HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 048 2016/02/02 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: February 2, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 644/Res. No. 379-16
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 9:04 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 379-16, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 379-16, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Comm. No. 644
dated January 14, 2016, authorizes the Department of Research and Development to award funds to the
People's Advocacy for Trails Hawai`i (PATH).
Funds in the amount of$250,000 would be used by PATH to develop, implement, and manage the
Bike Share pilot program.
Research and Development Director Kawehi Inaba; and PATH's Executive Director, Tina Clothier,
came forward to address the members of the Committee.
Ms. Inaba explained that Hawai`i County is the first in the State to implement this program. She
stated that bikes will be located at the Old Airport, Hale Halawai, and near the Kailua Pier for the
kama'ainas and visitors to use for transportation and exercise. She mentioned that Utah, Chicago,
and New York have this program, and further added that West Hawaii is the best location because
of its existing infrastructure.
Ms. Clothier gave an overview of the program and said that this program would provide the users
options to pay by the hour or with monthly/yearly memberships.
Several Council Members voiced separate concerns regarding the restricted areas of travel for the
bikes, the possible theft of the bikes, safety aspects of bicycling without dedicated bike lanes, and
self-sustainability of the program.
Ms. Clothier responded that riders will be advised at the time of renting that they may bike-ride as
far as Kahalu'u. She stated that there is a low risk for the theft of these bikes because they are
equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System), and said that a credit card must be used to rent
the bikes.
In regards to the program's sustainability, she stated that bike share operations in other visitor
destinations are able to sustain 80 percent of their operations, with the remaining 20 percent from
advertisements.
FC Report No.: 48
FC-48 Page 2 February 2, 2016
Ms. Clothier said that the launching of the program is scheduled for July 2016. Bikes, kiosks, biking
ports, staff, and training will be provided, and expressed her desire that this project be implemented
all over the island.
Pursuant to Chapter 2, Article 25, Section 2-139(a)(3)(A) of the Hawai`i County Code, grant awards
in excess of$25,000 to nonprofit organizations shall specifically identify the organization receiving
the grant funds and the purpose for which the grant funds shall be used in an ordinance or resolution.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 379-16, and
recommends its adoption.
/wb
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
EOFF X
ILAGAN X
X
ONISHI
KANUHA
PALEKA x KAREN EOFF, CHA '
POINDEXTER x FC REPORT NO.: 48
WILLE x ADOPTED: FEB 1 7 2016