HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0679.093 2022-2024 p /Council
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From: Newton Chu
Sent: Monday,June 17, 2024 8:50 AM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Roth, Mitch D; miles.yoshioka@hicc.biz;Wendy Laros
Subject: Opposition to Bill 125
Aloha Honorable County Council Members,
I am testifying in opposition to this proposed bill. I am a longtime resident of our County, and my wife is a
4th generation resident. We are both avid cyclists who regularly ride with other cyclists all over our entire
island. We have also used commercial cycling companies throughout the world to visit and appreciate
the countryside of the planet from outside the confines of a car, plane,train or bus. When we ride here
on Hawai'i island we are polite and respectful to other residents, including drivers of automobiles. In fact
it should come to no surprise to you that we also own cars and drive our cars on the same roads as non-
cyclists.
We understand that some drivers may be annoyed when they come upon a group of cyclists on the road
as many of our roads are not deigned to accommodate cyclists as well as pedestrians. Banning the use
of our roads for uses such as cycling,whether commercial or not, is not the answer to speed up traffic,
and is a step in the wrong direction. It sends a message to the world that cyclists are not welcome here
in Hawaii County. You should also note that federal highway and transportation funds encourage the
development and accommodation of bicycle usage on roads and Bill 125 would not bode well in the
County's request for additional funding from such sources.
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Please consider these comments seriously as your actions may have serious and unintended Cc
repercussions. Thank you.
-a
Respectfully, Newton Chu 'n_-r
Newton John Chu, Esq.
120 Pauahi Street,Suite 312
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Newtonc@torkildson.com
(808)961-0406 y,
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