HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0609.097 2022-2024 p/Counci(
Sill 107
GOMM,(709
From: Pete Wilson
Sent: Tuesday,January 23, 2024 4:25 PM
C.)
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 107 rT
Aloha Honorable Council Chair Kimball and Esteemed Council 1Vmrs
We are 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. With only highway 130 in and out of Puna the area is rapidly
becoming congested especially from 7am to loam and 2pm to 5pm. This
congestion is a maj or'problem; it extends travel time and wastes fuel, it
slows down emergency vehicles, and hinders the free flow of traffic
especially during a natural emergency.
Limiting the scope of the route evaluation should not be done until a full,
complete, authoritative study has been completed. All routes and options
should be on the table for the study. Ham stringing the studies scope at
the outset is a terrible idea. This involves all residents and all residents
needs and options should be taken into account.
The trip into Hilo is unnecessarily lengthy and frustrating. In part because
of bad decisions by the Highway department in the initial design of the
whole of 130. There are not adequate entry and egress lanes, the
roundabout at Pahoa doesn't include Puna Kai even though it had been in
the planning stages before the circle was built. The postage stamp circle at
Ainaloa causes more holdups than it alleviates. There is adequate right of
way to build a longer and larger circle that would cut down on delays.
We urge the Council to pass Bill 107 without amendments to secure the
study's funding.
Thank you for your consideration of our input. Comm. No 0 .
Ref. To:
Ref. Date
1
Pete Wilson
13-927 Kahukai Street
Pahoa HI 96778
808-557-8108
2