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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGE PEMC 04/03/2001 2000-2002 O~ ~ 'ter ~~ds?,. •a lgrF O Nhde I€AWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA STH S~SSIOII COMMITTEE ON PAIaI~S AND ENVIIaONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Dominic Yagong, Chair Leningrad Elarionoff, vice Chair James Y. Arakaki, Member Aaron S. Y. Chung, Member Julie Jacobson, Member Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, Member Nancy Pisicchio, Member Gary Safarik, Member J. Curtis Tyler, III, Member DATE: April 3, 2001 (Tuesday) PLACE: Councilroom TIME: 10:00 A.M. CALL TO ORDER STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA UNFINISHED BUSINESS Comm. 138.3: REQUEST THAT L[HIWAI STREET AROUND THE VICINITY OF LILI`UOKALANI GARDENS REMAIN CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC _ Copy of letter to Pat Engelhard, Director of Parks and Recreation, from P&EMC Chair Yagong, dated February 15, 2001, informing he has received numerous calls and letters from the public requesting that the Lili`uokalani Park perimeter roadway remain closed to vehicular traffic. States that the decision by her department to keep the roadway closed is strongly supported by the public and the majority (if not all) of the Councilmembers. (Sutn~eary continued on next page) PEMC-5 -2- APR[L 3, 2001 (Cont'd Informs he has consulted with Mr. Richard Nishimura of the Comm. 1313.3) Traffic Division, who has no traffic concerns regarding supporting the continued closure of this roadway. He intends to initiate a Council resolution through Councilmember Aaron Chung supporting the permanent closure of the Lili`uokalani Park perimeter roadway. Comm. 138.4: From Pat Engelhard, Director of Parks and Recreation, dated February 21, 2001, responding to C-138.3. Comm. 138: From Roger E. Baldwin, Elizabeth M. Baldwin and Anne E. Baldwin, dated February 28, 2001, commenting on the improvements to Lili`uokalani Gardens and Coconut Island which was thoughtfully and beautifully done. Requests that Lihiwai Street be reopened as it's the only place in Hilo where they can admire the view of Hilo Bay, during the day with Mauna Kea in the background, and at night, with the lights across the bay reflecting on the water. Feels this is a great tourist attraction. States the handicapped accessibility is possibly the best on the entire island, and feels it will be even better when the road is reopened since more handicapped people are limited by walking distance than by need to use a wheelchair. Comm. 138.1: From Steven I. Hironaka, General Manager, Nihon Restaurant, dated February 20, 2001, opposing the proposed permanent road closure of Lihiwai Street, between Coconut Island and "Isles". He would like to know the reasoning behind this proposed road closure and would like to have a discussion with those involved with this decision. Comm. 138.2: From Ron Amundson for Disability Rights Hawaii, dated March 5, 2001 urging on behalf of their organization, to keep Lihiwai Street opened around Lili`uokalani Park. Informs the renovations to the park are wonderfully accessible, and that the area is more beautiful than it ever was. The roadblocks not only stop traffic but also blocks access to the park for many disabled people. Therefore, asks that the original design of the renovation be respected and the roadblocks removed. Comm. 138.5: From Marcella De Weese, dated March 8, 2001, stating that she and her husband supports the closure of the Lili`uokalani Park perimeter roadway, for reasons as stated in her letter. PEMC-5 -3- APRIL 3, 2001 Comm. 138.6: Copy of letter to Roger E. Baldwin, Elizabeth M. Baldwin and Ann E. Baldwin, from Pam Mizuno, Deputy Director, Department of Parks and Recreation, dated March 8, 2001, stating they are in the process of gathering public opinion on the issue of reopening Lihiwai Street at Lili`uokalani Gardens and have forwarded their letter (Comm. 138) to the County Council for consideration. Comm. 138.7: From Hatsue Tamanaha, stating she opposes the closure of Lihiwai Street at Lili`uokalani Gardens, for reasons as stated in her letter. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ADJOURNMENT The meeting place is accessible for persons with physical disabilities. Persons who need special accommodations to attend this meeting should call 961-8245 by March 30, 2001. Persons using TDDs may call 961-8521. (Copies of this agenda and the communications are posted and filed at the County Clerk's Office, 25 Aupuni St., Hilo; the Office of the Mayor, 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103, Kailua-Kona; and the Kona Councilmembers' Office, 77-6399 Nalani St., Suite 104, Kailua-Kona. For further information, please call 961-8245. Those wishing to testify, please register with the County Clerk's staff prior to the convening of the meeting. If possible, submit fifteen (15) written copies of testimony to staff prior to the convening of the meeting.) GOVERNMENT ACCESS TELEVISION: Channel 9 (Hilo) and Channel 12 (Kona) The Finance Committee and the Parks & Environmental Management Committee meetings can be seen on Tuesday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 17 at 8:30 p.m. The Planning Committee and the Human Services & Economic Development Committee meetings can be seen on Thursday, April 12 and Thursday, April 19 at 8:30 p.m. All the above meetings will be aired on Sunday, April 22 at 9 a.m.