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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0493.124 2000-2002 P.O. Box 565 Kurtistown, Hawaii 96760 August 20, 2002 Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd, Chair, Hawaii County Council xtC.~ivtu Committee on Planning uir~o..____._______ By_ 25 Aupuni Street ~~t®~`~~~'°~~~?~ Hilo, Hawaii 96720 County Counul P - n ~ r~ Re: Revisions of the component of Transportation to the 2002 County of Hawaii General Plan Dear Madame Chair and Council Members: Aloha! The island of I-Iawai'i teeters on the brink of either a continuance of poor planning or a vision of excellence regarding long-term planning for the future transportation needs of the populace. It is beyond cognition that the state of Hawaii DOT has been perpetuating the nightmare of the beginning's of a freeway system for the lovely island of Hawaii. I refer to the proposed `Kahului/Keauhou Parkway'. It has only recently come to light that the intent for its presumed future will be six lanes in both traffic directions. Also it is separated by only one mile to the proposed Hokulia `Mamalahoa By-Pass Highway'. Unfortunately the public has received limited information on these proposals; which bespeak of what is better known as a freeway system. I believe if the public were given accurate information, a unanimous decision would be against such a diabolical scheme to repeat the madness of a freeway system. Which has destroyed the beauty of the island of Oahu, choice agriculture land in Southern California and other beautiful places too numerous to mention. Additionally, the approval of the Shipman Corporation's proposed "Gateway Center", Planning Director Chris Yuen has stated that Highway 11 will be getting an additional four lanes in both directions (Kea' au to Hilo). Increments of increased lanes of highways are how the H-1 freeway system came into being. Examples outlined above: the proposed `Kahului/Keauhou Parkway', it being connected to the proposed Hokulia `Mamalahoa By- Pass Highway' anti the additional lanes to accommodate the increase in traffic due to the proposed "Gateway Center" a~-e the incremental steps that will lead to a freeway system hee-e on our beloved island. A positive alternative is what occurred in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Decision-Makers, in the late 70's did not want a new freeway. Even though land had been acquired, it was transferred as well as Federal funding into a Light Rail System (approximately fifty to seventy-five percent). The Light Rail plans required very little land condemnation. It is connected to hotels, arena, and convention center. Two thousand people worked (and continue as it expands) on the Metropolitan Area Xpress (MAX). Thirty percent of the workers are minorities. The information I refer to is from Jan Shearer, Manager of Community Outreach for Tri-Met. Ms. Shearer is also Chairman of the Planning Commission of the city of Fairview, which is adjacent to Portland. I inquired to Ms. Shearer if the Hawaii County Council needed help in implementing a `Light Rail System' can they contact her, she stated, "No problem, we will help... many professional people would be willing to help and assist. Just say, `We need some help on the Big Island, people of expertise: engineers, architects, and planners will help". The Big Island population has increased dramatically, as reported in the 2000 Census. Prediction of future growth is phenomenal--this is more incentive & rationalism that a Light Rail system is advantageous for the future and current local population; additionally for the Visitor Industry & to unite the East & West sides of the island. Light Rail Systems function in San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, St. Louis, Sacramento, Denver, Dallas, & Minneapolis. They are quiet & efficient energy-wise; I implore this body to revamp the proposed 2002 County of Hawaii General Plan, to implement planning for a Light Rail System. Please do not exacerbate `paving of paradise'. Wisdom & motivation must prevail in the revisions of the 2002 County of Hawaii General Plan please launch dividends for the future; transformation to vision instead of repeating the same errors & oversights that beautiful Oahu endures. Sincerely with Aloha, Bonr> ha_n_ a C Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink ~~'~rvwo Jan Shearer shearerjna,trimet.org - 503-962-2155 - 710 NE Holladay -Portland, Oregon ~'L'~' Ref. fio: _ _ .