HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0843.011 2020-2022 f/�gApq✓" e e AvidF
From: Christian Engelhardt
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2022 10:38 AM 70,72 JULI AN 0 115
To: Council Testimony
Subject: TESTIMONY ON Comm. 843:July 5 Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Works and
Mass Transit
TESTIMONY ON Comm. 843: REQUESTS AN UPDATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
REGARDING THE WAIANUNUE AVENUE REHABILITATION PROJECT
Submitted on June 30, 2022, via email to the Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit
Thank you for giving the public the opportunity to provide testimony. My name is Christian Engelhardt, a small
business owner in Hilo and the vice president of Hilo Bayfront Trails.
I have lived in downtown Hilo for about 15 years after living in the country. Our family moved into town to be close to
school for our daughter and enjoy a less motorized lifestyle. I commute to work and use my bike whenever possible.
I enjoy the small size of Hilo and being able to not use the car. However this requires some planning in choosing the
best routes. Most roads are lacking an adequate shoulder and there are only a few dedicated bike lanes which
makes biking a challenge. There have been improvements on making our streets safer and including non-motorized
vehicles but more needs to be done.
I have been in the meeting regarding the Waianuenue project between the Major, DPW and a group of residents
back in April. DPW stated that there were no plans to implement bike lanes. Some of the arguments as to not
changing the current road layout were safety concerns, lack of space, timing and budget to accommodate bike
lanes. We were promised more transparency and public input, however there was no communication and public
involvement to the current work on Waianuenue.
Waianuenue is a school zone and every attempt should be made to slow down and reduce traffic. Wider roads
increase speed and accidents. Adding bike lanes is not a safety risk rather the opposite is true. I would slow down
traffic and increase safety. One example is the Kapiolani extension which I ride frequently. The bike lanes here are
safe and cars don't speed. In my experience, motorists feel safer too because they don't have to do risky overtaking
maneuvers.
As to the lack of space on Waianuenue, there is an existing plan that includes bike lanes with the only negative effect
of removing a few parking stalls. The benefits for the community is greater than the loss of a couple parking
spaces. Kids should be able to bike to school. We need to provide safe environments if we want to encourage more
non motorized commuting and physical activity. Increasing the safety of biking and walking can contribute to
increasing physical activity.
Every road project is an opportunity to improve our community. It would be short sighted and a mistake to
not include bike lanes on Waianuenue. I welcome the adoption of the Complete Streets by the County. If the
County is really committed to improving the safety and wellness of our community there is no excuse for not
including bike lanes here.
Sincerely,
Christian Engelhardt
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