HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0701.031 2018-2020 MONICA
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Tiffany Edwards Hunt 3
P.Q. Box 453
Pahoa, HI 96778
r�ewswoman mac.com
(808)938-8592
Jan. 30,2020
RE: Bill 131 J Pahoa Transit Hub
Dear council members,
Please receive this written testimony,as my effort to share with you support of Bill 131 and the
appropriation of funding for a Pahoa Transit Hub at site#6—the Aguinaldo property. For so many
reasons,this proposed "Hub"at the corner of Highways 130 and 132, is something to stand behind.
A transportation hub at that intersection makes perfect sense — it is the traditional hitchhikers'
junction,with it's a location at the crossing of Highway 130 with the historic village road;As a merchant
in the village,we are crossing our fingers that the buses will pass through our historic corridor. Site#6 is
proximate to the library,schools, churches, and the Pahoa District Park.
I do understand that the council members have concerns about the waiver out of committee,the
valuation,and the relationship of the District 4 council member with the landowner of site#6. 1
recognize that perhaps this could have all been hashed out at committee level. But the community
shouldn't suffer the denial of a real and immediate opportunity for Pahoa. The site is perfect for our
community's immediate needs.
Words cannot even convey the intensity of destruction the people of this area have endured. Residents
needs a transfusion two years later, and this bus hub is a start to boost the local economy.
Transportation of people into and out of Puna will be a tremendous benefit to the community.
As for the valuation,selfishly, living out here, I am in full support,and I think that the people of Puna
could definitely use the economic benefit.
Unfortunately,our Puna council members haven't been able to connect and make a game plan amongst
themselves.This is inevitable, based iterations of council members serving over the years. I pray our
community won't continue to suffer for their schism. We keep seeing the same footage of council
members at odds,the formation of alliances that lead to nothing, really. Let's see things happen for
Puna,with personalities aside .
Site#6— at the recommendation of consultants and the County of Hawaii managing director,a sensible
man! — should be funded. Please listen to the people of Puna,who are asking you to support the
constituents by signing off on a good idea. Say yes to a Pahoa Transit Hub at Highways 130 and Highway
132.Students,churchgoers,townspeople,they will all stand to benefit from a hub at Site#6.
Comm. No.
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Mahalo for the opportunity to convince you.
With sincerest aloha,
Tiffany Edwards Hunt
PS Please do not put less of an emphasis on written testimony than those physically present. Many of us
who care deeply about our community do not have the luxury of taking time off to come and sit through
a council meeting for most of the day. If you prefer we be present, restructure your meeting times to
accommodate working people. Perhaps you can schedule night meetings?Thanks for thoughtfully
considering my position.
\m/\m/
aloha