HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0609.005 2022-2024 p/Gounci
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WRITTEN TESTIMONY
Before the
COUNTY COUNCIL
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Date
December 20th 2023
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Item 23 -71
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BILL 107CD
PUNA MAKAI ALTERNATE ROUTE (PMAR) ---
Aloha County Council,
My name is Mark H. Hauanio. I am a resident of Puna, born and raised in Lower Puna
Kalapana.
I have witnessed Puna, over the years, change so rapidly in every aspect; economy, population,
industrial growth and road traffic. Puna is the largest district in Hawai'i with only one highway, in
or out.
I strongly urge the council to consider creating an additional Puna Makai access route for the
purpose of eliminating traffic into Hilo and most especially for an alternate emergency access to
and from Puna. Being that HWY 130 is the only main access between Puna and Hilo, we have
witnessed HWY 130 closures due to major accidents many times. Also, ambulance response
times are already lengthy and escalating traffic is exacerbating the issue. The only other
alternate route going into Mauka Keaau is not efficient.
I propose an alternate route be placed from the HWY 132 project, starting from Nanawale which
travels through to Hawaiian Beaches, Makuu, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Kaloli and Shower Drive
(parallel to HWY 130) and connects to the Railroad ,makai of Puainako, into Hilo, staying away
from major farmers and residential areas.
I believe an alternate route will help eliminate traffic for us in Lower Puna which is increasing in
population as we speak and will be a necessity in Puna especially during times of disaster.
Thank you for your time,
Mark H. Hauanio
(808)960-5250
markhauanio@yahoo.com
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