HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0159.012 2024-2026From: mnhancock1
Sent: Monday, April 7, 202S 1:20 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Mayor Alameda / Emergency Evacuation Rd.
Aloha Mayor Alameda,
I voted for you. Why? Because I believed that when it was said that you would
dedicate your professional career to serving the people of the Hawaiian Islands,
you meant it. When you were asked what your top priority is for the Big Island
you said "my top priority is "you". I also belied when you spoke recently in
Waikoloa you were clear when you said in your family, a promise is a promise.
I can think of no higher priority than keeping some 7,500 residents of Waikoloa
from ongoing fear and the very real threat of losing all that they have, maybe
including their lives to the very real risk of wildfire.
I can imagine that you've herd every possible scenario of why Hulu road is a
death trap.
Since most families have two vehicles there would be a huge amount of traffic
trying to escape flames in time. The very nature of Hulu Rd. is hills on one side
gullies on the other. As you saw yourself... nowhere to pull over or turn around.
So, one car, truck or bus that breaks down is a disaster for all behind it. At
night, impossible. During the day just about the same.
I still believe that there's no better man to finally after 20 some years get a safe
evacuation road out of Waikoloa .... if, you fully understand how critical this
situation is and if you have the fire in your belly to finally accomplish what other
were afraid to tackle full strength. I also believe you have all the personal tools to
accomplish what others have kicked down the road. And I do believe you care
deeply about all the families that live here.
Perhaps you can look at the situation as a hospital does. They take every
emergency. and triage dealing with the very most critical first and less critical
afterwards. Example would be ... It won't matter to a tutu that she has better bus
transportation, if her entire family has been wiped out by a wildfire.
Please Mayor Alameda put your full power into this now not four years from
now.
And please, consider the importance of each situation calling for County funds as
a triage. I can't imagine anything more critical than saving lives. You n
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entire village of over 7,500 residents with emergency bags near their doors and
fearful of when the next fire will be. Driving through the last one was like driving
through a war zone.
Thank you for hearing me and I choose to believe that you will tackle this now
and get it done. The village is counting on you.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Michele Hancock
mnhancockl@aol.com
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