Randall Wilson thanks Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. for responding to his request to have bike racks installed at the Līhu‘e Civic Center.
By Staff Reports
(LĪHU’E) – The installation of bike racks is the latest step in the transformation of the Līhu‘e Civic Center (LCC) area to a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly campus linking state and county functions with vibrant commercial areas.
The bike racks can be found at every major entry point to the Līhu‘e Civic Center as well as the Historic County Building making them convenient for people that work or have business to do in the area.
Randall Wilson, a county employee who rides his bicycle to work, is credited with bringing this about.
He sent an email to Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. that said, “Boss Man, is it possible to get a bike rack for employees and public to park bikes?”
The Mayor promptly responded, which led to a chain reaction that resulted in the racks being installed.
“This is a small but significant step in achieving the community’s long-term vision,” said Mayor Carvalho.
He noted that in addition to bike lanes and paths, safe and convenient bicycle parking at destinations are needed in order for bicycling to be a viable transportation choice.
Other recent improvements to the Līhu‘e Civic Center area include:
- Increased open spaces and newly landscaped areas in the LCC parking lot.
- Installation of ADA accessible walkways.
- Installation of an enhanced crosswalk with flashing beacons on Rice Street linking the LCC to the Post Office.
- Modification of the traffic light at the intersection of Rice and Umi streets to improve traffic circulation.
- Installation of new sidewalks along Umi Street on the perimeter of the Historic County Building (HCB) Park and Annex, rebuilding of the stairs on the north side of the HCB Annex, as well as landscaping.
During his 2010 inaugural speech titled Holo Holo 2020, Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. spoke about his vision for Kaua’i, which includes the implementation of the Līhu‘e Town Core Plan.
The mayor’s vision calls for all organizations, businesses, residents and visitors on Kaua’i to be part of creating an island that is sustainable, values the native culture, has a thriving and healthy economy, cares for all – keiki to kupuna – and has a responsible and user-friendly local government.
For a complete listing of the Holo Holo 2020 projects, please go to the county website, www.kauai.gov.