October 2003December 2003
February 2004| October 2003 |
Home
Newsletters
December 2003 | February 2004 |
 Rail Transit and the League of Women Voters (Pearl Johnson)December Meeting SpeakersLWV of Honolulu Transportation Position Sludge Digestor Needed at Sand Island (Jackie Parnell)Welcome New Members |
LWV OF HONOLULU TRANSPORTATION POSITIONThe League of Women Voters of Honolulu supports transportation planning which identifies the public's needs and urges creative and innovative approaches to meet those needs. There should be a two-way communication system in which all segments of the public have input to the transportation planning process. This should be a system in which the planning agencies inform the public of data, concerns and goals in order to enlist the public's informed participation and understanding. The League seeks a planning process which recognizes that transportation must be an integral part of long-range planning for Oahu. We recognize that any transportation system must be evaluated in part as to how it helps implement land use goals. Planning ahead is vital to provide mobility and to meet transportation needs. Planning should be an ongoing process with specific forecasting which anticipates the transportation needs in each area before development occurs. Criteria should be developed to determine a saturation point in order to limit development when necessary. We seek a balanced transportation system which provides for increasingly attractive alternatives to the automobile. Highway construction should not necessarily be the first choice when planning for mobility. Our present highway system can serve the Island in the future if, as demand for mobility increases, we look to mass transit before building new highways. Major highway construction is no longer the best way to meet transportation needs; congestion will eventually occur on new highways and negate their effect in providing mobility. Viewing highways as the first option deters the government from seeking alternatives. The major question is: What is the wisest use of resources-land, fuel and money? It was suggested that government's role should be one of heightening public awareness of energy conservation and raising energy consciousness among the ranks of government employees. The latter could set an example of energy conservation. The transportation system should continuously strive for improved service which will provide equal access to transportation for all while continuously addressing differing needs. We realize that overall trip time is paramount in the public's estimation of service and that any feeder system is a vital link in the total system. Members suggested that present highways could be upgraded with bypasses, overpasses, coordination of lights, some widening and attention to freeway entrances and exits. Techniques should be used such as reversible lanes for buses and cars, HOV lanes for car pools and preferential parking for car pools. Bikes and mopeds and motorcycles must be respected. Carpooling and flextime should be promoted. Toll charges should be considered in the central business district. Pedestrians should be considered when planning transportation facilities. Public transportation should be marketed aggressively. The City must be aggressive in its purchase of buses. General fund monies could be used. Different kinds of vehicles and more of them are needed; more express buses are needed. Service is needed in new areas, for large condominiums and for special events. No community, new or old, should be completely without service. Dial-a-ride is a substitute in areas without public transportation/ regular bus service. Fare structure and transfer options should encourage use of mass transit. One fare option is to include benefits for off- peak use. Adequate shelters must be provided at transfer points. Parcel hammocks and other options should be provided for students and shoppers. Mass transit and a parking strategy should be meshed in such a way as to encourage transit use, particularly during peak hours. The ability to park has great potential to change driving habits and there should be a comprehensive program to capitalize on this. Parking facilities should be located in the fringe areas, at transfer points, and wherever possible. They should have shelter and nearby facilities offering needed services. Use of these should be advertised. Adopted April 1982 |
| October 2003 | Home Newsletters | February 2004 |