HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0257.000 1996-1998
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COUNTY Uf- HAWAII
April 16, 1997
Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman
& County Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki & Council Members:
For years our organization has had to deal with the parking meters in
the Downtown Area. There is no other commercial area on the Big
Island which is metered to the extent of Downtown Hilo. We also
have struggled with trying to achieve adequate enforcement of these
meters to no avail. Our attempts at privatization of enforcement of
the meters were futile (and now impossible due to a recent Supreme
Court decision).
Therefore, on the recommendation of our Parking Committee (who
has been studying this problem diligently for over a year) our Board
of Directors has voted to support removal of all the parking meters in
the Downtown area.
We seek your support to facilitate removal of these meters as soon as
possible and to recommend the following:
1. Enforcement of parking stalls Monday through Friday only 8 am-5 pm.
2. Extend time limit to 3 hours (by way of chalking of tires).
3. Implement "County Parking Fine" of $]0.00 per violation (this
prevents fines collected from going to the State and should cover the
costs of enforcement). There are 1022 enforceable stalls in
existence. Current revenues would be achieved if there is a 5°l0
Hllo Main Street Program R{~e, ~,t..
A Pmjeef of Ute Downtown lmprouement Association
In Historic Downtown Ht(o . -
252 Kamchameha Avenue • Hilo, Hawaf'f 96720 - ~t~
Telephone (808) 935-8850 • Fax (CG6Lf1OfiYYtY Nr~~ 1 $ 1~7
i
James Arakaki, Chairman
& County Council Members
Hawaii County Council
April 16, 1997
Page 2.
violation factor. We consider this to be a reasonable percentage to
sustain enforcement.
4. Retain a sufficient number of employees from parking division to
chalk tires and write citations. Staffing needs to provide adequate
enforcement of the three hour limit. Without adequate enforcement
removal of the meters would be a futile attempt to solve Downtown
Hilo's parking problem.
5. Implement signage advising public of parking rules and
regulations.
The DIA is willing to remove all the meters in the Downtown area at
no expense to the County in exchange for the meters being given to
our organization for proper disposal and promotional purposes.
Our proposal creates a more user friendly downtown area; resulting
in more business for merchants which in turn brings greater
employment, increased tax revenues due to increased sales and
investment as business prospers.
Be assured this issue is of much importance to our organization and
we look forward to your favorable and immediate response. We, of
course, are available to address the Council and/or any necessary
committee which may have questions regarding this proposal.
Sincerely,
Randy Rohner
President
XC Mayor Stephen K. Yamashiro