Greetings!
In this issue you will find updates about our Hawaii Byways, as well as some recent information regarding National Scenic Byways Program funding and grants. We have also featured two learning opportunities coming up in May. As always, I appreciate your continued support of our program. If I can provide you further information, contact me any time. Mahalo, Dave
David L. Zevenbergen Hawaii Scenic Byways Coordinator Hawaii Department of Transportation (808) 587-6357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Scenic Byways
Program and Grant Updates
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Following a period of uncertainty as the Senate and the House grappled with their respective transportation re-authorization bills, Congress passed a 90-day "clean" surface transportation bill extension (H.R. 4281) at the end of March. With the President's signature, the Federal transportation law, known by its acronym SAFETEA-LU, was extended to June 30th. According to the FHWA this will result in additional funding becoming available for award under the National Scenic Byway Program. Both the House and the Senate will be using this three month period to work on more long term transportation funding legislation.
The most recent version of the Senate Bill, Map-21, consolidated and decentralized funding for a number of programs, including Byways, under a new "Transportation Mobility" program. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available on the potential impacts to Hawaii Scenic Byways Program and potential federal funding sources.
National Scenic Byways Grants application update: 261 grant applications were received by the FHWA for Federal fiscal year 2012 funds, for the available grant funds of $17.8 million available (1/2 year amount). Our very own Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast was an applicant. The evaluation and announcement schedule continues to move forward. We have not heard how the additional funding may or may not impact the recent grant round.
To continue to receive information relevant to byway efforts on a national scale via the National Scenic Byways Foundation updates, visit www.nsbfoundation.com to sign up for their newsletter.
|
|
Byway Spotlight
Koloa Byway Recognized
 Senator Ron Kouchi and Ted Blake of Hui Malama O Koloa.
Congratulations to Hui Malama O Koloa, the community sponsor for the Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway, as they were recently recognized for their efforts by the Hawaii State Senate.
"Special recognition and appreciation is extended to the sponsor of Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway, Hui Malama O Koloa. Hui Malama O Koloa took the initiative to sponsor and nominate the Holo Holo Koloa Byway for recognition and designation as a scenic byway under the Hawaii Scenic Byways Program. Hui Malama O Koloa continues to work to preserve, protect and promote the intrinsic qualities of the Holo Holo Koloa Scenic Byway with the collaboration of government agencies, businesses and community groups," said Senator Ron Kouchi's office.
Great job Hui Malama O Koloa, keep up the good work!
Puhi (Spouting Horn blowhole) is one of the many interesting stops along the Holo Holo Koloa Byway. For more information please view their page on the website at
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hawaii Byways
Update
The Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor is making great progress on their CMP. Also, the dedicated community group, Pulama ia Kona, has recently started a website of their own, which can be viewed at http://www.pulamaiakona.org/.
The new Kau and Koloa Byway pages have been added to the Hawaii Scenic Byways website! Visit our website to check out these new pages!
|
|
NAI Conference 3
in Kona
May 2012
The National Association for Interpretation, a non-profit organization dedicating to heritage interpretation, is hosting an international conference on the Big Island May 8-12.
The conference will feature keynote speakers, special events and off-site sessions that focus on successful interpretation for anyone connected with travel and tourism. The best part? The conference will be hosted at the Sheaton Keauhou Bay, which is located along Hawaii's very own Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Byway!
See full conference information, as well as a downloadable conference information packet at
http://www.interpnet.com/ic/
This is a great opportunity to expand interpretive knowledge. If you're interested in attending this conference, please send us a message as there may be the possibility of getting a group discounted registration fee.
|
|
Upcoming Training Opportunity
The Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in Parks Technical Assistance Center will be hosting a FREE online training event for Federal Land Management Agencies on "Exploring Bicycle Options for Federal Lands: Bike Sharing, Rentals and Employee Fleets" on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.
|
|
Stay up to date with
Hawaii Scenic Byways!
Do you Twitter or have a Facebook account? Now Hawaii Scenic Byways does too! Find us, "Like" us and "Follow" us to stay connected and updated!
|
|
|
|
| Diacritical markings have been omitted from this newsletter for ADA compliance. Please contact us if you require more information about these diacritical markings. |
If you would like to submit a comment, suggestion or correction, please contact Kashimira Reid at kash@lyonassociates.com
|
  
www.byways.org
www.bywaysresourcecenter.org
www.hawaiiscenicbyways.org
|
|
|
