HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.078 2016-2018From:
Tina Clothier
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Testimony in Support of Bill 102
Date:
Sunday, February 18, 2018 10:49:57 AM/
Attachments:
Individual Testimony Bill 102.doc
Please find my testimony in support of Bill 102 attached. I can be reached at 808-561-9212 should you have any
questions.
Mahalo,
Tina Clothier
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Ref. Date E 2-1 4vw—
C)
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Finance Chair Maile David and Councilmembers,
Subject: Support Hawai'i County Bill 102 — Built Environment
Thank you for this opportunity to submit testimony in support of Bill 102.
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As I understand Bill 102, the surcharge will be used for operating or capital costs of
transportation within the county for systems, including public roadways, public transportation
including bikeshare, pedestrian paths, sidewalks and bike paths. If that plan is followed,
then I believe that there will be several community benefits derived from passing Bill 102:
Mass Transit
While Increasing the GET will have significant implications for all, especially low and moderate -
income households we believe that the development of a robust and efficient transit system is a
critical link for low and moderate -income families who rely on public transportation. It may not be
a widely known fact that 30% of our Hawaii Island population does not drive. In addition to
providing this critical link to school, work and healthcare, an island -wide transportation system
would reduce our traffic congestion; lessen our dependence on personal vehicles; reduce our
use of fossil fuels; reduce our carbon footprint and move us towards a more sustainable Hawaii
County.
Pedestrian walkways, Bike lanes, Shared Use Pathways
The need for pedestrian and bicycle routes in rural environments is critical from a safety
standpoint, as more people are killed on rural roads than in urban environments. In addition,
many people who live in rural environments do not drive and need accessible mobility options.
Over the 10 years of collections, funds could be used to further our trail efforts such as Hilo
Bayfront Trails, Queens' Lei in Kona, Waimea Trails and Greenways, Access Kohala Rails to
Trails efforts and many more.
Safe Routes to School
Creating a network of ped and bike "facilities" around schools zones will also accelerate the
County's Safe Routes to School efforts to keep our keiki safe and healthy. These types of
facilities also do much to revitalize small town main street corridors and increase community
health through active transportation.
Expansion of Bikeshare
Expanding the existing the Bikeshare system in Kona and implementing systems in Hilo and
Waimea, will create neighborhoods where people's daily needs can be met within a 20 -minute
walk, a quick bike ride, or a transit trip. As a "first mile/last mile transportation mode, Bikeshare
makes it more affordable to navigate our neighborhoods, while providing health, economic, and
environmental benefits for the broader community.
1
The only request I have is that these new funds do not supplant the existing funds for
Mass Transit but added to existing funds. With that said, I Istrongly support Bill 102 Draft
01 2016-2018 and ask for your support for the Bill's passage.
Thank you for your consideration is supporting this bill