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From: Mimi Kerley o c-�r
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Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 8:52 AM cr C.o
To: Council Testimony —mi.
Subject: Testimony for DPR - Waimea Trails & Greenways (reapp.)
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Aloha Councilmembers, *:;o
I am writing to express my strong support for the Waimea Trail and Greenways reappropriation of funds
introduced by Councilmember Hustace. The trail has been maintained by hundreds of volunteers over
30+ years and is the only place in Waimea we can enjoy a walk in nature without trespassing on private
land. It provides an alternative corridor that is away from the streets and fast moving cars. Many school
children use the trail to walk to school safely. As someone who was born and raised here, and now
raising my children here as well, this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. When I was growing up,
we didn't have access to ANY public walking paths in Waimea.
I am one of many volunteer members who have been working hard over numerous years to apply for
funding and provide testimony about the many benefits this trail would provide our community... health,
safety, social, protecting riparian zones along the stream, and many more.
The future vision for the trail extends well beyond this 1 mile urban corridor and will hopefully join with
the Ala Kahakai trail along the coast, making it an official "connector trail", which would qualify it for
federal funding.
Appropriating these funds to build out the trail in the Waimea urban corridor such that it is accessible to
all and so the county can officially take it over, is the first important step in this process, which we as
volunteers will be happy to keep shepherding forward.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Marie "Mimi" Kerley
Mimi Kerley
Kamuela, HI 96743
808.987.9487
Comm.
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