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P[ to-u.Mcg <br /> CJORfri. I( <br /> COUNTY CLERK <br /> - COUNTY OF HAWAII <br /> RECEIVED <br /> TimeJ6/% By ,gx <br /> March 8, 2017 Date MAR 0 A 7n17 <br /> Ed Sniffen, Deputy Director, Hwys Division, HDOT comments relating to Reso 82-17: <br /> I am assuming that the Hawaii County Administration supports the reso urging the Hawaii Department <br /> of Transportation (HDOT)to release$15 Million of State Highways Special Funds to the county to <br /> perform work in the county jurisdiction. HDOT will NOT release State Highway Special funds as was <br /> appropriated in Act 119, Section 47 to the county of Hawaii. As it is, HDOT's funding is insufficient to <br /> support the current and future needs of the Statewide highways system as it is. Therefore, HDOT has <br /> adjusted its program to focus on preservation and safety,and have been delivering capacity projects <br /> through smaller,operational improvements that can be implemented quickly. HDOT has been seeking <br /> funding increases to ensure the entire program could be delivered more efficiently, but has yet to be <br /> successful in securing a consistent funding increase. If the county of Hawaii is seeking additional <br /> funding,they should not look to HDOT. We understand that there are options for the county council <br /> and administration to consider for funding projects in its own jurisdiction. HDOT recommends that the <br /> county of Hawaii exhaust those options prior to requesting state funding that would impact the <br /> Statewide priorities of the Department of Transportation. <br /> HDOT's long range plan has placed priority on two corridors on Hawaii Island—Route 130 in Puna,and <br /> Kuakini Highway in Kailua, Kona. Route 130 prioritization is born of the KPAG effort that culminated in a <br /> project to improve the corridor from Keaau to Pahoa through widening and reconfiguration of <br /> intersections. The purpose and need of this project has not changed. This project will require a <br /> reassessment of the environmental clearance document, design, and construction funds on the order of <br /> $150 mil. Therefore, it will take time to finalize the improvements and to secure the necessary funding <br /> for the project. We anticipate the first phase to be in construction by 2019. In the interim,we are <br /> completing the shoulder lane conversion project with the signal at shower drive,and will be looking at <br /> the feasibility of restriping of the corridor from Shower Drive to the bypass to create a 4 lane road with 5 <br /> foot shoulders. <br /> HDOT is moving forward with delivering a program that maximizes the resources that it currently <br /> has. Without a consistent additional source of funds, large projects will continue to take longer because <br /> funding will be the limitation. We understand the county's request for additional funds to deliver on its <br /> mission. Unfortunately, HDOT does not have sufficient highway special funds to donate to the county. <br /> Please feel free to call or email should you have any questions. <br /> Aloha, <br /> Ed <br /> t\c‘.1- <br /> _. �. <br /> Ref. T®:s_Ref. Date' MAR 04 ____ <br />