HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0150.018 2012-2014 TESTIMONY
PROJECT: Waimea Trails and Greenways
Date 4/12/13
Re: SUPPORT FOR WAIMEA TRAILS AND GREENWAYS TO COUNTY COUNCIL
From: Clemson Lam
1. History
a. 1994 - community based effort leads to establishment of trail group
b. 1995 - County Council commits seed money to Trail
c. Parks and Recreation project
2. What is Waimea Trails and Greenways
a. Multiuse trail for non motorized vehicles and pedestrians
b.Alternative transportation corridor
c. Linear park along the Waikoloa Stream
3. Why is this a good idea?
a. Promotes health in the individuals as well as the physical environment
b.Allows residents as well as visitors to enjoy Waimea's natural beauty in peaceful setting
c. Promotes eco tourism-jobs, businesses
d.Cultural connection-Kipuupuu warriors used this same trail, the Waikoloa Stream muffled
their movements when they were called to battle by Kamehameha
e. Parks and Recreation is not only ball fields, gyms or pools -this facility reaches a different
constituency - elderly, the very young, the disabled.
4. What we've experienced
a. The first consultant selected in 1997, retired in 2007 without finishing
b. 1996 Got on STIP to qualify for Fed ISTEA funds, 2009 dropped from STIP
c. Delays due to Parks and Recreation not being able to manage the project
d. Second consultant started in 2008
e. NEPA started in 2010 completed at end of 2011, still no FONSI
5. What we want
a. Effective management for this trail
b.If it is Parks and Recreation, funding should be adequate to put the manpower on it.
c. If another department would be more effective, then we should switch it.
Comm. No. co.' (V
1 of Ref.To: virc
Ref. Date APR 12 2013