HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0578.000 1996-1998 4 ~~y
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Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman November 7, 1997
& Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki & Council Members:
As you are aware, the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association
(DIA) has been grappling with Downtown Hilo's parking challenges
for several years now.
Working in concert, the DIA, County Administration, and the Council
has to a degree successfully addressed localized problems with short-
term metered parking stalls and inadequate enforcement by
providing free parking in the makai Kamehameha Avenue parking
lot. This pilot project has resulted in that pazticular parking lot being
heavily utilized throughout the work week. Prior to the end of the
year, the DIA recommends that the Council approve the removal of
the parking meters from this lot.
Additionally, the DIA requests the Council's support for a three
month moratorium on all parking meter fees throughout Downtown
Hilo, with the two-hour limit enforced through other means. The
organization stands by the following:
• There are no other commercial areas on the island where
customers are required to pay a fee to park on street.
• To date there has been inadequate enforcement of the meters.
• Attempts to privatize enforcement have been met with resistance
and, the recent State Supreme Court ruling relating to
privatization would not permit such implementation.
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Hilo Downtown Improvement Association (ale ~O'
252 Kamehameha Avenue • Hllo, Hawal'I 96720 ;iw,Y 'p°.~N
Phone and Fax (808) 935-8850
Historic Downtown Hilo irr;l i)SLQ ~ 1 2 1997
Council Chairman Arakaki &
Council Members
Hawaii County Council
November 7, 1997
Page 2.
Ultimately, the removal of parking meters, Downtown customers will
perceive the area to be more user-friendly, which will generate more
business, greater employment, and added tax revenue through
increased sales and business investment.
We look forward to working with the Council on this most important
matter.
Sincerely,
J~
Randy Rohner
President
C: Mayor Stephen Yamashiro
Richard Nishimura, Traffic Division