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BI(32
COMM. IN
From: mnhancock1
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 10:57 PM
L4
CD.,
To: Council Testimony'
Subject: Communication 159A1 to amend bill #32, Draft 2
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Waikoloa Village for the past 20 years. I thoroughly support the
critical necessity of a second evacuation escape route out of
Waikoloa Village.
Why:
*We are all aware of the recent tragedy's in both Lahaina and California where
wildfire literally spread by a football field every couple of minutes.
*Waikoloa is documented as the most "at risk" wildfire area in Hawaii.
* The residents have been requesting, no, begging for a secondary escape route for
20 years.
* Hulu Rd., touted as an escape route in an emergency evacuation, is clearly not a
viable escape route. It is a death trap for the some 7,000 residents who would
consider using it in the case of a disaster. I'm sure others will detail all aspects of the
dangers of Hulu Rd.
*Waikoloa's last wildfire evacuation was like driving through a war zone. You could
barely see. Folks were stuck on Waikoloa Road for hours. Had it not been for our
brave firefighters and a change of the wind direction, it would have devastated the
village.
* I can't think of any more responsible or appreciated -act than protecting the lives
of thousands of people when you know the clear and current danger to them is
obvious.
*I can't think of any sadder response to this issue than continuing to ignore it. The
growing drought situation continues to get worse. Residents of Waikoloa are
consistently startled at any smell of smoke and having to have "go bags" at their
front doors. It's not about "if' the next wildfire will happen, It's about "when" the
next wildfire will happen.
CoM gm
Ref. Tc: 1
e. have
*Considering the severe dangers involved, a viable emergency evacuation road out of
the village should have been in place yesterday. Please let's at the very least get it
started. I understand the challenges the Council deals with and that it's difficult to
work out a budget. Perhaps using the hospital triage method would help in
determining where funds should go. And in doing so, the most critical life and death
matters would be first in line for funding.
It is my sincere prayer that this Council will understand the severity of the need and
move forward to protect the lives of the residents in this community. It's an
opportunity for this Council to finally resolve a dire situation that has been kicked
down the road for some 20 years.... leaving our community totally vulnerable.
Thank you for seriously considering the longstanding plea of the Waikoloa
Community.
Sincerely,
Michele Hancock
808-883-2209
Landline
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