HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0715.069 2022-2024 P / Counci
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From: Ann Kobsa
Sent: Monday, March 4, 2024 9:09 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 131-24-directed study should include alternatives to cars c -
Aloha Council Members, a12
am deeply concerned about the health of where I live:the ahupua'a of Halepua`a,the Puna District,our island,
and this planet. Are we going to be serious about reducing our climate impacts and resource demands? Or will we
simply consume ourselves into extinction? It seems that most of us accept that huge changes are needed in order
to stop killing the planet,yet who is making big changes? One of the most important changes that's needed is to
reduce the use of personal automobiles.
We can debate endlessly about where to put another road that will reduce congestion,thereby allowing more
people to drive more miles by car. That will have a short-term effect on congestion, but history has shown that the
congestion will return,just like it did after Highway 130 was widened. This has happened over and over in many
different places and is not dependent on an increasing population. People will travel more miles when there is
less congestion,which leads to a return of congestion, more widening or road building,followed again by more
congestion,etc. A really good review of these congestion dynamics can be read here: https://t4america.og/wp-
content/uploads/2020/03/Congestion-Report-2020-FINAL.pdf
I urge you to shift the focus from paving the way for more and more drivers of individual vehicles to preparing for a
livable planet:for really great bike paths, amazing public transportation, more carpooling, and making the most of
each vehicle trip so that not as many trips are needed. One long-overdue element of this kind of approach is the
Railroad Avenue Bikeway,which was proposed and promoted by Jon Olson decades ago and which is still badly
needed.
May we please have a safe and enjoyable route for biking between Puna and Hilo?
Mahalo for considering this request!
Ann Kobsa, PhD biologist
Koa'e, Puna
Comm. No vo W
Ref. To: RU
Ref. Dote ,•AAR - 6 2024
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