HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0609.066 2022-2024 P/gcici(
bill 101
toCCI
Y nr
� 5..9 b
VICE SPEAKER GREGGOR ILAGAN h y `ti REPILAGAN@CAPITOL.HAWAII.GOV
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 4—PUNA-MAKAI ire • (808)586 6530
t�i
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Hale o na Luna Maka'ainana
STATE OF HAWAI'I
STATE CAPITOL,Room 419
415 SOUTH BERETANIA STREET ``�' (7)
HONOLULU,HAWAI'I 96813
a fir__
January 2, 20240
,
Wit ,
Honorable Heather Kimball ; -
Hawai`i County Council Chair
25 Aupuni Street
c? :
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 0- -•
RE: Support Testimony Urging County Council to Pass Bill 107 without Amendments
Aloha Honorable Council Chair Kimball and Esteemed Council Members,
I am writing to request the passage of Bill 107 without amendments to secure state and
county funding for the Puna Makai Alternate Route (PMAR)study. This initiative is critical
for addressing the rapidly growing population in Puna and the need for new roadway
infrastructure to keep up with this growth.
It is not just a solution to traffic—an alternate route also creates multiple ways to exit and enter
Puna during an emergency or a natural disaster, like a volcanic eruption or hurricane.
I am aware that a new road to ease traffic will impact landowners and communities in Hilo and
Puna. One of them is the Pana`ewa homestead community under the Department of Hawaiian
Homelands (DHHL),which, in the 2009 regional plan, opposed the connection of a route to
Railroad Avenue.
I express my commitment and share DHHL's concern that an alternate route through their
residential areas will be heavily affected by traffic. Without impacting residential neighborhoods,
I propose that the commercial properties under DHHL, like Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and
Prince Kuhio Plaza, be considered viable options connecting to an alternate route due to the
enormous demand for these popular, already high-traffic commercial destinations.
The PMAR study is not merely about selecting an alternate route but engaging with all
stakeholders, especially those directly affected, like the Pana`ewa Homestead beneficiaries.
Their input ensures the project aligns with community interests.
I urge the Council to pass Bill 107 without amendments to secure the study's funding. It is
important to note that the Council's acceptance of funding does not jeopardize the community's
participation in the process.
Comm. No.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date ; c1AN 4 24
Additionally, with the funding secured, if the Council would still like to have further discussions
to address concerns before the study begins,the Council could introduce a resolution that centers
around scoping the project.
I appreciate the Council's consideration in passing Bill 107 without amendments, recognizing its
significance to ease traffic and to provide alternate access during emergencies for the people of
Puna.
Mahalo,
State Representative Greggor Ilagan