HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0499.002 2008-2010Page 1 of 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Bob Ward [rgward007@hawaii.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2009 3:04 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony -Res 231-09
Attachments: CC-Bypass.pdf
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Aloha,
This is my written testimony for Resolution 231-09 concerning the Mamalahoa
Highway Bypass.
Robert Ward
9/1/2009
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TESTIMONY - Hawaii County Council
Resolution 231-09 -Mamalahoa Highway Bypass
With minor changes, I support extending the use of the Mamalahoa Bypass.
The fact that it provides a viable transportation route alternative (that also
benefits those that decline to take advantage of this option) warrants continuing
the use of this transportation infrastructure component identified as a priority in
the Kona CDP.
However, it is the Kona CDP itself that provides the framework for these
recommended changes. Our plan seeks connectivity and transportation choices.
This principle is the foundation for expanding alternative modes of travel. This is
only the second road in the County where bicycle travel is prohibited. It is the only
road where pedestrian travel is not allowed. It is also unique in that it is the only
highway in the County where mass transit is specifically precluded.
Even though this operation might be temporary and serve a limited market,
it is crucial that the County accelerate its efforts to align its transportation policies
in west Hawaii with the tenants of the Kona Community Development Plan.
Congestion mitigation solutions like this (whether on a trial basis or not) should
not prohibit the vary transportation modes that are understood to help reduce it.
The long term solution is obviously to complete the entire route in an
economically prudent fiscal manner so that this corridor can be opened to the
public. Leveraging available private financing, existing construction securities, and
public financing options such as tolling is a reasonable approach. Since occupation
of the Hokuli'a subdivision was prohibited until the first phase of the bypass is
open to the public, it is necessary for the County Council and Administration to
take the needed steps to remove restrictions and open this facility to the public.
Thank you,
Robert Ward