HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0395.002 2022-2024 P/PCH5W
OM 65
GOMM.
From: Nat Burke cr= 4;
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 8:21 AM .�
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Canda, Amanda; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt
Subject: Testimony on bill 63 - maintenance of private roads
Aloha Hawaii County Council, 1,44.•
I am writing today regarding bill 63, a new article relating to maintenance of private, nondedicated, and non-
surrendered roads introduced by council member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder. I am a resident and association board
member of Kopua Farmlots, a community that sits between Eden Roc and Fern Acres in Mountain View.
As you all know, it is one of the biggest challenges of any community in this area to collect dues and maintain
community roads. The bill introduced by council member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder would open a path to reduce this
burden on our communities and help improve the quality of life for everyone living in the area.
First and foremost, assistance on maintaining roads for emergency routes is a very important consideration.
As an example in our own neighborhood, one of our community road segments is used by our neighbors in
Eden Roc when the only other road in and out gets flooded. This usually happens a couple times a year, and
when it does our road becomes a vital route for the hundreds of people living in Eden Roc. Having assistance
in improving and maintaining roads like this would make these emergency routes much easier and faster to
navigate.
Additionally, the general improvement of community roads would improve access by law enforcement to deter
crime. We have a persistent problem with drug trafficking in our neighborhood and have been working closely
with police to fight this. Any road improvements would help make their response faster and more effective.
Finally, to better serve our elderly residents, faster response by ambulances and medical services could make
a huge difference in the quality of life for these people.
I'd like to conclude by saying that the bill itself seems very fair and balanced. It preserves the interest of the
general public by ensuring that communities do not selfishly block access to the improved roads, while not
taking over complete control of the underlying land. I also appreciate the concepts put forward about priorities
to ensure that public resources are directed at the most important uses first.
Please support this bill to make our community stronger and a better place to live. Thank you for your time
and consideration.
Mahalo,
Nathaniel Burke 3Comm. No.
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Ref. To: P l P IN
1 Ref. Dote AUG 1 5 2023