HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0159.143 2024-2026P /5. Council
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From: Zaheva Knowles
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 10.47 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support for the Waimea Trails and Greenways Re -Appropriation of Funds
Aloha Councilmembers,
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 (maybe even
thousands) of volunteers over 30+ years and is the only place in Waimea where 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.
There is a dedicated group of volunteer trail committee members who have been working hard over
numerous years to apply for funding and provide testimony about the many benefits this trail and its
expansion provides to our community- health, safety, social, protecting riparian zones along the stream,
and many more. We have had success in securing easements from Parker Ranch and the support of
other community stakeholders, as well as a vote of confidence from the PONC commission, who voted
in favor of securing public funds for right of way and ownership easements for trail expansion.
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 and expand the island and state-wide connected trails effort.
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^ J
volunteers will be happy to keep shepherding forward.
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Mahalo for your consideration and support,
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Zaheva Knowles
6-1761 Alaneo Street
Kamuela, HI 96743
zahevak@gmail.com
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