COM 0687.001 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Terminating the central collector University Avenue at Makalei Estates will improve connectivity and emergency access for that subdivision, but only for Makalei Estates. 1. The road gradients in Makalei Estates are clearly unacceptable to serve as a major mauka-makai collector. (This is also true for existing upper Kaiminani, and Hina Lani.) 2. The existing Makalei Drive will not support conventional mass transit due to the steep grade. It does not meet ADA requirements and is inaccessible for many cyclists. It will deter even the most dedicated pedestrian. It will also be insurmountable to personal mobility vehicles. The County Standards are there for a reason. We must not compromise safety and access to the detriment of the entire community. 3. Extending University Avenue to Mamalahoa Highway will provide the most efficient connection for most Kona to Waimea or East Hawaii traffic. This is also true for traffic from North and East Hawaii bound for Keahole Airport. This could not only be a valuable bypass around the mauka Kona community, but could capitalize on the A-lanes of the largest DOT investment made in West Hawaii in a generation! Mauka access to Mamalahoa Hiahwav must make a direct connection that meets the County grade standards and does not run through Makalei Estates. The Queen Ka'ahumanu access is vital. The initial TZAR predicted only 50°k of generated traffic would be Kona bound on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. Perhaps the antiquated TlAR needs to be reevaluated. Our existing infrastructure can not support additional traffic up to 12,000 AADT. 1. A grade separation is needed. A simple rural diamond interchange could be the most efficient. An overhead structure with rock facing (much like the work of Stanley Abbott along the Blue Ridge Parkway) would be the least obtrusive. It may not be possible to specify the design parameters at this point without more geologic, hydraulic, topographic, traffic, and cost data. 2. A single separation at the Airport entrance may still make the most sense by (a) eliminating a new intersection 1.1 miles north of the Airport, (b) eliminating a signalized intersection at the Airport, and (c) reducing the left turns onto Kaiminani Street. (Other grade separation locations are possible, but at a higher cost.) 3. The cost sharing should be flexible. DOT still has obligations to provide safe and efficient facilities for the existing users. The County can assist with upfront financial support with tax incentives through Enterprise Funding, or through fair-share loans. A simple grade separation is needed at the Airport access Road to serve Keahole Airport. HELCO and Palamanui.