HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0679.037 2022-2024 P/ PcP Lu0
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From: John Winter
Sent: Thursday,January 18, 2024 7:22 AM r,
To: Council Testimony "
Subject: Bill 125
57 CD
Dear Councilmembers. �;
I'd like to comment on Bill 125, An ordinance amending Chapter 6 of the Hawaii Count ;Code
1983 (2016 edition, as amended), by adding a new article relating to commercial bicycle tours.
I live near Pololu Valley in North Kohala and travel the Akoni Pule Highway daily. I also travel on
Route 250 (Kohala Mountain Road) at least weekly. I often see bicyclists on commercial tours on
these roads.
These roads are very dangerous to bicyclists, particularly if uninformed or unaware of the
dangers. Both roads have numerous curves and neither has shoulders adequate for bicyclists.
The Akoni Pule Highway in particular has deep gulches with cliffs above and below, sharp curves
with limited sightlines and no shoulders whatsoever. Bicyclists pedaling slowly uphill and
overtaken by a vehicle, particularly if just after passing a sharp curve, will have a fast vehicle
immediately on their tail and nowhere to pull off the asphalt. This is a VERY dangerous
situation.
2-3 times a week I also bicycle this stretch on my e-bike between Pololu and Kapa'au. I am glad
to have an e-bike which gets me up and out of the gulches quickly, but I always stop before
entering a gulch to be sure no vehicles are in sight behind me. This way I have never been
passed in a gulch. A few times I have overtaken a tour group on bicycles and given them fair
warning on how to handle an upcoming gulch (best if they avoid it, but assuming they will go
anyway). They always seemed quite unaware of the circumstances and never have a guide with
them to assist. Sending people into such a situation is a recipe for disaster. But even if well
informed and accompanied by a guide, the two roads remain dangerous. Commercial bicycle tours
should find other routes and not subject tourists to such hazards.
Thank you for addressing this important issue with this ordinance and for taking the time to
read my concerns.
Sincerely. John
John D Winter Comm. * q•E
LERelapsed Academic Ref. To:
1 Ref. Dote JAN 2 3 2024
PO Box 849
Kapa'au HI 967,55
(808) 854-5021
2