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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 206 Draft 02 1998-2000 • • • COUNTY OF HAWAII My STATE OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. 206 -2K (Draft 2) A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ACQUISITION BY HAWAII COUNTY OF THE HILO TO HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK SECTION OF THE FORMER HILO TO KAPOHO RAILROAD. WHEREAS, the former Hilo to Kapoho Railroad right —of- way is still physically intact and is currently in use as a private right -of -way; and WHEREAS, pathways that are separate from roads and highways offer a safe, pleasant and desirable alternative transportation corridor for non- motorized use; and WHEREAS, there is broad based community support for such pathways; and WHEREAS, pathways encourage, facilitate and increase the number of trips taken by bicycling, walking, jogging, in- line skating and wheelchair users; and WHEREAS, the pathway, approximately six (6) miles in length, will provide a direct connection between the growing communities of Hilo, Kea'au and Hawaiian Paradise Park; and WHEREAS, the pathway extends beyond Hawaiian Paradise Park (as the former railroad) to Hawaiian Beaches and to Kapoho, and provides connectivity to these publicly owned sections, which are currently limited to non - motorized public use and agricultural /commercial motorized business access use; and WHEREAS, community pathways help bring people and their communities together and provide an infrastructure to support community sustainability; and WHEREAS, the pathway will provide connectivity to the Old Government Roads in Puna and the Volcano Trail and will become a key element of a trails system for Puna and the island -wide Ka'apuni o Hawai'i circle - island trail; and WHEREAS, pathways act to reduce dependence on automobiles, reduce the number of auto - trips, improve air quality, reduce noise, reduce non -point source pollution, and reduce carbon emissions; and WHEREAS, pathways act positively to increase individual levels of health and fitness for all age groups, stimulate sustainable community -based businesses, increase property values; and WHEREAS, the pathway will provide safe and convenient access for bicycle commuting students and faculty to several schools in Keaau; and WHEREAS, the pathway will provide opportunity for families to share in healthful outdoor exercise in a relatively safe, and park -like setting free from the noise, fumes, and danger associated with highways; and WHEREAS, there is federal support and financing available for construction and improvement of such pathways; and • • • WHEREAS, the land value of County or State owned right -of -ways may be used as the local, non - federal match for federal funding; and WHEREAS, there is a Hawai`i island vision for pathways in Puna and all other districts of Hawai`i Island that may connect in the future to form a circle - island pathway (the Ka'apuni o Hawaii Pathway), and that is supported by existing Hawai`i County Council Resolution Nos. 184 -95 and 269 -98; and WHEREAS, the [pathway will provide an opportunity] County Parks & Recreation Department will seek input and guidance from the Hawaiian Community in order to protect and preserve local sites of historical and cultural importance; and WHEREAS, a portion of the right -of -way may be used as an emergency access route for lower Puna in the event of emergency; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that it supports the acquisition of the Hilo to Hawaiian Paradise Park section of the former Hilo to Kapoho Railroad right -of -way. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it supports the initiation of collaborative steps be taken between the Hawai`i County Council, the Honorable Mayor Stephen Yamashiro, County Departments, landowners and interested members of the community toward this right -of -way acquisition, which will not have a negative impact on the current agricultural /commercial motorized business access use of roadway as well as historical and cultural sites. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the County of Hawaii transmit copies of this resolution to the Department of Parks & Recreation, and Ron Reilly. DATED: Hilo, Hawai`i, INTRODUCED BY: COUNCIL MEMBER. COUNTY OF HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE County of Hawaii AYES NOES ASB EX Hilo, Hawaii ARAKAKI 1 hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by the CHUNG vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the County of Hawaii on ELARIONOFF JACOBSON ATTEST: LEITIIEAD -TODD PISICCI I IO SMITH TYLER YAGONG Reference: COUNTY CLERK CHAIRMAN & PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO.