HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0101.001 1998-2000 r
a. C
i
TRA.CKS
iji , promoting traffic safety education, and a .safe environment on roadways and
trails for recreation, fitness, and alternative modes of transportation
OCTOBER 1998 PEOPLES ADVOCACY FOR TRAILS HAWAII • FOURTH QUARTER
WE SUGGEST AN ALI "PARKWAY" RECEIVED
by Ann C. Peterson BICYCLE DREAMS B
by Toni Romp- Friesen Date — �
3 .C---------- --•----
C
f there weren't enough issues facing us this election
year, here's one more: the development of the ounty Councils PP?'
proposed Ali'i Highway. A new, important arterial his wasn't going to be a major athletic event. En-
linking Kailua with South Kona. We propose that durance athletes could — and have made the trip in
since the alignment runs through existing one s i ,
neighborhoods, goes right next to an elementary school, and o r -. -- ' a , ' {A ,r , : S .• 1 " , w a , ;
will traverse prime urban development land, a "parkway design" two days. We, -' s .;` 1 ; ,
is the appropriate concept to develop, as opposed to the two active bicy- V:z , , I .
proposed "highway design'. clists, runners t' -i°� '+. . s ,6 a
The highway, as designed, calls for a 100 foot -wide and canoe pad- ` �a . - t : i
asphalt, limited access highway, with 13 foot retaining walls dlers in their "` ,,, r . u + 4 ,s
near homes, and chain link fences to disallow pedestrian traffic. m i d -t h i rt i e s n
Those of us who have seen such "neighborhoods" in other cities planned to take ti. t- A $, I a* p
cannot imagine Kona with this type of district in our midst. 5 days to ride s.- ., •
Instead, we propose a two -lane parkway design, with our bikes 2 - A` I IWK
landscaped medians, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and around the 220 0 Q+ k{
design features, such as curb extensions at intersections to miles of the Is- i ,' fir.: —,. C
safely allow pedestrian land of Hawai i. - -- '" • ' ` - . "'
crossings. What's more, Toni Romp Friesen all set to head out
The design calls for a Nation -wide we since this was
100 foot wide asphalt, have witnessed the results of my first bicycle
p , "car- oriented" development tour, we planned a bit of luxury, instead of camping, we would stay
limited access highway, at the cost of "people- in hotels. Not only would we lighten our packs by not having to
with 13 foot retaining oriented" development. The carry tents and sleeping bags, we would have a bathtub in which to
g 1950's blueprint for town soak our weary muscles, and a soft bed to insure a comfortable
walls near homes, and development created many night's slumber. Duck soup, right? I planned to call my refections
ugly, dehumanized "Easy Ridin' — the Big Island." I wanted to tell people who were
chain link fences to communities, leading to intimidated to ride their bikes more than one day in a row that there
disallow pedestrian urban blight, crime, and was an easy, less expensive way to do bicycle touring than by
subsequent flight to the joining a tour group with a sag wagon. And that you could start
traffic. suburbs - where the scenario wherever you were — just get on your bicycle and ride to the first
repeated itself. We have hotel 40 -45 miles away. Well, by the end of the first day, I knew
only to look as far as Oahu the title "Easy Ridin - was a mistake, kinda like picking out a name
for an example of how development based on the automobile for a baby before it was born.
has effected both landscape and life- styles. Interestingly THEPREP-
enough, in searching for a solution to their traffic woes of The planning and preparation for a trip is always at least
gridlock and road rage, the City and County of Honolulu found half the fun. And if you plan it right, the preparations won't be more
that the bicycle was the answer. The recently released fun than the trip itself. We did prepare for this — we didn't just
Honolulu Bike Plan maps out a "lei of parks" (separated multi- jump on our bikes and peddle for 6 hours a day. Six months before
use lanes) within the cities of Honolulu and Waikiki, and "bike our trip, I started riding my bike to work one day a week (14 miles
(Connmred on page 7) round - trip). Then on weekends, my husband Wil and I would do
longer rides of 25 -45 miles a couple times a month. 1 remember
inside... one ride to Manuka Park, about 25 miles south of our house. We
got caught in a tropical deluge, and rode the last seven miles in
President's Corner Page 2 rain so heavy, it was like riding a stationery bike in the shower! We
Mahalo's - Page 3 laughed, thinking it was good training for our trip
Canditates Speak Out Page 4 Both our bikes were almost 10 years old, and all we added
Pro Bike /Pro Walk Page 6 Na., 10 t. 0 ( (Connnnedonpa
FND /&MP
Re?. Tot Presented touts • P.H.
nrf. R 1998 C- lol.
PRESIDENTS CORNER ^' i - , C--- ) PATH
,
by Gerry L. Rott afr a o BOARD OF DIRECTORS
#f' M
r C3 .1.00001 .1 �� /• ! � a
� ` \ I �' PRESIDENT: Gerry L. Ron
IOhal /� \\ l5a Vice PRESIDENT: Bob K. Okawa
Thanks / //I J TaensueNSecnerwnr. Janet Higa Miller
rn
to all , x
Kealoha Cuao- Medina Daniel S. Peters. Esq.
those
s i_ .. -- ��� \ Wendy Gaertner Michael J. Riehm
Who helped Out with � � �** 4 Af11 I I I1 Gwen C. Hobbs Frank H. Sayre, DDS
PATH'S 2nd Annual Big P►�� n•!Y {i VM Scott Mitchell Robert A. Stuit
Island Century Ride and • K NA-
our 13th Annual 5K/10K _ HAW'' Anvisoas: Toni Fortin Blau, Barbara Bush, Linda Jane Kelly, Ron Reilly
Walk Run. Co- directors PATH's 2nd Annual Big Island • KA' APUNIoFIAWAi PATHWAY PROJECT COMMITTEE •
Shannon Oliver and Century Ride Co-CHem: Frank H. Sayre, DDS
Dave Ledig with the - Co-CRAm: Laura Mallery-Sayre
Century Ride and Toni Blair and Bob Martinson, with the Walk/Run did a fabulous job Alex Cadang Diane Quitiqun
in organizing these fun, family events. Bob Okawa Bob Stuit
Many people helped us put on the events, which made d not only possible but lie y Rott Tom Yamamoto
much more fun. We can't thank you enough for all your time and efforts in helping Aronson: Walter A. Dods, Jr.
with these fundraising activities. You really help us promote our mission. CONSULTANT: Bruce Tsuchida
One of the big changes this year was moving the Walk/Run to King • EDUCATION COMMITTEE COMMITTEE 9
Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel luau grounds brought out by the closure of our old CHAIR: Ron Remy
venue, tumed out to be a stroke of genius. Things were certainly more exciting with o PUBLIC RELAnoNS /MnRID rmc COMMITTEE *
the start and finish at the pier, and everyone at the Hotel was super! See you next Scott Mitchell
year!
.. II' � - • WAIMEAT AYS LLISION•
f RAIN &y E i ger W
� � •
� 1, % J r Nancy ger
' r 4q U ttti #.991:7: y j' e
* MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE m
O O s • Co-CHnra: Gwen Hobbs
Co-CHAm: Ned Burns
PATH'S 13th Annual 5K /IOK Walk /Run m FINANCE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE •
Cunm: Janet Higa Mdler
Other big news revolves around our bike and pedestrian education programs. Toni Blair
For the last two years, we've only been able to reach half of the students on the
island. This has been unfortunate and has disappointed many students and • PERSONNEL COMMITTEE•
teachers. This year we received $61,000 Federal Highway Administration Safe CHAIR: Toni Fortin Blair
Communities funding from the State Department of Transportation and $10,000 from Barbara Bush
the County's bike registration fund. We'II not only be back into all the schools with o SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE a
both programs, but will be teaching a 'Motorist Education" program to drivers involved CHAIR: Toni Fortin Blair
in bike/car and pedestrian/car crashes. Thanks goes out to Ron Reilly and the RscE DmECroas: Dave Ledig - Sharron Oliver
League of American Bicyclists for developing this course. • LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE •
1 hope to see you all at the KEMAKEKUA BALLOwEEN T2EASU2E HUNT on CHAIR: Daniel Peters
Sunday, October 25th. Meet in the parking lot of the Kealakekua Ranch Center at Ron Reilly
8:00 am for this fun event for the whole family. Thanks to Grant and Janet Miller of • COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMITTEE •
HP Bike Works and Hawaiian Pedals for sponsoring this fundraiser and membership CHAIR: Michael J. Riehm
dnve for PATH. See page 8 for more details.
Scott Mitchell Kaz Shigezawa
A heart-felt mahalo to Sarda Avery, of Borrego Springs, California who donated •AL% I DRIVE REDESIGN SUBCOMMITTEE *
$20,000 toward the realization of a skateboard park. With all the negative attitudes CHAIR: Scott Mitchell
about skateboarding, and considering the bill to outlaw skateboarding in downtown • OLD WALUA ROAD SCENIC ROUTE COMMITTEE •
Hilo, it is refreshing to find someone who supports this often misrepresented sport. Dave Ledig
Mrs. Avery, whose sons are avid skateboarders, was just visiting Kona, and walked Luis De La Torre "Pape Pea" Bill Pagett
into the Big Island Sk8 Board shop on Alii Drive. She noticed a jar for donations • STAFF •
toward the construction of a skateboard facility, and asked how she could help. r,�cv DmwroR: Ann C. Peterson
Aside from her monetary donation, her enthusiasm has taken her to many skateboard BIG ISLAND Bran Eo/PEDESTRwN En PROGRAMS:
parks, and her knowledge about their design and their designers will be extremely LEAD INsrnucroa: Ned T. Burns
helpful. We have set up a fund, and encourage other to donate to the development TRACKS Furrow Ann C. Peterson
of this facility out at the Old Airport Park.
Luis De La Tore and Dave Ledig am still going at it — clearing the Old Walua *ASSOCIATIONS •
Bike and Pedestrian Scenic Route. Thanks so much, and congratulation to Luis for
being the Big Island first -place finisher in this year's Ironman Triathlon World Bicycle Fderaon ofAmvra US Cyclmg Fdeoon
Championship. We'll be looking for more volunteers soon — we just received a grant Railsmto American o B n ney Laenanoonal MMoun Big Program
from Hawaii the Beautiful to add landscaping to the trail heads. Please contact the National Off -Read B,cyclmg ASwnmon Assoc o£Pdeatrmn & Brycle Aafecsaoah
office if you're interested in helping.
PATH - Peoples Advocacy tor Trails Hawaii Page 2
•
.S
I M
BICYCLE DREAMS CONTINUED
FROM PAGE 1 i11 71I? ._. -.._.. _ _ - _......... ..___.. .._. .. ... - lIf 11E
for the tour was a lower gear " k fac .'
on my bike for hills, an extra`; 1 11 � 1 liZ L •
water bottle, bike racks for t y.t
our panniers, and — most
x Mahalo to the following
valuable of all — Spenco s ponsors and volunteers who
seat covers. I wouldn't ride . have helped PATH fulfill our '
to the grocery store without , x ' " mission
it anymore.
For Safety, we picked up - . :n ''' : ,. x'� Ironman Tnathlon World Champoinship +
bike helmets, and I got a y` * '" ; '. Sartia & Dennis Avery
pair of cycling gloves to help a a . ! HP Bike Works
cushion 9 9 day _ m B & L Bike & Sports
cushion my hands. The day - , , ., Hawaiian Pedals
before our trip, I came down ; - ' t x . ,-- Hawaii Sports Connection " - Hii
to breakfast in my bathrobe, ' � :, " a US Cellular
new cycling gloves, and ' '° t `,. 1 King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
lemon yellow bike helmet. - x4 _ : , S ubway Sandwiches
Wil turned to me, g +. -S;g WKTArt
"You're really into costumes, M k ..,,,. 4 > GU '
aren't you ?" ,k - Race Day
We booked our ho 4 `
A- }s . , -, i ' Quality Bicycle Products
tel reservations way in ad x r , " 1/4 - Kraftsman Auto Body
vance, as sometimes the } � DALCO w ic smaller hotels fill up during"`. � i % j ,— _ , KonaLua
peak tourist season, and Wil Friesen taking a break Runners World
also to feel we were commit- near Waimea Shannon Oliver
Dave t Ledig ■
ted. Our only room require- Toni Fortin in Blair
ments was that it have a Bob Martinson
bathtub. We lucked out with i Gwen Hobbs
all but our last night's accommodations in Na'alehu. The Shirakawa Hotel i Dr. Frank Sayre i
did not have a tub, but I'd always wanted to stay there, and we figured we David Peters, Esq
be in shape by that time! It was an easy concession, and we were all set Bob Okawa
to go... Gerry Rott
DAY 'I . HONAUNAU TO WAIMEA (53 MILES) Tony ie Grenier
We planned to start from 7:30 to 8 each morning get our to et ' Fitzpatrick Ger
Colby olby oley
day's riding in before the frequent afternoon showers. By 9:30, after a late Dawnyel l Mobley
initial start and last- minutes adjustments, we hit the road. Five miles into ! ; Rick Vigen
,
the ride, my front derailleur cable broke. No problem — that just meant I Paloma Vidgen
wouldn't have my highest gear, which was okay, because most of our hills Grant Miller
•
the first day went up. Our friend, Arnie, closed down his real estate office S Janet Miller
in Kainaliu, and rode with us the next five miles to the charming art- center Brent Rue gamer
Big Island Marine ,
town of Holualoa. Everything was in bloom, and we were in bicycle
�' Michael Upham
heaven! We had only five more miles to the upper road to Waimea, which ` i Ned Burns
was 35 miles of rolling hills to our first night's lodging. Luis De La Torre
We did at least one stupid thing every day. The first day we David Ledig
•
forgot to fill our water bottles after lunch, and had to ride the last 33 miles ; I Rocky Campbell
without water. In desperation, I tried to get some moisture out of a prickly Tina Clothier
Barbara Bush
pear cactus. What I got instead was tiny thorns in my fingers, which I Don Johnson
transferred to my tongue while trying to bite them out of my fingers. Ouch! Steve Borowski
There was some downhill, but there was such a head wind that Sean Pagett 1
we never got a chance to really sail. Kind of like at canoe practice when Linda Jane Keley •
our coach, Calvin would drag his foot in the water when we were sprinting. c I Jan & Jack Lowell
We did stop in some tall sunny grass about 7 miles outside Waimea to Jane Backus r
gobble up some sweet cherries. We arrived at the Parker Ranch Lodge at Betty Hall
6:27 pm! Gary Shields
Our nightly routine was pretty much the same for the next four Ann Peterson
nights: soak in the tub immediately after arrival, eat a hot meal (another Ron Reilly
real luxury), take some aspirin, another hot bath, and massaging deep- We couldn't be as effective
heating ointment into whatever hurt. We never failed to get a solid, without you, Thank you!
uninterrupted 8 -9 hours sleep
To be continued... I iii
PATH - Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii Page 3
•
CANDITATES SPEAK OUT ON...
We sent out the following questionnaire with cover letter to those • snuor
running for office in the upcoming election. The responses are o +YM W'-
shown on the following page. We thank respondents for taking ® o a
the time to fill it our and get it back into us, so that we may all be c
O st
more informed on election day. (Please note that blanks mean ��' i w
a War e"
that either that person did not respond, or that the question was not ellp a aw.w.S. ww � �'
answered. . . • ~ . w 7 (
rHw +
w w• +.tiw
ore
1. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Hawai'i County are currently...
very adequate somewhat adequate adequate somewhat inadequate very inadequate
5 4 3 2 1
2. Considering the election issues before you, how do you rate the issue of bicycle & pedestrian safety
very important somewhat important important somewhat unimportant very unimportant
5 4 3 2 1
3. Considering the elections issues before you, how do you rate the issue of developing bicycle and pedestrian
facilities /corridors.
very important somewhat important important somewhat unimportant very unimportant
5 4 3 2 1
4. If elected I would support using public funds to develop bicycle and pedestrian trails.
It would be my main agenda item I would support development I have other interests to support
3 2 1
5. I am aware of PATH's project to build a multi -use trail around Hawai' i Island named Ka'apuni o Hawai' i Pathway.
Yes No
6. I support the Ka'apuni o Hawai'i Pathway project.
very supportive somewhat supportive supportive somewhat unsupportive very unsupportive
5 4 3 2 1
7. I can recommend areas in my district where sections of the Pathway may be appropriate.
Yes No
8. If elected, I would support legislation allocating a certain percentage of funds spent on roadway construction be used
for bike and pedestrian facilities (aside from TE funds).
would introduce the bill would sign would support would not support would oppose
5 4 3 2 1
9. If elected, I would support legislation that required bike lanes/routes on all newly constructed roadways and all
resurfacing projects (aside from interstates).
would introduce the bill would sign would support would not support would oppose
5 4 3 2 1
10. If elected, I would support legislation requiring those under age 18* to wear bike helmets ( *or specify an age you
deem appropriate)
would introduce the bill would sign would support would not support would oppose
5 4 3 2 1
Check out www.vote- smart.org/ for all sorts of information on over 13,000 political leaders. The information is a bit thin on
some candidates, such as Linda Lingle, but It does give biographies, voting records, and campaign contribution for many of the
folks well be voting on this November. They also have a toll free number 1 -888 -VOTE SMART.
PATH - Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii Page 4
...BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ISSUES
THE RESPONSES
OFFICE/DISTRICT FIRST NAME LAST NAME 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 COMMENTS
US Senate Daniel K. Inouye
Crystal Young
US House Carol J. Douglass 2 5 4 2 no 4 yes 4 3 2 Believes current leg. giving cars r-o-w over peds is wrong
Patsy Mink
Governor Ben Cayetano
Linda Lingle 1 5 3 2 no 3 3 3 3 I need input from the community on their needs.
State Senate John S. Carroll 1 5 5 3 yes 5 yes 5 5 5 I've introduced leg. to create state -wide bikeways
Lorraine Inouye 1 5 5 3 yes 5 yes 5 5 5 Commend you for your work — you have my support
Distnct 2 David Matsuura
Denise Walker 1 3 3 2 no 3 yes 3 3 3 Bike safety is a big issue. Both my husband and I are cyclists
State House Terry Hutchison
Dwight Y. Takamine
District 2 Jerry Leslie Chang 2 3 3 2 no 3 no 3 3 4
Steve Humphers 2 4 4 2 no 3 4 3 3 I love nding myself — 3 members of my family are avid riders
Jim O'Keefe
District 3 Linda Lillian Dela Cruz 1 5 5 2 no 4 5
Eric G. Harnakawa
District 4 Robert N. Herkes 1 5 3 2 no 3 3 2
Robert Reed 1 3 3 yes 3 3 3 4
Distnct 5 Virginia Isbell 1 5 5 2 yes 5 yes 3 4 4
Paul C. Whalen 1.5 3 4 2 yes 5 yes 5 5 2 I am uncomfortable in telling people what to do or making decision
regarding their children. Bike education is the key
Distnct 6 Jim Rath 1 5 5 2 yes 5 yes 4 4 4 I will seek out those bill that are introduced and give my support,
ago or seek to amend bill to be inclusive of bikdped funding
16
David A. Tamas
Council Dominic Yagong 2 3 3 2 yes 5 yes 3 2 3 Would support helmet legislation at age 12.
District 2 Bobby Jean L -Todd
Lanny Sinkin 1 5 5 2 yes 5 not 5 5
Yet
George K. Young, Jr.
District 4 Aaron S. Y Chung
David Pellani
District 5 Roger B. Evans
Rene Siracusa 1 4 5 2 yes 5 yes 4 5 3 Pathways separated from the roadways are much safer, especially
when separated with trees. Access to trails is a biq issue of mine.
AI Smith 1 5 5 2 yes 5 yes 4 4 4
District 6 Julie Jacobson 1 5 5 2 yes 5 yes 5 5 5 There are many crucial issues
Steve M. Oyama
John Santangelo 1 2 3 2 yes 5 yes 5 3 3
Distnct 7 Nancy Pisicchio 1 5 5 2 yes 5 yes 5 5 2
Joe Reynolds 2 4 4 2 yes 5 yes 5 5 I will support helmet legislation only with corresponding
motorcycle law
Distnct 9 Leningrad Elarionoff 2 3 2 no 3 yes 3 3 3 I would be much more supportive if our economy was in better
shape
Mike (Happy) Hanohano 1 5 5 2 no 3 yes 4 4 5
PATH - Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii Page 5
PRO BIKE /PRG WALK CONFERENCE SAl- '4TA BARBARA '98
by Ron Reilly
he biannual ProBike /ProWalk conference is undoubtedly the best still remember the neat feeling of leaving home on my bike and heading off for
T bike /ped conference in the country. Inspirational, informational, school knowing that I was going to deal with the whole day and the trip back
and motivational about sums it up. It's just great knowing that home without having to meet Mum or Dad or the bus. It gave me a valuable
advocates in communities and cities all around the country are lesson in freedom and responsibility Today we are robbing our kids of that
working to implement exactly what we are trying to accomplish experience. They get to see the wodd as passive spectators through the TV -like
on the Big Island. Some are way ahead of us and other could leam from what we screen of a car window!
have achieved. Meanwhile, back in Santa Barbara, it was with good reason that this
If you have ever thought beautiful coastal city was chosen as the host city for ProBike /ProWalk '98. State
of going to Pro Bike /Pro Walk do it! Street, Santa Barbara, is said to be one of the best examples of a people
The next one will be held in oriented main street in the whole of North America. Wide well - marked and
•. k- -. i ' Philadelphia in the year 2000 I well -used bicycle lanes make it bicycle friendly for all age groups and abilities.
r �'� µ•ms can promise you it could be one of Expansive sidewalks encourage people watching and allow outdoor seating
`,! r. - the best vacations you may ever areas for numerous restaurants. Decorative shade trees provide a inviting
have. This year I joined a group of atmosphere How did all this happen? Warm, fuzzy, bicycle pedestrian friendly
" - *`•,rs.n bike advocates and executive stuff takes up a lot of right -of -way space. As any of our traditional highway
r J 9 ,, directors from around the country engineers and their consultant firms will gladly explain, the best way to reduce
t; .,' i who biked down the Pacific Coast auto congestion and accommodate motor vehicles is additional traffic lanes.
.ie,,. ; , O -, . Highway from San Francisco to Yes, State Street does come with a price. And the price is....motor vehicle traffic
... 1: Santa Barbara. Four hundred lanes have been REDUCED from four -lanes with multiple tum -lanes at each
•"? ,,; miles, 12,000 feet of elevation intersection, to two lanes with right -tum lanes at intersection. Impatient motorists
+` 4, ' change, great scenery, and I'm still just have to go find another street. Truck traffic is not allowed. An inhospitable
t „ ,-.- ; ;; X ; nursing a sore knee from trying to wasteland of hot asphalt, noise, and fumes that come with multiple traffic lanes
' r make some of those big full of "efficiently moving" motor vehicle traffic is gone for good. People
Bike advocates ride through wine country on the hills with a bike loaded for dominate, people own, and people enjoy State Street.. lots of them. Business is
way to Pro Bike /Pro Walk camping. Fortunately the booming. No surprise here...as Charlton Heston may have once said - cars don't
California coast has buy things, people
northerly tail winds. It took do! =a
`! us a week of about 60
`- My wish is - - - }
it, 4 1 .. miles per day, and was a that for ProBike/ . p? ° " ' r
oa ` - kind of traveling mini ProWalk 2000 we *� t
- H` - conference leading up to can have many ' • ' # "�'" 1 . the week in Santa more PATH -- TL L • • 1 . i
` y. w
, a ,� Barbara My main members present L. r,: • r , impressions are of great It would be a real •7 "
�-.z ,.?, *; company, fine well paved boost for PATH - --:'
Santa Barbara l Bike Coalition leads early morning shoulders, coastal fog,
ride on coastal bike path and 40 - pound attack to have ALL of our """"E'""� .w,: - -
raccoons which drove us Board of Directors State Street business district with bike /ped space
screaming from our tents one night at a beach park. in Philadelphia for and trees. No left turn 10 am - 6 pm
A conference highlight for me was awareness of the growing alliances the year 2,000.
being formed nationally between bicyclists, pedestrians, and sustainable Would this be an
community groups. We're really on track with our collaborative efforts, such as achievable goal . ' -
those with the Island's Outdoor Circles, Our Kona, Friends of the Park, and our two years from r?r , - . r � •g
involvement in the Managing Information in Rural American (MIRA) initiative, now? As Eve ` 'r- 5< x
sponsored by the Kellogg Foundation, which involves over 100 representatives DeCoursey, 12 iii ` r i y ,.
from communities and organizations island -wide. We are advancing bicycling year executive - ,F, + t1f* el'
and pedestrian goals by joining forces with those who have similar visions for director of the — Or „ 33
- a
walkable and sustainable community development. Hawaii Bicycling!
PATH board member Scott Mitchell has been saying this for years — League, said 1 _
and he's right!..agam! Also, the public health community is increasingly seeing think this „ -;,,�; a - - e � n -
bicycling and walking as important indicators of healthy communities Assuming conference has ' `'`` h bike/
we win the anti - smoking battle, sedentary car dominated lifestyles are our next changed my life! State Street o n strel t streets and l laa nddscapiscaping space, park
ing on ng.
preventable major public health risk. To fight this risk many communities are For me it was
working to get their streets made safe so children can walk (up to about 0.5 one of the best
miles), or bicycle (up to about 2 miles) to school on a routine daily basis. Why vacations I've ever had. It could be yours too - see you there! Q
does that seem like such a stretch today? Many Big Island schools don't even Editor's note: I couldn't agree more. I was the only one from Hawaii at the Pro
allow kids to bike to school, and the DOE continues to plan and build huge Bike /Pro Walk in 1996 (wasn't in the budget this year). It was awesome, but I
centralized schools which require long commutes by bus or with soccer Moms kept wishing that more folks from Hawaii were there — particularly State and
and Dads. Yet many of us biked to school when we were kids — I know I did. I County traffic engineers.
PATH — Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawai' i Page 6
..1.1111.1=111.11.11111, 111.1.11.11
ALI'I HIGHWAY, continued from page 1 (FHWA) engineers and the mandate laid out in the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA -21) -- the
transportation law updated and reauthorized by Congress
routes" from Pearl Harbor to Kahala, including routes to earlier this year. TEA -21 calls for the consideration of bike and
colleges and universities. Honolulu found what Federal pedestrian facilities on all new and resurfacing projects, aside
Highway studies have shown: that by providing safe and from interstate freeways. It further decrees the spending of at
comfortable facilities for alternative modes of transportation, the least 10 percent of each state's transportation budget on
number of sole occupancy car trips is reduced. One less car on "transportation enhancement" projects, such as bicycle/
the road per bicycle commuter! Moreover, with proper facilities pedestrian facilities, street landscaping, and scenic by -ways.
designed and constructed, both car drivers and bicyclists feel This is federal law.
safe. With all the cyclists we have here -- and as we have seen There is a misconception that the Federal government
on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, cyclists are going to use the will not fund this highway unless it is designed with four - lanes.
roadway anyway -- it simply makes sense to provide safe In fact, we received federal funds for the resurfacing of Ali'i
places for them to commute, recreate, or train. Further, with all Drive, and many other such two -lane projects. The four -lane
the planned and existing neighborhoods and the elementary concept for the proposed Ali'i Highway was based on
school along its route, pedestrian facilities are a must. population projections which need to be reviewed in light of
Landscaping is also essential in creating a sense of actual current population growth. Federal highway
community. Have we not all been awed by the beautiful administrators simply want to make sure that the roadway
bougainvillea at the intersection of Nani Kailua and Queen meets the demands of the future. In economic terms, even
Ka'ahumanu Highway, or noticed the juxtaposition of though the Federal TEA -21 legislation increased transportation
bougainvillea with the telephone poles north from town along spending nation -wide by 40 percent, Hawaii's portion went
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. Which do we prefer, and which down 49 percent (not sure where our legislators were on that
landscape is more likely to draw tourist and new residents? one). We need to get realistic about how we spend these
We think it's the one with trees and flowers — the essence of limited funds.
aloha and our connection with the aina. On a practical side, There are other serious safety issues of the planned
traffic speeds are 20 percent lower on tree -lined streets Ali'i Highway which need to be addressed including: inadequate
according to FHWA sponsored studies. Other studies have tsunami or major flooding escape routes, an already
found an inverse relationship on the frequency and violent overburdened Royal Poinciana Drive (with no plans for other
nature of crime and landscaped neighborhoods. Retaining mauka /makai connectors), design speeds set for 60 mph in
walls and chain link fences do not a community make. some areas, and the failure to adequately address the safety
These are not just the ideas of PATH, but reflect the features necessary considering the proximity to Kahakai
emerging philosophy of the Federal Highway Administration (Continued on page 8)
r
r
1 PATH MEMBERSHIP FORM
DONOR CATEGORIES
Name (ALL DONORS BECOME MEMBERS)
I Address ° e'e °
I City /State/Zip $50 FOOT PATH
Tel: Fax: $100 BICYCLE PATH
E -mail: Occupation: $200 HIKING TRAIL
1 MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES $500 RUNNING TRACK
SINGLE $15 FAMILY $25 $1,000 BRIDLE PATH
I ORGANIZATION $50 BUSINESS $100 OTHER RACE TRACK
Clip and Retum To:
PATH PLEDGE SUPPORT I
^ PO Box 62 •c+ra•
1 Kailua -Kona, Hawai'i 96745 sea b•
Telephone: (808) 326 -9495 I would like to pledge $ to support these project:
Facsimile: (808) 327 -9429 Ka'apuni O'Hawai'i Trail (Circle- Island Trail)
e - mail: path @aloha.net Old Walua Road Bike & Pedestrian Route
Sponsor _ Old Puna Road Trail /Railroad Aveune
L .1
PATH - Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii Page 7
ALI'I HIGHWAY, continued from page 7 KEALAKEK(lA NALLOWEEN TREASURE NIINI
Elementary School. Don't miss the fu and
/ ^\ Residents need to consider the cost prizes at the
4 \ of an essentially six-lane Ain Highway (with a Kealakekua Halloween 1SOS
— 24 foot paved, striped median) to our quality
of life. Once a highway is built, it is difficult Treasure Hunt
and expensive to change. Developers and sponsored by the
business need to consider market demand. hep ghouls at f^ll! . ? )j, Z. • z ; , q
Future residents of, and visitors to, Kailua will Hawaiian Pedals and ft) . ' 6 , ti ti
come for the same natural beauty and peaceful lifestyle that we t t4x.1 ' f
now enjoy. Let's promote development on a human scale. The HP Bike Works I 4y • N �j i
choice is a 100 -foot wide, paved, striped, retained, chain -link Meet at 8:00 am '
fenced asphalt highway, or a tree -lined parkway designed for all ; i /
modes of traffic. With the alignment through neighborhoods and on Sunday, October „ ; ! � ✓ /¢j
next to a school, which do you prefer? If you don't let our elected 25th at the , afr t ♦ igi
officials know, they will never realize that another traffic (tragic) Kealakekua Ranch _ - ,` \ k
mistake is about to be made. Please let them all know you care - Center parking lot.
remember there are nine Council members who will be making a
vote, with the Mayor making the final decision. We'II travel together to 2,000 feet above sea level — where the
To have maximum impact on the AIi i Highway plan, weather is lust right for riding and hiking
contact the Mayor and our State legislators to opposed the Mountain Bikers and Hikers can tour the 6-mile loop and collect
construction of the AIi i Highway as planned. Encourage hiring pieces ofthe map along the way. Use your map and your wits to score
consultants and designers who know and apply new approaches cool treasure! The longer you ride or hike..the more prizes you're likely
to road design for safe and healthy communities. Let's enlist a to find. Participants can take as loops around as they want.
consultant who does not work for developers, as in the case with P many P `3'
this project, but who is willing to work with the Kona community to Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful ranch.
develop a beautiful parkway. If we can get the public and $5 for PATH members
government listening to each other and working together, we can Renew your membership or join for $15 and get in free
create an amenity that promotes a "sense of community ". @ Atheletic Event membership $10 (no discounts or newsletter )
PATH - Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii t ',� ;i . Page 8
CIO • .., .. 9-
f a s PATH — Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawa i I. h. AN' PO Box 62
Kailua -Kona, HI 96745
rin Z 11 7
0
CCII INSIDE...
❑ We Suggest an Alii Parkway
❑ President's Corner
❑ Candidates Speak Out on Bike /Ped Issues
❑ Pro Bike /Pro Walk
❑ Bicycle Dreams
- Visit PATIO on the Inter \et Membership Comm!
■ - - www.hialoha.com /path Please tWucacl
w e're looking for aweb- master... Look et the Expiration
H ;
G please call 326 -9495 if you're interested Date on Your Nailing