HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0372.171 2024-2026Promoting bike and
pedestrian connectivity
and safety in East
Hawaii.
Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc.
Board of Directors:
President.
Ron Terry
Vice President.
James Leonard
COUNT Y CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI
2625 SEP 29 mi 8, 28
September 26, 2025
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Communication 326 on review of the Sustainable and Resilient Communities Section
of the Draft General Plan 2045 by the Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use &
Economic Development at September 23 and 30 hearings.
Dear Chair Kierkiewicz and Council Members:
Our group strongly supports the analysis, objectives, policies and actions of Chapter 4 of
the General Plan (GP), Sustainable Development and Resilient Communities. We
commend the Planning Department for their work in collecting and analyzing relevant
information, distilling it into ambitious but systematic and workable policies and actions,
and coordinating with stakeholders including the public, agencies, businesses, non -profits
and landowners, all of whom are critical for making real progress.
Secretary: This chapter of the GP covers a variety of themes, but we would like to specifically address
Michele Lefebvre those actions related to Transportation Access and Mobility. Having each of these
specifically named in the General Plan would clearly indicate that they are County policy
Treasurer: and merit implementation and monitoring for progress. We support each of the actions
James Eller listed in Table 56, but in particular, we would like emphasize our support for the following:
Directors: • 16.a. Develop a comprehensive, island -wide multimodal transportation plan that
Leonard Bisel identifies the location and operation of automobile, mass transit, bicycle, and
Jesse Domian pedestrian systems, in coordination with appropriate federal and state agencies.
Patti Hatzistavrakis • 16.d. Establish inter -departmental teams to review significant development
Alan Ryan projects to evaluate integrated infrastructure requirements, multimodal options, and
April Surprenant private -public collaboration to ensure implementation.
• 17.a. Develop and adopt aprogram to establish public access to historic andmodem
active living corridors and facilities that provide an island -wide route and connect
to major destinations.
• 17.b. Explore the potential of multimodal trails to serve as evacuation routes during
emergencies.
• 19.a Continue to adopt the County Street design manual as the County's complete
street design program/policy.
• 19.b Amend the County Code to incorporate complete street design.
• 19.c Develop an active transportation plan to guide where complete street
improvements should be focused and replace previous pedestrian and bikeway
plans.
• 19.d Identify all roles for interdepartmental collaboration in delivering a truly
multimodal transportation system.
• 19.e Update traffic impact analysis requirements to include alternative evaluations
to the level of service outcomes, such as vehicle miles traveled and alternative
transportation metrics.
PO Box 10702, Hilo, Hawaii 96721 www.hilobavfronttrails.ore
Our Nlission: Hilo Bayfronl Trails, Ls. plans, deoelops, and adVocates for a contpreltensioe, mmhnnrne,ntally responoible, and acceseiblenudti-
umdal trail syste n thatenemvages aeln3e lifeshlles, boosts local economa, and connects people to ess<aitial eeroiazs, eduadion, cultural landmarks,
and recraitional s paces throughout Hilo mui East Haetmi'i, (istering a healthy nrrd connected community.
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• 21.a, Develop green infrastructure standards including right-of-way (ROW)
landscaping, low -impact development (LID), and drainage.
These worthy and ambitious but achievable actions, carefully developed after years of public
input and coordination, must be retained in the General Plan.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at the email below or at
hiloronterry@gmail.com or (808) 987-5239.
Thank you,
Ron Terry, President
Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc.
hilobayfronttrails@gmail.com
PO Box 10702, Hilo, Hawaii 96721 www.hilobavfronttrails.org
Our Mission: Hilo Bayfrout Trails, Inc. plans, denehy+s, and rnivocates fora n+rnpreltensioe, euvirmnttenGdly responsible, and accessible rnulti-
mothtl trail.ystem Hutt encourages active lifestyles, boosts load econonn/, and connects people to essential seroices, education, cultural tarultuarks,
and recreational spats throughout Hilo and East H rtuxri'i, fostering a heidthy and connected community.