AC Minutes 10Feb2015 DRAFT - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.Communication No. 2015-6 – Mass Transit Subcommittee (MTSC): June reported on the activities of the subcommittee. Public Testimony: 1.Jesse Floyd, Program Specialist for Developmental Disabilities Council, testified that transportation is a large issue for persons with intellectual disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities Council is concerned with the lack of “hub and spoke” and the lack of a MTA plan. An ordinance was adopted in 2008 that requires “hub and spoke” in the MTA plan. Insufficient transportation is a barrier for persons with developmental disabilities. Included in June’s report was the subcommittees’ discussion on efforts for a “hub and spoke” transit service for Puna and the submittal of a draft letter for Mass Transit Agency, to be considered by the AC. The subcommittee has sent many letters via the AC to Tiffany Kai at MTA and have received no response. René suggested that it may be time to involve the Mayor in this issue with MTA. Sharon asked if Council Members Danny Paleka and Greggor Ilagan could comment on this issue. Oshi asked Patti if she could invite Councilman Paleka and Councilman Ilagan to participate in the conversation. Patti invited Councilman Paleka and Councilman Ilagan to the table. Councilman Danny Paleka suggested that he try to set up a meeting with Tiffany Kai, June, Councilman Ilagan and himself as a means to get more information regarding the “hub and spoke” and the MTA Master Plan. Councilman Greggor Ilagan is disappointed in the lack of response from MTA and reported that MTA is in the process of hiring and they should be better staffed in the near future. He believes there are now 80 operating buses and Puna has benefited from the increase in busses. Oshi asked for an update on the status on the CIP request for increased bike carrying capacity on buses. The full MTSC report (Communication No. 2015-6) can be viewed and downloaded at the following website, http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/1/doc/71432/Page1.aspx 6.Communication No. 2015-7 – AC to Tiffany Kai (Mass Transit Agency) Requesting Information: Public Testimony: 1.Jesse Floyd, Program Specialist for Developmental Disabilities Council, testified that the Mass Transit Plan has to be a County wide effort. Don’t confuse systems with operations. He believes the root of it all is the lack of a master plan. Goals, barriers and systems need to be identified. Leila moved to accept Communication No. 2015-7. Second by Sharon. The AC considered a draft letter submitted by the MTSC requesting information on: -Number of operational buses and which areas they are serving; -Status of the development of the Hawai‘i Island Mass Transit Master Plan; and -Status of the development of mass transit service to the airports and post offices. June moved to add the sentence “The Subcommittee requests a response to the above prior to th the next scheduled meeting of the Mass Transit Subcommittee on February 24” immediately following the numbered bullets. Second by Elmer. Motion passed with 8 votes aye and 0 votes nay. René moved to add a CC to Mayor Kenoi. Second by Sharon. Motion passed with 8 votes aye and 0 votes nay. Sharon moved to accept the red edits on Communication No. 2015-7. Second by Oshi. Motion passed with 8 votes aye and 0 votes nay.