HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0113.002 1998-2000Stephen K. Yamashiro
Mayor
Qlauitty of 'aivaiY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
25 Aupuni Street, Room 202 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252
(808) 961-8321 • Fax(808)961-8630
Date January 28, 1999
To AARON CHUNG, Chairman
Committee on Finance
Jiro A. Sumada
Deputy Chief Engineer
From JIRO A. SUMADA, Deputy hief En ineer
SUBJECT: BILL NO. 340 - DRAFT 2 - Fuel Tax Revenue Appropriation Plan (Increment 1)
We have received a copy of the Bill No. 340 - Draft 2 and must strongly recommend the deletion of
at all references to Roads -In -Limbo. Of particularly concern is the statement "WHEREAS, some of the
"Road -In -Limbo" within Hawaii County need to be Maintained." This is a policy statement that has
financial impacts far beyond this ordinance.
Specifically, we object to the Roads -In -Limbo provisions for the following:
The ordinance is ambiguous and arbitrary as it states that "... some of the "Roads -In -Limbo"
within Hawaii County need to be maintained." There is no reference or guidance about which
roads need to be maintained. Without defining "some" there could be misunderstandings or
worse.
There is no language defining a Road -In -Limbo. Does it include "paper" roads? It is the
Department's position that if a road, street or highway never physically existed, Section 264-2
cannot apply. Consequently, a "paper" road is not a Road -In -Limbo as we can establish title to
the right-of-way (land). However, the State does not agree and has denied ownership and
responsibility even in the face of a bill of sale and an accompanying deed.
The long term maintenance cost of these roads needs to be seriously considered. We developed
the Fuel Tax program to improve maintenance of our existing inventory of roads, streets and
highways. By acknowledging our responsibility for Roads -In -Limbo we will increase our
inventory that will erode our maintenance capabilities.
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Aaron Chung O
January 28, 1999
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• These roads will not only create a financial burden but will also be an added liability for County.
Many of these roads are narrow, lack adequate right-of-way, sight distance and safety
improvements. They also have sharp curves and frequently meander into private properties. The
costs associated with improving these roads will go far beyond a simple maintenance.
• The State Legislature is investigating the possibility of consolidating State and County Roads.
We have recommended consolidating the County road system into the State system. One major
reason for this position was the financial impacts of the 'Roads In -Limbo" issue.
For the above reasons we must strongly recommend removal of all references to the Roads In -Limbo.
Its importance and impacts on the Hawaii County are so significant that it warrants a separate resolution
for proper and meaningful discussion and debate.
cc: Mayor
Eng
Trf
Hwy
D:\Data\WP FilesAM EMOSTouncilTouncil 1999. WPD(3)