HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.004 2022-2024 ,p /Fc
1;45.438-24
COMM. 728
From: Fay Machielse
Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2024 7:10 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Kapoho road -11
Dear council,
CD -^:
The devastating Kapoho lava flow not only disrupted many lives but also left me, along with
approximately 150 others, without a home. Unlike some,we did not opt for the HUD buyout due to.7
certain constraints in the program. Consequently,the responsibility falls on VCHA to construct the
essential 7 miles of road infrastructure. The residents of VCHA are desperately looking for your support
in helping to rebuild the roads to our community.
My residence, located at Ililani Road#14-4745, miraculously escaped the lava's reach. Pele halted right
at my gate on my birthday, a stroke of fortune amid widespread destruction.Yet,without road access,
my property remains isolated, vulnerable to natural decay, pests, and occasional vandalism.The current
situation necessitates an arduous 60-minute trek to reach my property, making it virtually impossible to
transport tools or materials for necessary repairs, let alone reside there.
The prolonged reconstruction of the highway by the County has exacerbated our distress and
frustration. During this wait,the reality of renting without a foreseeable return to my own home has
been disheartening, especially with skyrocketing property prices.
The recent announcement of highway 137 extension brought a glimmer of hope... Despite the VCHA
efforts in securing grants,the financial burden exceeds our capabilities. We desperately need the
County's support in this endeavor.
It is to our understanding that the County allocated $350,000 for the restoration of a Leilani subdivision
and two other private roads We respectfully request equivalent support for the nearly 150 residents
currently stranded without home access.
Furthermore,the County's receipt of$82 million for road restoration post-2018 lava flow raises
questions. Why has this funding not been directed towards aiding our community?With an unspent
balance of$10million,these funds could significantly alleviate the hardships we continue to face.
Utilizing the FEMA grant for its intended purpose-aiding those most affected by this disaster-seems
not only logical but imperative, as well the state funding of 20 million Why should residents already
burdened by this disaster bear the additional financial strain of completing road access to their
properties?We urge you to consider our plight and support our request for the betterment of our
community. Please support us in not just restoring our roads but our livelihoods in this destroyed
community.
Sincerely
Fay Machielse
Comm. No.
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date 24