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From: janet Matlock
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 11:16 AM -�
To: Council Testimony -
Subject: Oppose 2023-24 Capital Budget Item #29 Lako Extension
Aloha Members of the County Council,
L.i
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the proposed Operating Budget and Capital Budget for fisc a year July1,
2023-June 30, 2024.
Line item#29 in the Capital Budget lists$1,500,000 toward a Lako Extension to Alii Drive. Please oppose this funding.
Funding for this proposed extension has been discussed-and rejected-since "the turn of the century." In 2008, the
then Director of Public Works recommended the incoming administration "shelve the project."An alternate mauka-
makai connector road, La'aloa Avenue, was opened in 2015. (2)
Justification for this extension has been given as an "emergency evacuation route"from Ali'i Drive, described in 2012 as
"densely populated." (1)
Yet the developer/landowner who in 2015 offered to build the road and deed it to the County stated the intention to
further add to the congestion by building a "commercial core... and duplex properties." (2)
Now it is back again. Page 56 of the proposed budget,the project data sheet, indicates that the intention is for the
County to borrow (issue bonds) at least$12,250,000, to extend Lako including a signalized intersection on Ali`i Drive
somewhere near Banyan's. Also note that in 2017 the project was estimated to cost$12M. (2)
The current justifications are: "Enhances the quality of life for residents,"and "Provide[s] improved access for affordable
housing development."
Just exactly what affordable housing development is this? Whose quality of life is enhanced here?
As the Council has heard time and time before--as you all well know--this is sacred land, some of the most sacred in all
of Hawaii. This is not the place to build anything, it is a place to honor, preserve, and protect in perpetuity.
Please do not include any funding for an extension of Lako Street to Ali'i Drive.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
janet Matlock
Kailua Kona
(1) West Hawai'i Today April 18, 2012
(2) West Hawai'i Today March 16, 2017
Mahalo to local journalism!
Comm. No. I "I 10
Ref. To: Pl inAlia_-
1Ref. Date MAY 1 6 2023