Laserfiche WebLink
February 13, 2006 <br /> <br /> TESTIMONY -PLANNING COMMITTEE Hawaii County Council - <br /> (Communication 362) <br /> Bill 123 <br /> TMK 7-5-009-023 <br /> KPC Villages, LLC <br /> Submitted by: <br /> Robert Ward <br /> 77-6526 Ho'olaupa'i St <br /> Kailua Kona, HI 96740 <br /> Increasing the allowable residential density by more than 33 percent and <br /> permitting commercial and retail operations in the proposed development <br /> may be suitable for the area, but only if critically needed infrastructure <br /> precedes construction. There are three crucial road improvements that <br /> should be required: <br /> FIRST: The most vital road improvement is the completion of a new <br /> connector road in Pua'a extending from Kuakini Highway along the south <br /> property line of the development with a roundabout on Ali'i Drive. <br /> This connector road is absolutely necessary because it will provide: <br /> 1. Vital access to the development site to avoid an adverse impact on Ali'i <br /> Drive during construction of the development. <br /> 2. Permanent by-pass around the Ali'i Drive pedestrian area, enhancing <br /> safety and taking advantage of the County's current and future <br /> investments in Kuakini Highway. <br /> 3. A critical emergency route for police, fire, and medical services that <br /> would be otherwise delayed on Ali'i Drive. <br /> 4. A vital evacuation route from ahigh-density area that experiences <br /> routine congestion. <br /> 5. A detour that will expedite the construction improvements contemplated <br /> for the Oneo Bay project. <br /> A compact urban roundabout will provide several benefits: <br /> 1. Facilitate the use of "right-in/right-out" and "no left turn" accesses <br /> along Ali'i Drive to improve traffic flow. <br /> 2. Provide a significantly safer environment for pedestrians crossing the <br /> street (since they cross behind vehicles preparing to turn). <br /> 3. Act as atraffic-calming device that does not impede traffic flow while <br /> forcing drivers to maintain a safe speed. <br /> 4. Improve Level of Service at intersections since delays are reduced by <br /> not requiring all vehicles to stop unnecessarily. <br /> 5. Work in conjunction with a second compact urban roundabout at the ,Z~ <br /> intersection with Hualalai Road and Ali'i Drive. b.~- <br /> Comm. No. y <br /> Ref. Topj~B 1 4 20Q6 <br /> Ref. Uate <br /> <br />