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Ashley L. Kierkiewiez <br />County Council District IV <br />Policy Committee on Planning <br />Land Use and Development -- Chair <br />(808) 961-8205 <br />ashlc,y.kierkiewicz(ot,hawaiicoun(v.gov <br />Policy Committee on Infrastructure <br />and Assets -- Vice Chair <br />HAWAIJ COUNTY COUNCIL <br />Hawaii County Building <br />25 Aupuni Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Puna Alternate Routes Study <br />Background Description <br />Funding is sought for a crucial Hawaii Island infrastructure initiative aimed at identifying <br />potential alternate routes for the Puna region. The objective is to alleviate traffic congestion and <br />increase evacuation capacity in the event of natural disasters or emergencies. The study will be <br />conducted by the Department of Public Works, utilizing $2,000,000 — $ 1,000,000 from the <br />Hawaii State Legislature and $1,000,000 from the County of Hawaii. <br />The study will conduct site surveys across the entire Puna region to identify potential alternate <br />routes. The study aligns with Resolution 416-24, adopted by the Hawaii County Council on <br />Wednesday, January 24, 2024, a policy directive that focuses the alternate routes study on the <br />entire Puna region, adheres to the Department of Hawaiian Home Land's notice it will not <br />consent to routes located on its lands, and affirms that proposed routes will not connect to the <br />homestead communities of Pana'ewa and Keaukaha. <br />Project significance extends beyond immediate traffic relief and congestion. Identifying alternate <br />routes has the potential to unlock additional State and Federal funds for route design and <br />construction. This will, in turn, significantly enhance the quality of life for the more than 50,000 <br />residents in the Puna region. Improved public safety and law enforcement response time, better <br />access to essential services including healthcare, education, employment, and recreation, as well <br />as enhanced emergency evacuation capabilities, are among the anticipated benefits of <br />constructing alternate routes. <br />This "Puna Alternate Routes Study" project aligns with the County's commitment to ensuring <br />the safety and well-being of all Hawaii Island residents and communities. <br />Hawai'i County k an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer <br />