HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0609.053 2022-2024 p/Courici(
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January 18, 2024
Dear County Council Members,
I am writing to ask for your support to accept funding for a study to determine best options for an
alternate route to Hilo for the neighborhoods that border Highway 130. This is known as Bill 107 or the
Puna Makai Alternate Route Study(PMAR).
I became interested in an alternate route after I noticed how long it took to get out of Hawaiian Paradise
Park on a typical workday. It was clear that if there was an emergency that required a total evacuation of
residents that there would be people trapped in traffic trying to get to a safe place during a disaster. This
was before the horrific tragedy in Lahaina which has only reinforced my concerns.
It is not surprising that there are groups that are concerned that a new road may impact them. Any time
a road is built there are landowners that are impacted. But the purpose of a study is to determine
feasible options, identify the pro's and con's of one approach versus another and then to present
decision-makers with the data they need to make the best possible choices.
When difficult decisions have to be made, I think most voters hope that elected officials will look at how
to achieve the highest possible good for the largest number of people while fairly compensating anyone
who may be adversely impacted. In order to achieve the highest possible good, choices should be made
based upon good data. That is why we need the study.
Thank you for your consideration on this important matter.
Sincerely,
N.)
Barbara Cigainero
Hawaiian Paradise Park
Comm. No 10q•
Ref. To: igiffiril
Ref. Date 4AN 2 4 2024