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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1040.020 2006-2008 Page 1 of 1 Murashige, Laura; From: Bob Ward [rgward007@hawaii.rr.com] J~ Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 9:44 PM ZIA% To: Council Member Naeole; Council Member Ford; Council Member Higa; Councippetber. Hoffmann; Council Member Ikeda; Council Member Jacobson; Council Mem k~o' M Council Member Yagong; Council Member Yoshimoto> Cc: Council Testimony Subject: Bill 253 - Transportation Projects ~7MAI. 104 Attachments: 2008-Bike&Ped_Annual_Report.pdf; CC-BudgetFY2008-2009-lst.doc Aloha Council Members, I have attached a copy of my testimony related to the FY2008-2009 Capital Improvement Projects budget. I have also attached a copy of the County's Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee's recommendations for CIP projects for your convenience. I believe we need to focus some of our transportation funding on those who choose not to be dependent on cars and trucks for their mobility, as well those that simply don't have a choice. Walking and bicycling are becoming a preferred mode of travel for an increasingly larger segment of our population. Consequently, we should keep in mind that: • There are 171,000 pedestrians that live on our island • Over half a million trips occur here per day, and they all begin and end as a pedestrian • Almost 7 percent of households do not have regular access to a car or truck • Approximately 29 percent of our population is not even qualified to drive • Communities like Kailua and Keauhou have over 30 percent of the population with some form of disability The Hawaii County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended a variety of projects around the island that will let families walk to the beach, kids walk safely to school or reach the bus, and our Kupuna travel independently. Other projects can allow commuters to bike safely to work, expand recreational and fitness opportunities, and some even provide emergency evacuation for all modes of travel. By including these in the CIP for FY2008-2009 we can start projects that will provide up to 6.5 miles of Pedestrian walkways, 21.3 miles of Bikeways, and 21.5 miles of Shared-Use Paths (including 9.2 miles that can also serve as emergency evacuation routes)! They all safely connect people and places. Bob Ward Comm. No. 1040,34 Ref. To: &""W- Ref. Dote Mav 20 2008 5/12/2008 ti 4. h`~ tB Ic cle~ and yxCommittee-' P,6d,&te,lan~4_Axduus~or Annual Re sort 2- 'god 'k + F Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 Hawaii County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee C/O Department of Public Works 101 Pauahi Street Hilo, HI 96720 March 13, 2008 Dear Honorable Mayor Kim, This will be our final annual report. We have seen some progress with development of Revised Roadway Standards (creating more "complete streets") and Community Development Plans (increasing the emphasis on bicycling and walking). We have also experienced some setbacks including a decline in funding for bicycle education programs and the reduction in our inventory of pathways. So to a certain extent, we feel that we have let you down. But all is not lost. We still have 8 months to work towards ensuring that one of the great legacies of this administration will be leading the charge to make this a bicycle friendly island and a walking paradise. Over the past several years we have considered literally hundreds of worthwhile bicycle and pedestrian related projects and consolidated them into a list of over 200 needed projects. Recognizing the limitations on funding and resources, we further reduced this to our Top 10 List. This represents a diverse collection of highly desirable projects located in various districts around the island. We recommend that these projects be included in the FY2008-2009 Budget by providing a reasonable level of funding to advance these projects as far as practicable in the coming years. There is a very real chance for a quality outcome. With a supplemental budget allocation of only $675,000 in FY2008-2009 we can launch and even partially complete up to 6.5 miles of Pedway and esplanades (and additional sidewalks). We can also establish 0.9 miles of Shoulder Bikeways, 20.4 miles of Bike Lanes, and 21.5 miles of Shared-Use Paths (including 9.2 miles that can also serve as emergency access routes)! With Aloha, Members of the Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Laura Dierenfield, Chair, Council District 9 Richard Chamberlin, Council District 2 Ron Reilly, Vice Chair, Council District 6 James B. Friday, Council District 2 Bob Ward, Member, Council District 7 Herbert Soloway, Council District 9 Kelly Burke, Council District 3 Doug Wilkerson, Council District 8 Page 2 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 Summary of Contents The follow report describes the top projects deemed necessary to create a bike and walk friendly Hawaii Island. Each project is organized as follows: Title of Project Description of Project's importance for creating a walk and bike friendly environment Action items advised by the Committee Map of Top Projects K. waikoloa Loop D. Waimea Traits and Greenways (Emergency Access Rd. 8? L. Kawaihae Road i, Laupahoehoe Point Paniolo Avenue) A. Kahului to Keauhou Parkway C. Hilo Bayfront Trails B. Ah' i Drive (Bikeshed) 7. Bayfront Highway H. Kuakini Highway G. Manono Street E. Hawal' i Consolidated M. Sidewalks to All'i Drive Railway F.. Oneo Bay Page 3 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 A. Kahului to Keauhou Parkway (Ali'i Drive to Kuakini Highway). We understand that this has been a priority r project of this administration; however, the rate of progress has been disappointing. 'i Considering current inflation rates, every month of delay adds almost an additional million dollars to the total cost. We are aware that $680,000 has been budgeted for next year and believe that there are several opportunities to enhance the design to Photo Credit: © David Allio provide greater safety and utility by all users while reducing the cultural impact and the total cost of the project. • We encourage your staff to meet with local bicycle and pedestrian groups now in order to expedite the final design process and to create a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly parkway. • We urge you to prioritize construction of an initial terrain following Shared-Use Path even before construction for the parkway begins to better connect our communities. • We urge that all surveys, design work and property acquisition progress for both phase I and phase II between Ali'i' Highway and Kuakini Highway. ,ter B. Ali'i Drive - Bikeshed (Ali'i Highway to Walua Road). This roadway represents one of the most unique assets of the Kona Coast. In the County's original 1979 Bike Plan it was the top priority for West Hawaii. A generation later, additional work is still needed. Progress has been slow, to the point that $285,000 in bond funding was lost. It is the sole access to the County's 4 urban beach parks and 2 dozen shoreline access points including major surfing, fishing, and shore diving points. • We are initially seeking better parking management and enforcement, improved pavement markings and additional signage, along with reductions in physical encroachments. Page 4 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 • We ultimately seek the establishment of mauka and makai 5-foot pedestrian lanes separated from vehicle travel lanes by 5'-6" bike lanes. Collectively, they could provide an additional emergency travel lane in each direction. • The makai pedestrian lane would be routed onto a Shared-Use Path through adjacent Parks and public lands at locations where it will be replaced by on street parking at locations that are adjacent to public parks. C. Hilo Bayfront Trails (Wailuku River to Kuhio Pier). Excellent progress has been made through the consolidated efforts of several government departments, private consultants and energized citizens. This presents a huge opportunity for visitors and residents alike, by accommodating pedestrians and bicyclists of all skill levels. Not only does it complete a vital arterial route for all modes, but creates the opportunity for future links to connect the University and Community College, and Industrial area; the scenic features of the Wailuku River and the shoreline attractions of Kalanianaole Avenue. • We urge you to keep this a top priority for the Research and Development Department. Our greatest concern is that the momentum from this positive consolidated effort could be stalled. • We would like to see an additional $100,000 in Fy2008-2009 for surveying and preliminary design. This figure could be even less if this project is a high priority and most of the work is done in house. TO KAWAMAE 4 WAIMEA TRAMS AND GR M"AYS LALAMILO CANADA- FARM n`s"' FRANCE AH p tIA'+AII LOTS H READQUAR11MMS r D. Waimea Trails and Greenways (Sandlewood to Lanakila Park). This project has had several setbacks over the years and is beginning to build momentum again. No additional funds have been allocated for this project next budget year. However a rare opportunity exists with the reconstruction of the Lindsey Road Bridge with $8,000,000 budgeted in the coming year. Page 5 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 • We urge that the bridge be constructed to safely carry pedestrians and bicyclists across it and to also allow trail users to cross below it under normal conditions. • We encourage your delegation to Parks and Recreation that this is a high priority project that needs to be aggressively moved forward so that both the construction of Phase I and the design of Phase II can commence Oct 1, 2008 when Transportation Enhancement funds should be available. E. Hawai'i Consolidated Railway (Railroad Avenue to Hawaiian Paradise Park) One of the rare opportunities that links our history of transportation and agriculture of an era long ago to our current transportation needs and modern farming. This corridor also ranked in the top 12 of the suggestions for Open Space, Public access, and Natural Resource Preservation last year. This also creates the chance to build a link that connects people and places. The corridor would tie HPP and Keaau directly to Hilo. The fact that this would also integrate the Hilo Bayfront Trails and the Old Volcano Trail that is currently in the planning stage into a truly regional alternative transportation network. The corridor could also be prepared as an emergency evacuation route. • We urge that negotiations proceed as directed by Council Resolution 206-2K for the acquisition of this corridor by purchase, easement for the range of intended use, by consent (that would indemnify the property owners under the terms of HRS 520), or by eminent domain if necessary. • Allocate $150,000 for the initial centerline survey, metes and bounds description and preparation of preliminary Shared-Use Path design. This amount could be significantly less if this project is prioritized to the extent that most of the work can be done in house. F. Oneo Bay (Walua Road to Hualalai, Road). This project has languished over the last several years and progress has ground to a halt. However this remains a prime tourist destination and one of the heaviest traveled pedestrian routes with low quality facilities and many potential hazards. • We urge that you engage the local V pedestrian and business community to work with Public Works Department to provide design modifications using Value Engineering principals. This will provide greater functionality at a lower cost while achieving the desired attributes. Page 6 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 • Provide a total of $50,000 in County funds to complete the design in FY2008- 2009, and seek an additional $500,000 by advancing Transportation Enhancement funds in the STIP, or working with the Business improvement District to begin land acquisition and landscape adjustments. • Prioritize construction of the Nani Kailua extension segment between Ali'i Drive and Kuakini Highway. This will be a crucial bypass both to accommodate the future construction and immediately relieve the increasing volumes of vehicle traffic. • Support design of a roundabout at the Hualalai Road intersection. Exchanging parking facilities with Watumull (owners of Waterfront Row) would provide them with parking closer to their facility, and allow use of their land to accommodate the roundabout to achieve the optimum safety and delay reduction. • Include construction of an esplanade along the bay over the easement r; obtained makai of Kona q Inn. A walkway could eventually extend from the pier to Oneo Bay and ultimately link all the Kailua hotels and extend to Wai'aha Bay Beach Park. G. Manono Street (W. Kawili to Bayfront Highway). This was the top project for East Hawai'i in the 1979 Bike Plan. Survey work has been scheduled for this spring with a $300,000 appropriation from FY2006-2007. This is an extremely valuable bicycle and pedestrian corridor. This spine links the Bayfront, Wailoa River, Banyan Drive, Ho'olulu complex, the industrial area, Community College, University and the Waiakea School complex. • We urge you prioritize the preliminary survey work so that preliminary engineering will be complete as we enter the next budget year. • Keep this project as a budget item in the Capital Budget for FY2008-2009. Consider the possibility of a design-build project that could expedite providing contiguous bike lanes and sidewalks from the Bayfront to the University within a year and a half. Page 7 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 H. Kuakini Highway (Palani Road to Old Airport and Queen Ka'ahumanu h Highway). This is one of the most T` desirable links in West Hawai'i because it ties together the Bike Lanes and sidewalks from the County's $18M Kuakini project and the Shared-Use Path, Bike lanes and Shoulder Bikeways of the State's $105M Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway project. This short segment will also tie together the swimming pool, gymnasium, athletic fields and the newly acquired Old Airport Park, Mass Transit facilities, Old Industrial area, and the largest shopping Center in the county (under construction). This is one of the heaviest used bicycle routes on the island and is used for recreation, commuting, training and the Ironman World Championship. • We urge you to prioritize this project which was already designated in the County Code (§24-294) as a bike lane, but work has not started. • Provide $200,000 to complete surveys and preliminary design work to add bike lanes on both sides of Kuakini, Shared-Use Path on makai side, and walk path on mauka setback easement from Palani Road to Old Airport. • Work with Queen Liliuokalani Trust to provide SB-A (10-foot wide Shoulder Bikeways) along Makala Blvd. between Kuakini Highway and the Kona Commons development bike lanes, as an interim measure, pending further development. • Direct the County to work with Foundations and local groups to create a Public/Private initiative to help the County fund the construction of the improvements. 1. Laupahoehoe Point (Emergency Access Road) This has been a highly desired community project for years and is featured on the County's website. With our island's limited resources this is an excellent opportunity to utilize a scenic and historic corridor for a Shared-Use Path and for emergency ingress and egress when needed. • We urge you to keep this project moving forward through hazard mitigation and development of an all weather path for pedestrians and bicyclists. • Provide $25,000 in the FY2008-2009 Budget and prioritize additional preliminary engineering work that may be required to budget further improvements that might be required. Page 8 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 J. Bayfront Highway (Wailoa River underpass). This is an incredibly unique opportunity to capitalize on existing assets. Utilizing an existing underpass conveniently located where Bayfront Trails, Wailoa River trails, Bayfront Park, Banyan Drive, and Manono Street all converge would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross under Highway 19. This could be accomplished improvements costing millions of dollars less than providing similar facility from scratch. • We urge you to prioritize this project and work with DOT and DLNR to establish a coordinated effort to develop this project. • Provide $50,000 in the FY2008- 2009 CIP to provide preliminary engineering to determine the necessary improvements and develop a budget and timeline for completion. K. Waikoloa Loop (Emergency Access Road and Paniolo Avenue). This represents another golden opportunity to take advantage of existing facilities and improve them to better accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. There are two principal components. The recently completed emergency route could be improved as a Shared Use Path to connect Waikoloa Village to Waikoloa Beach. Completing bike lanes along Paniolo Avenue is the second. • Provide $90,000 to complete paving of a 10-foot wide Shared use path along the Waikoloa Emergency Road. Pedestrian use would provide daily inspection to ensure route is always passable. Sub- spec asphalt could be considered to minimize costs. • Provide $10,000 to complete pavement repair, lane termination design, pavement markings, signage, drainage grates, and incidentals. Most work could be completed in house to minimize costs. Page 9 of 11 Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 L. Kawaihae Road (Waimea). The project has already been scheduled for April of this year. We remain optimistic that this project can be completed as promised. Enhancements including pavement markings and signage will help to complement this innovative approach to implementing "complete streets" that will accommodate all modes of travel. No additional funding is anticipated at this time. 4 kF. F~-t y M. Sidewalks to Ali'i Drive. There are a variety of design solutions that can provide safer pedestrian access for thousands of residents and visitors to reach what should be one of the premier pedestrian facilities in West Hawaii. Existing conditions force some pedestrians to either attempt to share the often narrow vehicle travel lanes with up to 6,000 vehicles per day, or resort to using motor vehicles. If we are serious about trying to safely accommodate pedestrians, we have to start building sidewalks now! Page 10 of 11 r Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Annual Report 2007 • Provide funding to construct sidewalks along Walua Road from Kuakini Highway to Ali'i Drive. • Provide funding to construct sidewalks along Lunapule from Walua Road to Ali'i Drive. • Provide funding to construct sidewalks along Royal Poinciana through Ali'i Kai to Ali'i Drive. • Provide temporary paved pedestrian lanes on lower La'aloa until sidewalks are completed. • Provide funding for sidewalks along Queen Kalama from Keauhou View Estates to Ali'i Drive. • Repair damaged sidewalk and complete gaps along Makolea Street to Ali'i Drive • Provide funding for sidewalks along King Kamehameha III from Keauhou Bay to Ali'i Highway. End of Report For More Information, contact: Laura Dierenfield, Chair Hawaii County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Ph: 808-936-4653 Email: LMD(@-hawaii.rr.com Page 11 of 11 TESTIMONY COUNTY COUNCIL - BILL 253 - Capital Improvement Projects - Budget FY2008-2009 I would like to thank the Councilmembers for this opportunity to testify on the subject of the proposed budget. My primary focus is implementing a balanced transportation policy that will: • INCREASE traffic SAFETY • REDUCE travel DELAY • IMPROVE mobility OPTIONS We should not only INCREASE the SUPPLY of transportation infrastructure, but also REDUCE the DEMAND on our existing roadways. Both sides of the transportation equation must be pursued in order to cost effectively balance transportation expenditures. Over the last several years, I have advocated for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve capacity and reduce delay more cost effectively than just building roads. I have also been a strong supporter of a comprehensive, but sustainable mass transit system to reduce our dependence on private motor vehicles. We must also turn our attention to meeting the needs of those who choose not to be dependent on cars and trucks for their mobility, as well those that simply don't have a choice. Walking, bicycling and similar means are becoming a preferred mode of travel for an increasingly larger segment of our population. We need to provide routes that balance the safety and accommodation of all travel modes. Consequently, we should keep in mind that: • There are 171,000 pedestrians that live on our island • Over half a million trips occur here per day, and they all begin and end as a pedestrian • Almost 7 percent of households do not have regular access to a car or truck • Approximately 29 percent of our population is not even qualified to drive • Some Communities have over 30 percent of the population with some form of disability The Hawai'i County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, after reviewing hundreds of projects recommended their "Top 10" priorities in the Annual Report for 2007. There are a variety of projects around the island that will let families walk to the beach, kids walk safely to school or reach the bus, and our Kupuna to travel independently. Other projects can allow commuters to bike safely to work, expand recreational and fitness opportunities, and some even provide emergency evacuation for all modes of travel. They all safely connect people with places. With a supplemental budget allocation of only $675,000 in FY2008-2009 we can start projects that will provide up to 6.5 miles of Pedway and esplanades (and additional sidewalks). We can also establish 0.9 miles of Shoulder Bikeways, 20.4 miles of Bike Lanes, and 21.5 miles of Shared-Use Paths (including 9.2 miles that can also serve as emergency access or evacuation routes)! Thank You, Bob Ward Member - Hawai'i County Highway Safety Council Member- Hawai'i County Transportation Commission Member- Hawai'i County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee