REP FC 095 09/17/2013 (2012-2014)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: September 17, 2013 Re: Comm. No. 419/Bill No. 128 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 10:05 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 128, reports as follows: Bill No. 128, transmitted by Finance Director Nancy Crawford, via Communication No. 419 dated August 28, 2013, amends Ordinance No. 13-66, as amended, relating to public improvements and financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. The amendment is as follows: PUBLIC WORKS Mamalahoa Highway Improvements - County (110.388.5384.03) $ 1,500,000 Funds for this appropriation increase shall be provided from: General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund - Fund Balance and/or Other Sources The proposed bill adds the Mamalahoa Highway Improvements (County) project for $1.5 million to the Capital budget. Public Works Director Warren Lee appeared before Your Committee for questions. He provided that the $1.5 million will be appropriated for pre-construction of the Mamalahoa Improvements project. In 2009, the width of the road was preset; however, the pavement sub-grade of the road is failing. He explained that the original road was built by the Marines in the 1940's with Waimea ash, which does not have good binding power. Within the next 12 months, Mr. Lee will be requesting an additional estimated $3 million from General Obligation Bonds to complete the road leading into and out of Waimea. The improvements will give the road an additional 20-30 years of life. Council Member Wille spoke in support of Bill No. 128. She stated her concerns about the traffic congestion in Waimea and the project timeline. Pursuant to Section 10-6(d), Hawai`i County Charter, the Council may amend the Capital Budget for that year with a two-thirds vote. FC Report No. 95