HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0159.142 2024-2026P /a
ail (32
COMM. 1_115q
From: Steve Kirkham
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 8:10 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in Support of Reappropriating Funds for Waimea Trails & Greenways
Dear Council Members,
Please accept this written testimony in strong support of reappropriating funds for Waimea Trails &
Greenways in District 9 as part of Bill 31 being considered by County Council on Thursday, June 5.
live with my wife and infant daughter in Waimea. My family and I have enjoyed spending time wandering
Ke Ala Kahawai `o Waimea, a mile -long trail in the heart of Waimea. A dedicated group of volunteers has
been maintaining this unofficial trail since 1994!
A design process was started by the county more than a decade ago to create a fully -sanctioned trail
from Lindsey Road to Kahawai Street then onwards to the Transfer Station. That process is still ongoing
to get this project "shovel -ready" for bid. This is why reappropriating these funds is critical as to not
further stall the progress we've already made. Mayor Alameda recently visited Waimea and walked a
portion of the trail to learn :more about this project and its history.
I've experienced first-hand how beneficial multi -use trails are to communities and the people that live
there. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada that boasts a sprawling network
of multi -use trails that I could safely explore on a bike as a child. I hope my daughter will be able to
experience something similar here in Waimea.
This is why I'm urging each of you to support reappropriating funds for Waimea Trails & Greenways iri
District 9 as part of Bill 31.
o:n
�o
Mahalo,
c
o -<
Stephen (Steve) Kirkham
,a.
�FC—,-
Kamuela, HI 96743
v
Ch
comet.:' Vq
Ref. To:
Ref. Date_,I _2025