For immediate release: Oct. 7, 2013
Press Release by:
Councilmember Don S. Guzman
Maui County Council
Public invited to presentation on Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
KAHULUI, Hawaii – The public is invited to a meeting for a presentation on Complete Streets and the Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lihikai School Cafeteria, Councilmember Don Guzman announced today.
The meeting is hosted by Councilmember Guzman, who holds the Council seat for the Kahului residency area, and the Maui County Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition (NPAC), in cooperation with the YMCA’s Pioneering Healthier Communities project and the County of Maui Department of Public Works.
Representatives from NPAC and the Department of Public Works will cover basic information regarding Complete Streets and the Central Maui Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
The master plan was completed in 2012 as part of the Healthy Hawaii Initiative’s efforts to encourage walking and bicycling in Central Maui communities. “Complete Streets” is the term used to describe a set of design principles that promote safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users of all ages and abilities.
Information relating to the County’s Safe Routes to School program and Walk to School Days will also be provided.
“Having streets that encourage active living is a powerful way to address not only getting safely to our destinations, but also much larger issues such as childhood obesity and energy-related impacts to our environment,” said Councilmember Guzman, who chairs the Council’s Economic Development, Energy, Agriculture, and Recreation Committee. “A healthy and happy community significantly improves our quality of life in Maui County.”
Promoting healthy eating and physical activity are the main missions of co-sponsor NPAC, whose members have testified to the Council in support of the development of active-living communities. NPAC has implemented programs that involve healthy eating and physical activity, and have been working with the Department of Public Works to implement Walk to School Days in Wailuku, with a goal to expand the program in Kahului.
Light refreshments will be available, and event partners intend to give away two bikes with helmets to children in attendance.
For more information about the meeting, please contact Councilmember Guzman’s office at (808) 270-5501 or e-mail neldon.mamuad@mauicounty.us.
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