HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0637.002 2020-2022 cound I
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2022 7:59 AM
To: Heather Irwin
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE: Resolution 327-22
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-----Original Message-----
From: Heather Irwin
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2022 7:07 AM
To:Council Remote Testimony<councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: Resolution 327-22
Regarding Resolution 327-22
Funding for Hawaiian Beaches/Shores via Malama O Puna
Aloha,
My name is Heather Irwin, and I live along Kahakai Blvd in Hawaiian Beaches.
In 2018(pre-eruption) I connected with Councilwomen Eileen O'Hara regarding the safety along Kahakai.The process to seek
resolution was initiated. Unfortunately shortly there after the LERZ eruption began.
At that time, I had also spoken with police regarding excessive speeding and reckless driving along Kahakai.The individual in charge
said that he would see that police would come down more and try to await these racing cars.One night they were able to come
down,this too was just prior to the eruption.
Since the eruption too place,funding,time,and resources as we all know became limited and the focus was to help people get back
home,and recover. I have remained patient, being mindful that sometimes other people's needs are greater.
However, in the past two years,we tho particularly like ye past year even more so..crime and reckless driving has increased
substantially.
The speeding along Kahakai (including cars passing each other dangerously at all hours) has only gotten worse. We have an
elementary school at the top of our neighborhood and children walk to and from school.There is no safe passage for them,and
surely no safe passage when cars are driving so fast.
I'm aware of what 45 mph looks like,which is over the speed limit already. However, I'm witnessing cars exceeding 60 mph along
that road routinely.
The section or Kahakai between Kaku to Puni Makai (and beyond)see if yet is similar to drag racing.Cars that burnout for exended
periods of time and then take off racing in whatever direction. Comm.
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With the distance homes are set back off the road (some being very close)..a car that loses control can and will plow into a house
some day. Let's just hope that whatever section of a home they hit.. no one,especially a child is there and injured or worse.
The crime is out of control. it is astounding how consistently there are reports, images,complaints,and other means of sharing
concern, issues or violations appear or NextDoor and other networks for sharing.
There are cars,and people, and areas of certain streets,which can and are defined and recognized as problematic areas.The issue
with apprehension of these people often falls on inability to capture a picture in time,or safely being able to do such.
Just in the past month a neighbors dog was hit on Limu stree because someone was speeding and ran the stop sign at Kumu. Racing
of cars happen down there, late night parties, excessive speed and reckless driving.That's an isolated pocket.
On Puni Mauka,a house was broken into and items stolen.Thieves returned in broad daylight for another round.These are
fishermen/women in our community.
Another B&E at the end of Kahala/Railroad. Not to even get into the constant threats in lower Shores/Beaches.The trash and activity
taking place at Honolulu Landing,speeding ATV's heading to Sand Hill.
It hasn't reached a point that most do not feel safe leaving their homes empty for any period of time.
I had company this past week. My family members here are both runners. I had to advise them that it simply was not safe to run.
Between cars,dogs,and general suspicious activity.. it was best they didn't. I showed them were to run safely, but anywhere along
Kahakai was an absolutely no.
Our community enforcement officers are absolutely doing their best,with inadequate staff levels.Our neighborhood needs other
means at this point, until Puna can have appropriate level of officers and we can get the crime in check.
We all have awareness, but we need evidence at this point, and we need those who are committing the crimes to be aware that we
are watching.This is no longer being tolerated and we have definitively taken action. It is at the very least a start in the right
direction for our community.
Mahalo for your time and consideration of this funding.Our neighborhood would greatly appreciate it, as it will help us start securing
the future safety of our homes and neighbors homes too.
Heather Irwin
Sent from my iPhone
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