HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0609.078 2022-2024 p/Cauncii
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COMM.601
From: Titus Matthews
Sent: Monday,January 22, 2024 7:41 PM
To: Council Testimonyc.
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Cc: A Maile Luuwai;Alicia Lee; Kaleb Matthews;Zachary Matthews; Michaela Lie
Subject: Opposition to Bill 107 and Proposed Route Through Hawaiian Homesteai -<
Community -
Aloha,
I am writing to express our strong opposition to Bill 107, which proposes funding for the PMAR study
that may consider a route through our Hawaiian Homestead community. Our community strongly
objects to having Pahoa traffic routed directly through our Homestead Trust Lands.
Over the past several years, both the State of Hawai`i and the County of Hawai'i have suggested
initiatives exploring alternative routes between Puna and Hilo, especially in the event of potential
hazards like a Kilauea Volcano East Rift Zone Eruption or other natural disasters. These initiatives aim
to alleviate increasing traffic congestion for Puna residents.
While we appreciate the intention behind finding a safe alternative route, we are vehemently
opposed to any consideration of a proposed by-pass route that would pass through our existing
DHHL Pana`ewa homestead community. In 2016, the Hawaiian Homes Commission adopted the
DHHL Pana`ewa Regional Plan, taking a clear stance against any proposed by-pass route through
Railroad Avenue. Using Railroad Avenue as an alternate route would unfairly burden Pana'ewa
homestead lessees with additional traffic and pose a safety risk to our homestead communities.
The DHHL Pana'ewa Regional Plan has identified potential alternative routes that could address traffic
concerns between Puna and Hilo without adversely impacting DHHL Pana`ewa Homestead lessees.
Enclosed is a map of these alternative routes for your consideration during the selection of a by-pass
route.
We appreciate your time and consideration of both DHHL and its homestead communities in future
planning efforts. We kindly request your involvement of DHHL and the Keaukaha-Pana'ewa Farmers'
Association in future conversations and meetings regarding this matter. Working collaboratively, we
can find a solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
Mahalo for your attention to this important matter.
Mahalo,
Titus Matthews
Comm. o. S
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JAN 2 4 20 4
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