2018-02-26 Letter to Sylvia Luke and Ty J.K. Cullen re HB 2570, HD 1 Relating to Repairing Substandard Private Roads

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Harry Kim Mayor (flittuttiv Paftntil Wil Okabe Alanaging Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director ffire atthr nor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 February 26, 2018 Representative Sylvia Luke, Chair Committee on Finance Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308 Honolulu, HI 96813 Representative Ty J.K. Cullen, Vice -Chair Committee on Finance Hawaii State Capitol, Room 308 308 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Luke, Vice -Chair Cullen and Committee Members: Re: HB 2570, HD 1 Relating to Repairing Substandard Private Roads Hearing Date: 02/27/18 — 12:00 pm; House Conference Room 308 The problem of deteriorating private roads, primarily in Puna subdivisions, has been of long standing and is only getting worse. For that reason, I applaud Representative San Buenaventura for initiating HB 2570, HI 1, which attempts to address the festering problem in an innovative way. However, this problem, has developed over several decades, and deserves a thorough evaluation before the best path forward can be determined. Furthermore, if HB 2570, HD 1 were to pass, Hawaii County would not have enough staff for the pilot program, nor to collect the fees that would be assessed. We would also anticipate large uncollectibles, raising the question of what to do about them. We would respectfully suggest that, instead of choosing the solution dictated by HB 2570, HD 1, it would be better to order a thorough feasibility study looking at implementation options as well as funding choices. We would want such a study to include significant opportunities for the public to participate in the decision-making process, increasing the chances of all-important community buy -in. There is no in-house staff to undertake such a study, and we estimate that hiring a consultant would cost in the neighborhood of $300,000. If the Legislature could help us fund such a contract, I can pledge that the various departments of the County government will do their best to identify and then implement the most viable program that can bring these subdivision roads up to 21st century standards. I again thank those who are attempting to find a way forward, and urge that HB 2570, HD 1 be further amended as explained above. iy submit ed, Harry Kim, Mayor, nty of Hawaii County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.