guidelines to actions specific to the planning area to address regional issues and opportunities. 2. Improve and advance communities and community resilience through the acknowledgment and development of community capacity. 3. Provide a process for citizens to engage in civic dialogue and contribute to the identification of community priorities. Citizens in Hilo frequently feel left out of the planning and project review process because of the lack of an Action Committee to monitor implementation of the PO Box 10702 , Hilo , H a w a i`i 9 6 7 2 1 www.hilobayfronttrails.or2 Our Mission: To create a multi-use trail through scenic downtown Hilo for the health and well-being of its people and visitors now and into the future.