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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMIN PWMTC 2022/09/20 2020-2022 Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit 26th Session West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building A Kailua-Kona, Hawaii September 20, 2022 CALL TO The regular meeting of the Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit ORDER: was called to order at 1:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Kona, by Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Chair. ROLL CALL: Present: Ms. Susan L. K. Lee Loy, Chair Ms. Maile Medeiros David, Member Mr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Member Ms. Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Member Mr. Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, Member(via videoconference from Hilo Ms. Rebecca Villegas, Member Absent& Excused: Mr. Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member Mr. Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, Vice Chair Ms. Heather L. Kimball, Member STATEMENTS The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, FROM THE Statements from the Public on Agenda Items. PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS: (There were none.) CHR. LEE LOY: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. If you could start us at the top of the agenda, with Communications, please. COMMUNI- The Chair directed the Committee to proceed to the next order of business, CATIONS: Communications. Comm. 967: REQUESTS A PRESENTATION BY RACE DIRECTOR DIANA BERTSCH REGARDING THE ROAD IMPACTS AND CLOSURES RESULTING FROM THE IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RACE EVENT TO BE HELD IN KAILUA-KONA ON OCTOBER 6 AND 8, 2022 From Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba, dated August 17, 2022. (Note: Comm. 967.1, from Council Member Holeka Goro Inaba dated September 16, 2022, transmitting a PowerPoint presentation, was circulated.) PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 Motion to Close File: Mr. Inaba moved to close file on Comm. 967. Seconded by Ms. David. CHR. LEE LOY: Mr. Inaba, go ahead and lead our discussion. MR. INABA: Mahalo, Chair. We have Diana Bertsch and Sarah Martin from the Ironman organization. And being that the Ironman events are coming up this year, in just a couple of weeks, I wanted the community to have the opportunity and, you know, more exposure to what impacts would be felt by the community this year, especially there being two race days, Thursday and Saturday. So, I believe our folks here from the Ironman have a presentation. Diana, mahalo for being here to share with us; and if you want to just take it away with the presentation and I think we'll ask questions after. Thank you. (Note: At this time, Ironman Race Director Diana Bertsch and Executive Assistant Sarah Martin came forward to address the members of the Committee.) MS. BERTSCH: Thank you, Holeka. We'll go ahead and share this. CHR. LEE LOY: Diana, if you don't mind taking a few minutes introducing yourself, and then in the meantime, we'll let our audio-video pick up on the presentation so we can simultaneously broadcast it. So, go ahead. MS. BERTSCH: I should go ahead and start then? Okay. CHR. LEE LOY: Introducing yourself yes,please. MS. BERTSCH: Okay, thank you so much. On behalf of Ironman, we appreciate the opportunity to share what we're doing this year in the community. It will be three years since the last time we held the Ironman World Championship here on the Island of Hawai`i. During that time, there's a lot that's been happening, and so we'd like to share a little bit about our history, the changing landscape that we've all experienced around the world, and our plans for 2022. (Note: At this time, Ms. Bertsch provided a PowerPoint presentation to the members of the Committee. For viewing of the subject presentation, please see the DVD copy of the meeting proceedings on file in the Clerk's Office, or to the video archives online from the County's homepage at www.hawaiicounty.gov. A hard copy of the presentation is made a part of the record, see Comm. 967.1.) Page 2 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 MS. BERTSCH: I kind of buzzed through the end of it fast, but wanted to get through it and give as much of an overview as I can. And I know your time is valuable, so I do appreciate the opportunity to be here today. Our theme this year is Ku Like, and I think that what's resonated with our team, our theme in 2021 was "A New Beginning." And the new beginning ended up being in Saint George for our event, and that's not what we were planning. But we were very grateful for the County to support us in the action of being there, and I'm very grateful for the team in Saint George. But what that made me realize is we were going into 2022. And in talking with Mahea Akau, she and I have worked on our theme for years, is you know what, there's no time like now for all of us. And no matter what we're doing in life, to come together and stand together. Because there's no doubt, with each other we're so much stronger. And we're very, very fortunate to be in a place that we are, to have this as home, and to have a community that is coming together to support this iconic event. Thank you. MR. INABA: Thank you, Diana. I'm really appreciative. I think I want to take a moment also to recognize the kahiau together. That was something that really helped benefit primarily the West Hawaii community; but during COVID (Coronavirus Disease) when a lot of our folks were out of work, the line of cars was extensive and you folks were there often, so thank you so much for that. MS. BERTSCH: Thank you. MR. INABA: In terms of the airport traffic coming from north of the airport, what is the recommended plans for those folks, or what should they be expecting? MS. BERTSCH: So depending on where they're coming from, if they're coming, and depending on the time that they're coming, they'll be detoured to go up through Waik6loa Village if they're coming out that far north; but if they're at Four Seasons' area, they'll be allowed. So all traffic will be allowed access, as safety permits. We won't deny anybody access to get to their job or to get to the airport. MR. INABA: Okay, thank you. MS. BERTSCH: There will be detours. And I think the biggest thing is to, again, to plan and prepare. It's not going to be your typical day to the airport. Perfect example, for me today, wasn't my typical day to get here. It took twice as long today for, you know, whatever reason. And so I think during the time of the event is the visitor's pick-up is just to plan that it's going to take longer to get to your destination. Page 3 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 MR. INABA: Got it. And then for those in our communityI mean most times people plan ahead and don't plan to go to the store on race days. But being that there's two of them, those coming from Kalaoa, North Kona area, their best plan to get into a store or get around the community. MS. BERTSCH: So I don't want to like point out any particular store that you should go to on race day, but Henry will actually be open, Henry Street. MR. INABA: Okay. MS. BERTSCH: So Palani Road is quite shut down, but you can access the Henry side. That would take you to a couple of grocery stores that are in the Lanihau Shopping Center. MR. INABA: Okay. MS. BERTSCH: In Niumalu. MR. INABA: Perfect. And then—I know you shared with us quickly the route map. Is that available at a specific website or on your social media for people to review? MS. BERTSCH: Yes, absolutely. It is available on the Kona Community website. Sarah thinks I can see this; it's really tiny. But it's www.Ironman.com/kona-community, and that can also be accessed through the Ironman World Championship's main page. MR. INABA: Okay. And then second to the last question for me. Right now, if somebody did want to volunteer, are you folks still looking? MS. BERTSCH: Absolutely. We welcome any and all volunteers, and they can access the volunteer page through that same community website. MR. INABA: Wonderful. And the last one is more, perhaps a statement. I know there have been questions to some of the Council Members regarding County resources being extended. So can you just share a little bit about what conversations you folks had with the Mayor? And I believe we have a resolution coming up, but you won't be there for that. You know, what work you folks did to secure adequate human resources along the course, and what the County will be providing. MS. BERTSCH: Thank you very much for bringing that up. Yes, absolutely. You can't do what we're doing, you can't put on a world championship event, such an iconic level event at this level, without the support of the community, and the leadership that's here, as well as HPD (Hawai`i Police Department) and Fire, Page 4 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 and every part of the services that are provided. So we're going to work with the County to ensure that the funds for Police are provided. MR. INABA: Got it. Thank you. And with that, that's all the questions I have. Just wanted again to provide the opportunity for more exposure, to get this information out. So, thank you for being here. MS. BERTSCH: I really appreciate it. Thank you very much. CHR. LEE LOY: Thank you, Mr. Inaba. Ms. Villegas, go ahead. MS. VILLEGAS: Aloha, ladies. Thank you for being here. MS. BERTSCH: Thank you. MS. VILLEGAS: And for this presentation and the video. I just had a couple of things that I wanted to touch on. First off, I wanted to thank you for—even though our new mineral sunscreen law doesn't go into effect until December 1st you have taken the opportunity to communicate with myself and the Council to take steps beforehand to educate athletes, visitors, and family members that may be coming with them about that change and why the change has been made; and to actively look for and secure partnership with sunscreen companies that are solely mineral-based. So, I want to thank you for that. That just really puts us kind of ahead of the game, as we navigate this. So, I really thank you for that. Another thing I just wanted to mention—like I was just handed a piece of testimony from someone who was finding themselves—and you guys probably received this letter already, from a farmer in South Kona who was set to travel back and is now facing some challenges with that. But in order to clarify for the public, the airport is still open and people still go to and from the airport the day of, correct? MS. BERTSCH: That's absolutely correct. And I think in working with HPD and the State this year on the highway, in finding a way to open up the northbound lanes for people to get to the airport in an easier way, has been incredibly beneficial. That's new. And we're working to get that message out that those lanes are open. Again, it doesn't mean it's going to be as fast to get there, as it may typically be. Right, but there are better access routes. MS. VILLEGAS: Great. Okay, thank you. And then somebody had mentioned, those that work in the resorts, and may get off at 7:00 a.m. and need to go to Kawaihae, is there somewhere on the websiteI'm just trying to remember the timeframe of the swim, you know, being right in Central Kona, what time the roads up north then close. So folks trying to navigate home on those roadways, with gas being upwards of$6 a gallon, going all the way up from Waik6loa and then back down to Waimea, is really cost-prohibitive for some of them. So just Page 5 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 wondering where people might be able to find the best way to navigate those routes based on the timing of the event. MS. BERTSCH: You know, really actually good information, because we have provided density reports to some of the business up at Kawaihae as well as that Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. So some of those businesses in there are timing their workday around when people are going to be there. We have not posted that on the road closure site, but it's a really good idea and something we can definitely do, so thank you for that. MS. VILLEGAS: Awesome. That would be fantastic. And also, a huge mahalo. It wasn't always an option, we didn't always have four lanes and with a divided highway; and now that we do, thank you for taking advantage of that opportunity, and moving the race on to solely the southbound lanes, the more makai lanes. Because I think that really will ease a lot of the burden for people, and with, you know, Thursday's event being during the workweek. It used to kind of be Saturday was the crazy day, and we'd either like go to the other side of the island. Or I would go camping or MS. BERTSCH: Come on, Rebecca, you would get in there and get involved. MS. VILLEGAS: Yeah, I did a couple of times. Always get chicken skin. But I just thank you for taking the initiative, because for some people it does cause another level of hardship. And so I honor your truest intention and authentic desire to ease any burden that it might place on anyone here, to always have an open-door policy, with open ears and a creative mindset for how to mitigate any challenges that may be caused, and also participate in our community and giving back. Being born and raised here, and having experience with this race in all different capacities over my lifetime, and listening to other folks who are also longtime kama`aina here. And some get grumbly sometimes, and then others you know, then have an experience, where all of a sudden they get to get to personally benefit from the resources that Ironman has brought to this island, that are here year-round, whether or not it's barriers, or garbage cans, or stancions, or just the your team and the resources that are here, and your willingness and generosity to share them year-round with other events and organizations and community groups. I personally am very grateful. And I know that as a County, we are overall very grateful, as well. MS. BERTSCH: Thank you very much, Council Member Villegas. I do want to say suggestions are welcome. I've leaned on you. I've leaned on Council Member Inaba. And we're always learning, and that's how we as a community, how we as an organization can be our best. Your suggestion today about the website, it's perfect. And on the cultural side, we do lean on Page 6 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 Council Member Inaba, because you're 100 percent right, our goal is to absolutely be our best, and this is our home. MS. VILLEGAS: And stronger together. MS. BERTSCH: Absolutely. MS. VILLEGAS: And stronger together. MS. BERTSCH: Ku Like. MS. VILLEGAS: Yes, all right. Thank you so much. I yield. CHR. LEE LOY: Thank you, Council Member Villegas. Anyone else? Ms. David, go ahead. MS. DAVID: Welcome, ladies, and thank you for that presentation. I just wanted to understand the instruction that Ironman gives participants. Do you have any instructions on the routes that the participants take for training before the event? And my question isliving and coming from the rural areas of South Kona, all the way to, yeah, Ho`okena and Honaunau, I have heard that during race time there are participants that go back and forth on those roads. As you know, no bike lanes, no sidewalks, and hardly any shoulders in that area. I think that was the most urgent thing that I've been hearing every time Ironman comes. I appreciate that you guys are always being proactive. But I'm just wondering whether you folks have heard about that concern and whether there are any limits on where the participants can train. MS. BERTSCH: We've never been provided a"this is where they can and cannot," or any guidelines to say that they can or cannot, with the exception of Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority. We do work to educate our athletes; and again, in this year with our mindful visitation, those are some of the points that we're really trying to drive home. And it's not just going south, but it's being mindful on the highway as well as when they're running or they're riding on Alii Drive. I know that people do ride south. It's a beautiful ride year-round. And it's something that we are discouraging people to you know, follow the rules of the road to the best that we can. Like any visitor, I would love to say that we can control any visitor at any time of the year, but we're doing our best, and that's part of our entire Live Aloha Initiative is to really make certain that people have more of an awareness. One of the initiatives that we've started with the Live Aloha Initiative is a K6kua Patrol. We're putting some people that are from here in the community, and they'll be in trucks with lights. They'll have access to radio to our Race Page 7 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 Operation Center; that if there's a problem on the road with an athlete, as well as if we see an athlete in a location that, "Hey, you've got to ride single file,"we'll be able to pull them over and have conversations. So along with the initiative to educate prior to people getting here, we will have people out on the road, and some ambassadors out on the road, working to try to support people adhering to the rules of the road and being conscientious of our community. MS. DAVID: Right, and I think that's where I'm coming from, is being conscientious that there are areas within—especially because of the participants, no, I see a participant and a visitor being told two different things, right? The participant—I'm just asking if they can be mindful to not track into the rural areas, especially for H61ualoa, South Kona, Napo`opo`o Road. I mean, yes it's beautiful, but on any given day when we have a race like this, if we have a heck of a lot of people participating, that means more people on those roads. And between now and over the last five years, it's amazing how much traffic and people are on those small roads up mauka. So,just food for thought. And I appreciate anything you can do to, you know, notify or inform participants to please be respectful in the same manner as having aloha for this area because those areas are really I'm just afraid for the safety aspect of it, you know, because we have so many cars on the road now, and people. MS. BERTSCH: Absolutely. And we will do our best to continue to get that message out. MS. DAVID: Thank you very much, because anything you can do to help with that, I appreciate it. Thank you. I yield. MS. BERTSCH: Thank you. CHR. LEE LOY: Thank you, Ms. David. Anyone else? I just have one question related to your—you mentioned radio ads, and I was just wondering if they were running on the east side, and I ask that question because clearly there's going to be a lot of impacts here on the west side. But my husband used to direct a lot of traffic during his days at the Police Department, and so a lot of the workforce actually, with your first responders, are coming from the east side, and so I don't want them to be unaware of the two dates, So I was just wondering, how far that broadcast is going? MS. BERTSCH: It is island-wide. And one of the things that we were just discussing is—well, we 100 percent agree with you, what you don't want is somebody that's staying in a hotel over in Hilo, to decide to, "Hey, you know what, I'm going to check out Kona on the 6h to the 8h." So we're working to get Page 8 PWMTC-26 September 20,2022 the information over there, as well. It is interesting how our community sometimes is, because when we were distributing information south, they were like, "Oh, no, no, no, that doesn't affect us. We don't want it." And so it's like we're like, "We really want you to take it,"because anybody that it touches, we just want the awareness out there. So we're working to get that message in Hilo as much as possible, as well. CHR. LEE LOY: Great. Yeah, if you could just share it island-wide that would be helpful. Thank you, ladies, for being here. One more time, the website? Because this will be on Na Leo. MS. BERTSCH: Yeah. No, thank you very much. It's www.Ironman.com/kona- community. CHR. LEE LOY: Great. Thank you so much. Members, we have Communication 967 motion to close file. All those in favor, please say "aye." Vote on Comm. 967: The motion to close file on Comm. 967 was carried Filed by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Lee Loy —6. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. CHR. LEE LOY: A motion to adjourn,please? ADJOURN- There being no further business, at 1:45 p.m., Mr. Inaba moved to adjourn the MENT: meeting. Seconded by Ms. David and carried by the following voice vote: Ayes: Committee Members David, Inaba, Kierkiewicz, Richards, Villegas, and Chair Lee Loy —6. Noes: None. Absent: Committee Members Chung, Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder, and Kimball—3. Excused: None. Page 9