HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0159.099 2024-2026P 15. Counci
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From: Laura Leonberger
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 10:01 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Communication 159.41 to amend Bill No. 32, Draft 2
Aloha Chair and Members of the Council,
My name is Laura Leonberger and I have been a resident of Waikoloa Village for nine years. I am testifying in support of
Communication 159.41 to amend Bill No. 32, Draft 2 for the funding of an initial engineering of Waikoloa's second
arterial road. 11
Ever since we moved here I have heard talk to building a second evacuation road from the village but have seen very
little action. In 2021, the largest wildfire in the history of the state burned within 3 miles of the village and we had to
evacuate. It took 45 minutes for us to get from our house by the school to the intersection of Paniolo and Waikoloa Road
followed by almost another hour to get down Waikoloa Road. In a rapidly moving fire due to the amount of flammable
vegetation around the village and constant winds, this is not an acceptable amount of time for everyone to safely
evacuate the village. We are now one of the fastest -growing communities on the Big Island with housing plans set to
double the population over the next 20 years.
This amount of building without the necessary infrastructure to provide for the safety of the residents is unacceptable.
know that you face tough budget decisions, but this is a rare opportunity to prevent a future disaster rather than
reacting to it. Lives are at stake and it is your responsibility to do what you can to protect them.
Mahalo for considering this critical amendment. I am counting on your leadership to address our community's safety
needs. I humbly ask for your 'yes' vote on this amendment.
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Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Laura Leonberger
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Waikoloa Village_
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