HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0047.009 2020-2022 ill 217`
COMMV
From: Erik Diaz
.Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2020 7:37 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill No 217, Draft#2
Dear Councilmembers,
With regards to Bill 217, to be voted on this Tuesday, December 22nd:
While the gist behind the proposal (improving safety on Waipio Valley Road) holds water, unfortunately the
attempted execution of said goal is substandard, and unfortunately creates a discriminatory practice that is very
wnl ikely to hold up when it is inevitably litigated. As a prime example, the wording used to segregate or
exempt "Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners" is exceptionally vague, rendering enforcement of the restriction
impossible, all the while creating an arbitrary prejudice against other Hawaii residents, many of whose families can be
traced back for generations on this island.
More work needs to be put into detailing who can use this county road, and how. The bill in its current format
unfortunately lacks the necessary elements to remedy the problem at hand. Given, at a minimum, the discrimination
against other Hawaii County residents on a public road, I suggest that the councilmembers reject the bill as it stands
and spend some more time devising a more comprehensive strategy that does not so easily and openly lend itself up to
legal action.
Few would disagree that there is a pressing need to preserve Waipio Valley. Unfortunately the proposed bill would
1 ikely increase vehicular traffic, in turn worsening pollution and traffic, and ultimately creating more consternation
among those that value the importance of the Valley the most,the locals.
Limit the numbers, charge a fee for visitors, or create an exception for all Hawaii residents. There are so many good
options at hand, yet such a poorly implemented (and barely thought out?) second draft. The last thing this county
needs is a lawsuit because of a weakly-worded bill.
Thank you for your time. Please feel free to contact me with questions or clarification.
Erik Diaz, Kukuihaele resident
:•
t.=r
t � - w
Comm. No. 41 '
Ref.To: P RWI
1 Ref. tete DEC 2 3 02-