HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0722.079 2016-2018A#o ey at Lave
45-3438 Mamane Street, Building 2
P.O. Box 9
Honoka' a, HI 96727
(808) 775-0530
(808) 775-1040 Facsimile
barbara .island-law.com:
www.island-law.com
February 17, 2018
VIA EMAIL TO: counciltestimonNhawaiicounty.
Finance Chair Maile David and Councilmembers:
Subject: Support Hawaii County Bill 102 - Improving People's Use of the Land
Bill 102 will establish a one-half percent (0.5%) general excise tax increase, and
use the surcharge for operating or capital costs of transportation within the county for
systems, including ,public roadwaijs, public transl)ortation includiniz bikeshare,
pedestrian paths, sidewalks and bike paths. All of us, together, can improve the way we
live and move around this Island. I believe that there will be several community benefits
derived from passing Bill 102:
Klass Transit: The small increase in GET will have significant implications for
all residents, especially low and moderate -income households. I believe; however, 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. In addition to providing
this critical, but sadly out-of-date, link for people to safely get to school, work and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, and move all
of us towards a more independent and interdependent Hawaii County.
Bikeshare: Implementing Bikeshare system in Hilo and Waimea will create
cohesive neighborhoods where people's daily needs can be met within a 20 -minute walk,
a quick bike ride, or a transit trip., Needing to have a car should not be a requirement of
living here. Young people who may not be able to afford a bike would have an
alternative and persons without a car would have an affordable way to run errands. As a
"first mile/last mile transportation mode, Bikeshare makes it more affordable and a
healthy way to navigate our neighborhoods, as well as provide economic, and
environmental benefits for the broader community.
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, with,narrow shoulders, than in urban environments. In
addition, many people who live in rural environments do not drive and need accessible
mobility options. Creating a network of pedestrian 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 and reconnect small
town main street and side street corridors, like Honokaa, and increase community health
through active self -transportation. Let's not forget those active persons who want a safe
place to hike, walk, or bike and enjoy the scenery and the health benefits.
This is about quality of life, not just making do. All of us can make a difference by
improving the methods, modes, and safety of getting around our Island. That
improvement helps all of us. I am willing to pay for what we want, not gripe about
potholes, lack of sidewalks and the lack of a reliable, easy to use transit, system that
would, when needed, provide an alternative to stressful driving.
I strongly supports Bill 102 Draft 012016-2018 and asks your support for the Bill's
passage.
Thank you for your consideration is supporting this bill.
Sincerely,
Barbara L. Franklin
Attorney at Law
cc: Valerie Poindexter (v-oindexter ( co.hawaii.hi.us)