HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PWIRC 045 05/16/2006 2004-2006 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
DATE: May 16, 2006 RE: Comm. No. 824/Res. No. 317-06
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations, to which was referred
Resolution No. 317-06, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 317-06, transmitted by Hawaii County Council Member Donald Ikeda, via
Communication No. 824, dated April 13, 2006, requests a feasibility study for the closure and
realignment of the existing Hilo Bayfront Highway and the restoration of the Hilo Bayfront Beach.
The resolution cites the County of Hawaii General Plan's identification, in its recreation profile
for South Hilo, of a plan for the elimination of the Bayfront Highway, the widening and
realignment of Kamehameha Avenue and the expansion of costal recreation areas.
The resolution further cites the County of Hawaii General Plan's identification, in its
transportation profile for South Hilo, of a plan for the closure of the Bayfront Highway.
The resolution also cites the "Envision Downtown Hilo 2525: ACommunity-Based Vision and
Living Action Plan for Downtown Hilo" study, adopted by the Hawaii County Council, wherein it
identifies the need for a study on the realignment of the Bayfront Highway to develop walking
access from Downtown Hilo to Hilo Bayfront, and the need to restore Hilo Bay to a clean and
healthy state.
Your Committee heard testimony from two members of the public regarding the proposed request.
Both members of the public spoke in support of the resolution. One member of the public stated
that although closure of the Hilo Bayfront Highway may be inconvenient, it would be a good idea
since the clean-up of the highway due to storm surge generated rubbish and debris is constant and
costly. He also expressed hope that the Hilo Bayfront Beach would restore the azea to its natural
state as it was prior to the 1946 tsunami.
The other member of the public spoke in favor of the resolution via written communication. Mr.
James M. O'Keefe, Vice President of the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association ("DIA")
informed members of your Committee that the Board of Directors of the DIA is in unanimous
support of the resolution. Mr. O'Keefe stated that by moving the beach "closer to the downtown
core, it would become more convenient and accessible to those many people who frequent the
downtown area for shopping, historical tours, and cultural events."
PWIRC Committee Report
May 16, 2006
Page 2
Your Committee also heard testimony from Pat Engelhazd, Director of Parks and Recreation for
the County of Hawaii. Ms. Engelhazd stated that realignment of the Bayfront Highway would
bisect the pazk and would "spell the demise of Mo`oheau Pazk Bandstand".
Committee Chair Donald Ikeda agreed with Ms. Englehard that the Mo`oheau Bandstand is a very
old building, however it can be relocated. Chair Ikeda also stated that the bandstand is very old
and is in need of renovation, or should just be rebuilt.
Your Committee on Public Works and Intergovernmental Relations is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 317-06 and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
ARAKAKI X
HIGA X COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND
HOFFMANN X INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
HOLSCHUH X ~Q
IKEDA X G~
ISBELL X DONALD IKEDA, CHAIR
JACOBSON x PWIRC REPORT NO. 45
PILAGO X JUN 0 5 10Q6
SAFARIK X ADOPTED: