HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCIA 001 2023/07/05 (2022-2024)REPORT OF THE
POLICY COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSETS
DATE: July 5, 2023 Re: Comm. No. 321/Bill No. 51
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai `i
TIME: 2:38 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets, to which was referred Bill No. 51 reports
as follows:
Bill No. 51 transmitted by Council Member Susan L.K. Lee Loy via Communication No. 321,
dated May 19, 2023, amends Chapter 24, Article 10, Division 1, of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2016 Edition, as Amended), relating to speed limits.
This bill amends Section 24-256 to establish a new 25 mph speed limit zone on Kalaniana`ole
Street, District of South Hilo, from its intersection on James Kealoha Park Access Road to
Leleiwi Street. The current speed limit for this section is 30 mph.
This measure was previously heard and postponed on June 20, 2023.
Infrastructure Land Assets Meeting of June 20, 2023, for Bill No. 51, Draft 1
Public Works Director Steve Pause acknowledged the work done by Jordan Lerma of Nene
Research and Conversation, who presented speed data related to the bill via Communication No.
320.1. Mr. Pause regarded the data collected as a valuable foundation for further collaboration
with community stakeholders, the Traffic Division, and the Police Department and indicated the
Traffic Division's interest for an additional speed study between August and September 2023.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz inquired about Mr. Pause's stance on the bill. In
response, Mr. Pause affirmed his support for identifying and implementing appropriate measures
to address the situation effectively. He acknowledged the need to lower the speed limit and
create a safer road for everyone.
Chair Lee Loy expressed a desire to advance the bill while acknowledging the challenges posed
by various factors. She emphasized the importance of allowing the Department to collaborate
with the community and noted the need for a comprehensive approach for the long-range use of
the area.
A motion to postpone the meeting to the July 5, 2023, meeting was made with 8 ayes with
Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder absent. The purpose of the postponement was to
PCIA Report No. 1
PCIA- 1 Page 2 July 5, 2023
allow the Department to engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders and explore other
traffic calming measures for the area.
Mr. Pause reaffirmed his support for reducing the speed limit in the area. He thanked community
members for their invaluable speed data as it informed his discussions with the Traffic Division
on lowering the speed limit.
Mr. Kdneali'i-Kleinfelder inquired about the specific location of the new 25 mph speed limit,
which Ms. Lee Loy clarified as being from the entrance of James Kealoha Beach Park towards
Kings Landing. He expressed support for lowering the speed limit due to the area's high usage
by various modes of transportation.
Your Policy Committee on Infrastructure and Assets is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Bill No. 51, and recommends its passage on first reading.
Im
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON
UCTURE
W, LEE LOY, CHAIR
VAWA REPORT
AnOPTED: JUL 2 6 2023
AYES NOES ABS EX
EVANS
X
GALIMBA
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
"NEALI'l-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
LEE LOY
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON
UCTURE
W, LEE LOY, CHAIR
VAWA REPORT
AnOPTED: JUL 2 6 2023