COM 1056.002 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TESTIMONY - COUNTY COUNCIL - Resolution 449-06 (Communication 1056) - Public Access Pedestrian Easements from Kailua Kona Village Development, LLC Prepared by: Robert Ward Kailua Kona Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns. I have been a supporter of this pedestrian access even before the Declarant applied for the Special Management Area (SMA) Permit. I still welcome the access but believe that some changes are warranted to improve the accessibility and better utilize the easement. 1. The SMA permit requires access along the mauka side of the seawall. The legal description appears to place it along the makai side of the wall. The makai location encompasses a deteriorating walking surface and does not provide appropriate barriers or railings required by Code. The legal description should be adjusted to place the lateral access mauka of the seawall. 2. The vertical alignment presents some unique barriers to the mobility impaired. The stipulations under 28CFR part 36 provide standards for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Requirements such as ramps may require a wider easement to construct them and provide the necessary railings. The easement should be adjusted to provide an additional 2 feet (or more) so that a clear 10 feet will be provided for pedestrian use. 3. The intent of the SMA permit was to provide a 10-foot wide pedestrian way. This is slightly different then a simply providing a 10-foot wide easement. When the pathway turns, pedestrians do not follow the sharp angles. They tend to follow a meandering path with soft curves rather than abrupt changes in direction like a marching band. While there are guidelines and standards for streets, bikeways and multi-use paths, neither the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) nor The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) provide specifics on curves for pedestrian-only use. Using 10-foot radii for the inside curves and 20-foot radii for the external curve boundaries is reasonable. The easement should be adjusted to provide a minimum internal radius of 10-feet and minimum external radius of 20-feet so that a clear 10 feet will be provided for pedestrian use.