HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0968.014 1996-1998
I ~I?7~- 1
PATH - PEoPLEs ApyocAcY
PO Box 62 + KAILUA-KONA, HAWAi' 196745 (808) 326-9495 FAx (808) 327-9429
Boat) OfDirectorr r
Gerry Rntt'
President November 18, 1998
Robert K. Okawa,
Vice President
Jane, 1-liga Miller, James Y. Arakaki, Chairman
seoeta04n-surer County of Hawai' i
Kealoha Curnan-Medina
Wendy Gaertner County Council
Gwen C. Hobtxi 25 Aupuni Street
Stmt Mitchell
Daniel S. Peters Hilo, Hawai' i 96720
Michael 1. Rrehrn
Irank n. Sayre, DDS re: Bill 287 Relating to the Prohibition of Coasters, [etc.] in the
Robert A. Shul
Downtown Hilo Commercial Area.
AavA"
Toni Blair Dear Chairman,
Barbara 1. Bush
Linda Jane Kelley
Ron Reilly PATH supports the ban of skateboards and similar devices from sidewalks,
but we do have some concerns about the way this bill is written and the way in
FxecrotAv¢ a4rctor which it may be interpreted and expanded upon.
Ann C.. Peterson First, please realize that skateboards, etc. are not just recreational toys,
Albston but do function as means of transportation. There are many people who use
to prolw le f2& sale[y
educdoon, anda salt. ' these modes to get to work, school, shops, and businesses. As people use these
env/mnmenl on modes for transportation, they are not only reducing the number of cars on the
roadways and trails for
recreation roadways, but also promoting healthy lifestyles. Instead of outlawing them, we
Atwe , anda/re/naliw should be creating a healthy and safe environment for their use. Please consider
nadcs o/lranspoRalion
creating alternative routes before placing this ban.
For those who use skateboards, etc, in potentially unsafe ways, we need to
educate them about the dangers they may be creating. We would suggest that
those receiving a first or second conviction (as deemed appropriate by the
Council) be required to take a safety course to inform them of the
consequences of their action. Simply restricting the use of skateboards, etc.
without providing a rationale that can be appreciated by the offender can only lead
to disgruntlement. Of course we all want to create a society that respects law and
order. The heavy handed approach seldom works and can lead to even more
deviant behavior. PATH, who already is providing bicycle, pedestrian and motorist
safety awareness education would be happy to work with the Council in identifying
a safety course appropriate for these offenses.
Thank you for your kind review of this letter.
Sincerely,
wetrsi[e: Oomm No. %L•1~---
www.hialohacorryleth Ann C. Peterson -Ck
Finaih Executive Director File No._
pa[h~g'aloha.nM Ref. r0: _
NOV 21 t9~8