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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSPRC 018 10/06/2009 2008-2010 j REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: PLACE: October 6, 2009 Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Re: Comm. No. 535 (Res. 242-09) TIME: 1 :00 P.M. Council Chair and Members Hawai'i County Council Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 Your Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation, to which was referred Resolution 242-09, reports as follows: Resolution 242-09, transmitted via Communication 535, from Councilmember Kelly Greenwell, dated September 21, 2009 seeks to initiate near-term remedies for areas deemed hazardous and address long-term design and planning for a bicycle system islandwide. There were two public testifiers on the matter. Tim Reese inquired about the status of Res. 716-08, a previous resolution passed in the 2006-2008 Council session accepting a grant from the State of Hawai'i Department of Health, Tobacco Settlement Project Office for the creation of a Balanced Transportation Coordinator to promote bicycle, pedestrian, and non- motorized modes of transportation. Laura Dierenfield from PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawai'i) expressed concern and opposition to the language of the resolution. She emphasized that bicycles are vehicles too, and that accidents should be referred to as crashes. Councilmember Ford asked Laura Dierenfield to remain to answer additional questions and also questioned Councilmember Greenwell on the general intent of the resolution. Chair Guy Enriques also inquired about the purposed outcome as the resolution is not directed to a specific department. Councilmember Greenwell replied by stating that the resolution was made in an effort to bring public factions together and start a dialogue. Councilmember Yagong inquired as to why PATH's revision to the resolution or examples from other Hawai'i Counties were not incorporated. Councilmember Greenwell explained that he wanted to get this started and in place in order to help secure federal or other funding for bicycle related issues. He expects further drafts and resolutions on the subject to address long term island-wide planning. PSPRC RPT. NO. 18 PSPRC-18 October 6,2009 ;, Your Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 242-09 and recommends its adoption. bw AYES NOES A&E EX ENRIQUES X FORD X GREENWELL X HOFFMANN X IKEDA X NAEOLE X ONISHI X YAGONG X YOSHIMOTO X Respectfully submitted, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND PARKS AND RECREATION