COM 0362.006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING COMMITTE Hawaii County Council September 5, 2005 Written Testimony: Prepared by: Bill 123 Robert Ward TMK 7-5-009-023 77-6526 Ho'olaupa'i KPC Villages, LLC Kailua Kona Increasing the allowable residential density by more than 33 percent and permitting commercial and retail operations in the proposed development may be suitable for the area, but only if critically needed infrastructure precedes construction. There are three crucial road improvements that should be required: FIRST: The most vital road improvement is the completion of a new connector road in Pua'a extending from Kuakini Highway along the south property line of the development with a roundabout on Ali'i Drive. This connector road is absolutely necessary because it will provide: 1. Vital access to the development site to avoid an adverse impact on Ali'i Drive during construction of the development. 2. Permanent by-pass around the Ali'i Drive tourist area, enhancing safety and taking advantage of the County's investment in Kuakini Highway. 3. A critical emergency route for police, fire, and medical services that would be otherwise be delayed on Ali'i Drive. 4. A vital evacuation route from ahigh-density area that experiences routine congestion. 5. A detour that will expedite the construction improvements contemplated for the Oneo Bay project. A compact urban roundabout will provide several benefits: 1. Facilitate the use of "right-in/right-out" and "no left turn" accesses along Ali'i Drive to improve traffic flow. 2. Provide a significantly safer environment for pedestrians crossing the street (since they cross behind vehicles preparing to turn). 3. Act as a traffic calming devise that that does not impede traffic flow while forcing drivers to maintain a safe speed. 4. Improves Level of Service at intersections since delays are reduced by not requiting all vehicles to stop unnecessarily. 5. Would work in conjunction with a second compact urban roundabout at the intersection with Hualalai Road and Ali'i Drive. To be absolutely sure that this connection will be completed before construction commences on the development it will be necessary for the developer to share in the financial commitment. This must be considered anytime that the existing infrastructure can not safely support the combination of the current population and the new development. There are a couple of ways that this can easily be accomplished without the developer baring the entire financial obligation.