HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0156.001 2024-2026Ashley L. Kierkiewicz
Council Member
District 4 Puna
FROM
HN
Office: (808) 961-8265
Pax: (808) 961-8912
ashley.kiei-kiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL
Hawaii County Building
25 Aupuni Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720
March 6, 2025
Holeka Inaba, Council Chairperson
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
,41-
Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Council Member
Transmitting Letter from Hawaii Dept. of Transportation re Communication 156
Please find attached comments from Ed Sniffen, Director of the Hawaii Dept. of Transportation,
regarding the Puna Alternate Study, which will be discussed under Communication 156.
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Serving the Interests of the People of Our Island
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunio) Provider and Employer C�
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JOSH GREEN, M.D. EDWIN H. SNIFFEN
GOVERNOR4c DIRECTOR
KE KIA'AINA" KA LUNA HO'OKELE
Deputy Directors
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DREANALEE K. KALILI
TAM MY L. LEE
CURT T. OTAGURO
ROBIN K. SHISHIDO
STATE OF HAWAVI I KA MOKU`AINA `O HAWAI`I
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ( KA `OIHANA ALAKAU IN REPLY REFER TO:
869 PUNCHBOWL STREET
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813-5097 DIR 1. 118 87
March 6, 2025
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402/2402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Councilmembers:
Subject: County Matching Funds for Puna Alternative Route Study
I am writing to provide an update regarding state appropriations currently advancing through the
legislature to support the Puna Alternative Route study, which aims to identify and develop
viable roadway solutions to enhance connectivity and resilience for the Puna region.
At this time, there are two separate appropriations moving through the legislative process that
would provide funding for this critical study. One of these appropriations includes language
requiring a 1:1 funding match from the county, up to one million dollars ($1,000,000.00), to
secure the state funds. Given the importance of this project in improving transportation
infrastructure and emergency access for Puna residents, we urge the Hawaii County Council to
consider allocating the necessary matching funds to ensure the successful advancement of this
study.
The Puna region remains one of the fastest -growing areas in the state, and investing in alternative
transportation routes is essential to improving mobility, enhancing public safety, and supporting
future economic development. We appreciate the county's ongoing commitment to working
collaboratively with the state to address these critical infrastructure needs, and we look forward
to continued partnership in securing the necessary resources.
Please let us know if you require additional details regarding the appropriations or if further
discussion is needed. We appreciate your leadership and consideration of this matter. Please
contact me if you have any questions at (808) 587-2150 or via email at
edwin.h.sniffen@hawaii.gov.
Sincerely,
,e_6e /--/
EDWIN H. SNIFFEN
Director of Transportation