HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.047 2016-2018Date: February 19, 2018
To: The Honorable Valerie Poindexter, Chair
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INSTITUTE
Date: February 19, 2018
To: The Honorable Valerie Poindexter, Chair
The Honorable Karen Eoff, Vice Chair
Members of the Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance
From: Sally Ancheta, East Hawaii Community Coordinator
Re: Strong Support for Bill 102, Transportation Surcharge
Hrg: February 21, 2018 9:00 AM
Thank you for another opportunity to provide testimony in strong support of Bill 102, establishing the
Transportation Surcharge which would establish a one-half percent (0.5%) general excise and use tax
surcharge to be used for purposes of funding the operating and capital costs of public transportation
within the County of Hawai'i.
Bill 102 would provide a new funding source for the improvement of roadways and access to public
transportation for Hawai'i Island residents and visitors. HI HEAL recommends that a portion of the GET
surcharge be allocated toward:
Projects such as Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, and capital improvements to support
non -motorized forms of transportation such as walking and biking.
The implementation of Hawai'i County's new Mass Transit Plan to improve access to reliable,
safe, and affordable transportation for communities and to improve infrastructure condition to
address public health and safety.
Currently; the majority of our public schools in Hawaii County do not have the proper infrastructure for
our keiki to bike or walk to school. On October 4, 2018 HIPHI, PATH, Blue Zones and the Dept of Health
partnered together to implement International Walk to School Day. Out of 800 elementary students
participating in Walk to School Day, only two elementary schools were able to have students "walk to
school" -they rest had them "walk AT school due to the lack of walkable streets.
According to the County Health Rankings 2017 report, Hawaii County ranks last when it comes to
providing access to physical activity. Hawai'i County is at 64%, compared to Honolulu County at 95%,
Kaua'i County at 91% and Maui County at 94%. In addition, studies show that 80% of what affects a
person's health lies outside of clinical care. The conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play
affect their health far more than genes or clinical care do.
Hawai'i County has the opportunity to generate much needed funds to improve in mass transit
infrastructure and our roadways and paths systems. Investments in our transit and alternative
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The Honorable Karen Eoff, Vice Chair
Members of the Hawaii County Council Committee on Finance
From: Sally Ancheta, East Hawaii Community Coordinator
Re: Strong Support for Bill 102, Transportation Surcharge
Hrg: February 21, 2018 9:00 AM
Thank you for another opportunity to provide testimony in strong support of Bill 102, establishing the
Transportation Surcharge which would establish a one-half percent (0.5%) general excise and use tax
surcharge to be used for purposes of funding the operating and capital costs of public transportation
within the County of Hawai'i.
Bill 102 would provide a new funding source for the improvement of roadways and access to public
transportation for Hawai'i Island residents and visitors. HI HEAL recommends that a portion of the GET
surcharge be allocated toward:
Projects such as Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, and capital improvements to support
non -motorized forms of transportation such as walking and biking.
The implementation of Hawai'i County's new Mass Transit Plan to improve access to reliable,
safe, and affordable transportation for communities and to improve infrastructure condition to
address public health and safety.
Currently; the majority of our public schools in Hawaii County do not have the proper infrastructure for
our keiki to bike or walk to school. On October 4, 2018 HIPHI, PATH, Blue Zones and the Dept of Health
partnered together to implement International Walk to School Day. Out of 800 elementary students
participating in Walk to School Day, only two elementary schools were able to have students "walk to
school" -they rest had them "walk AT school due to the lack of walkable streets.
According to the County Health Rankings 2017 report, Hawaii County ranks last when it comes to
providing access to physical activity. Hawai'i County is at 64%, compared to Honolulu County at 95%,
Kaua'i County at 91% and Maui County at 94%. In addition, studies show that 80% of what affects a
person's health lies outside of clinical care. The conditions in which people live, learn, work, and play
affect their health far more than genes or clinical care do.
Hawai'i County has the opportunity to generate much needed funds to improve in mass transit
infrastructure and our roadways and paths systems. Investments in our transit and alternative
m. X oA.,
2 � q7Ref. ToeLA.
transportation options will provide our residents and future generation with the opportunity to live in a
healthy and active community. The County of Hawai'i has always led the way in creating healthy
communities in the state of Hawai'i. If more residents are able to walk, bike, or take the bus, then less
cars will be on the road, ultimately reducing traffic, road congestion, carbon emissions, and improving
air quality around schools and our neighborhoods.
We ask the Council to pass Bill 102 as an vital investment in the future of our health in Hawaii County.
Sincerely,
Ya //y Arckta
Sally Ancheta, East Hawaii Community Coordinator