2010 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for Puna

[Rob Tucker]

I'm putting this in the political forum.....

I've been going through the CIP budget (Capital Improvement Projects are taxpayer investment in durable infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings). The draft FY2010-2011 budget also looks forward for six years of anticipated projects/costs.

Without commenting extensively on my pet peeve, the sheer cost of items, I wanted to let you all know what is listed for District 5 for this year and the next six years.....

Nothing.

Every other district but District 5 is getting scheduled improvements.

Thank you Emily.

Interestingly Hilo is getting a $6,600,000 new shooting range for the police department. I guess Donald Ikeda knows how to get things.

[JerryCarr]

Why am I not surprised even a teeny little bit? Oh well, we can console ourselves by knowing that we are being protected and enhanced by non-binding resolutions on vaccines, unproductive trips to Washington, and Council reorganizations that get things shut down while the legal entanglements are sorted out.

[oink]

quote:

---

Interestingly Hilo is getting a $6,600,000 new shooting range for the police department.

---

That is crazy during this economy, unless it's some of that "free" Obama money, which is still crazy, but not from a local perspective.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[Rob Tucker]

No indication of Stimulus Funding on the new indoor shooting range.

It does say that the new building will eliminate renting passenger vans for 13 scheduled training days at $160 a day.

What a deal.

[critterlover]

I attended yesterday's Action Committee meeting. On the Agenda under 'New Business' was the request made to the Committee on March 25, by RJ, on behalf of the Emily, for the Action Committee to submit a list of projects they'd like to submit for the CIP. They put off talking about it yesterday because they'd agreed in last session for each of the sub divisions to submit a list. They meet again on April 15th where they may provide their respective lists. I also recall that the meeting in January, I think, with BJ Leithead-Todd, the Action Committee was introduced to the CIP recommendation process by BJ. She explained to them they should look at the PCDP and think of projects that would be fitting with the intent of the plan and try and get them to her office before the May 1 deadline.

There was talk about an amendment that was being approved for a restroom and emergency phone down between Kalapana and Seaview, with much talk of putting it by Kehena's Beach. That could be a project, though...my first question, since they are looking to put it on State land, perhaps, then whose responsibility is it to maintain. The remodel of the Fire Station in Pahoa would be another, as it was well discussed yesterday as well. Just a couple of suggestions.

“A penny saved is a government oversight.”

[Rob Tucker]

CIP budget includes $119M for Kona airport, $57M aimed at Kawaihae Harbor

http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/articles/...ocal01.txt

"It's great that the Legislature keeps focusing on West Hawaii's infrastructure needs," Kona Sen. Josh Green said. "I'm also very happy to see projects like health centers and community centers."



Doesn't Puna have a representative in Honolulu?

[critterlover]

I've been meaning to come back to this topic since the June 7th Budget discussion at the Council Chambers. I know I have been present at all of the Action Committee Meetings -- where Councilwoman Naeole's staff requested CIP ideas from the AC relative to the PCDP to be included in the CIP recommendations the Councilwoman was preparing -- there were none submitted. But, the County Council approved the inclusion of Councilwoman Naeole-Beason's list:

• Widening and paving of Kaihakai Blvd. from the P#257;hoa by pass to Keonepoko school ($3,000,000)
• Transitional Housing ($3,000,000)
• Pahoa Senior Center ($550,000)
• Solar Heating System for the P#257;hoa pool ($350,000)

As are all inclusions to the CIP, this is a wish list. I would imagine the Pahoa Senior Center will garnish the most attention. The Fire Dept's old digs in Pahoa has been dedicated to the Seniors, though I do not know if it is 'official' or not, but there is a meeting scheduled in July with the seniors and County officials, like the Councilwoman Naelo-Beason and the Mayor, July 28th, at 9A at the Pahoa Neighborhood Center. As I understand, the meeting is to receive input and ideas from the folks who would best benefit from the Senior Center being proposed. It is a vision I believe many seniors here in Makai Puna are in full support of.

The Solar Heating for the pool will also no doubt appeal to the Seniors who use the pool routinely. However, starting July 1, there is supposed to be Hot Showers at the Pahoa Pool! That will surely help take the chill off!

For those of us who live off Kahakai Blvd, the widening of the bend 'could' be a good thing. Depends on the design of the 'correction' to the current curve. I will try and increase my lung capacity by holding my breath. The curve is narrow and it is a 40mph curve. People do drift often and most have sufficient response time they correct when necessary. Some of kids who live in these subdivisions drive recklessly as kids often do, I sure did and not only as a kid, but they kill themselves on straight, clear of obstruction, portions of the same blvd. I think a police presence from time to time before and after the curve might remind people to be cautious. Then, whatever traffic engineering that can be wisely provided could also be good!

“A penny saved is a government oversight.”