HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0679.005 2022-2024 P/ pcauo
dill 125
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From: Rune Dahl
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 10:55 AM -c7
To: Council Testimony " me—
Subject: Written testimony against Bill 125
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Aloha County Council, >1
I, Rune Dahl, Would like to testify against Bill 125. L :
The council should not prohibit alternate forms of transportation on our roads, but instead work to
ensure safety for all forms of transportation. Hawaii public roads should be accessible for motorized
as well as self-propelled modes of transportation.
In cases where the roads are narrow and winding, the motorized vehicles need to observe safe
passing rules, same as when passing slower motorized vehicles (such as mopeds). Warning signs
that bicycles may be on the road are warranted in many cases. Roads in the Kohala area are actually
wider and in better shape than other roads, such as Mamalahoa Hwy, and should be safer for bikes. I
have encountered many locals that have a misguided notion that bikes do not belong on roads such
as the Kohala Mountain road and Mamalahoa Hwy. Rather than reinforcing such misguided notions,
and road rage that may occur as a consequence, it should be made clear that vehicles have a
responsibility to drive safely around other modes of transportation.
Ideally we should follow the Complete Streets policy. The State Department of Transportation and
the County transportation departments are required to adopt a complete streets policy that seeks to
reasonably accommodate convenient access and mobility for all users of the public highways within
their respective jurisdictions, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and persons of
all ages and abilities, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS") section 264-20.5 .
Bill 125 is a slippery slope for cyclists and could create undue aggression towards all cyclists riding in
the Kohala area as well as open the door to the restriction of roads in other districts. While this bill
might be an effort to increase safety and reduce potential conditions, denying the use of roadways
shouldn't be the first and only choice.
Please keep our roads open to all users and do not support Bill 125.
Mahalo,
Rune Dahl
79-7110 Mamalahoa Hwy
Holualoa, HI 96725.
Comm. No. 19 • J
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