HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOREDC 029 2022/11/01 (2020-2022) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,
RELATIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: November 1, 2022 Re: Comm. No. 1065/Res. No. 593-22
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development,to which
was referred Resolution No. 593-22, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 593-22, transmitted by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, via
Communication No. 1065 dated October 17, 2022, strongly urging the Hawaii State Legislature,
State Department of Transportation, and Department of Public Works to prioritize, fund, and
complete critical road improvements in Puna. Also, requests collaborative prioritization to
increase public safety, economic viability, and access for emergency vehicles through
infrastructure improvements including the widening of Highway 130, extension of Railroad
Avenue or Government Beach Road into Hilo, and the development of Puna connectivity and
emergency access routes.
Ms. Kierkiewicz introduced the resolution, explaining how she wanted a tool in place to make
the State Legislature aware of the County's support for this issue. She stressed the importance of
people in Puna being able to get to their jobs, school, recreation, and more.
Several Council Members stated their support for the measure.
Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder said that improved internet and telephone
connectivity would also alleviate some traffic congestion indicating that people have to drive
from Puna to Hilo for many needs due to lack of connectivity.
Committee Chair Heather Kimball concluded the discussion by stating that she happily supports
the well-crafted resolution noting its inclusion of mass transit and multi-modal solutions in
addition to work on the road.
The vote was taken on the motion to move this measure to Council with a favorable
recommendation passed with nine "ayes."
GOREDC Report No. 29
GOREDC-29 Page 2 November 1,2022
Your Committee on Governmental Operations, Relations, and Economic Development is in
accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 593-22, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS, RELATIONS, AND
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER x ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
KIERKIEWICZ X
.1/7
KIMBALL X :41,
LEE LOY X ATHER L. K BALL, CHAIR
RICHARDS X GOREDC REPORT NO.: 29
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: NOV 1 6 2022