HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0159.090 2024-2026� �5. CAUtici(
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CAMM. Ili
From:
Catherine Cambra Hopkins
Sent:
Friday, May 16, 2025 3:12 PM
To:
Council Testimony
' CDc-7
Subject:
Support of Communication 159.41 to Amend Bill No. 32, Draft 2
Subject: Testimony in Strong Support of Communication 159.41 to Amend Bill No. 32, Draft 2 — Urgent Needfor aq
Second Waikoloa Road,
Aloha Chair and Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong and urgent support for Communication 159.41 to amend Bill No. 32, Draft 2, in order
to advance the development of a Second Access Road for Waikoloa Village.
The need for this secondary route is beyond overdue —it is a matter of public safety, disaster preparedness, and
responsible planning. Waikoloa is one of the fastest -growing communities on Hawai'i Island, with thousands of
residents, workers, and visitors relying on a single, vulnerable road in and out of the village. This poses a serious and
unacceptable risk, especially in light of the increasing wildfire threats we now face year after year.
We have already seen what happens when communities are not given the infrastructure they need to safely evacuate.
The tragedy in Lahaina must never be repeated. Let us not wait until Waikoloa suffers a similar fate before we act. A
second access road is not a luxury —it is a life-saving necessity.
Beyond emergency concerns, this road will help ease congestion, reduce response times for first responders, and
support the community's exponential growth in a safer, more sustainable way.
I urge you to approve Communication 159.41 and move forward with funding and constructing the second road without
delay. The safety and future of Waikoloa depend on it.
Mahalo for your time and your service to our island.
With deep respect,
Catherine Hopkins,
Waikoloa Resident
COMM. No. \l o U
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