Communication Number 2019-14 Waikoloa 2nd Access Rd Report

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Waikoloa Subcommittee's Second Access Road Report Recommendation: That the County work directly with the DOE and Waikoloa School to develop a plausible evacuation plan for their unique population in case of an emergency that requires an evacuation from the Village. Emergency Evacuation TO Waikoloa Village from Coast As of 2019, there are no options for residents or visitors to evacuate TO Waikoloa from the South Kohala coastal areas in case of emergency ifthe Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue intersection is closed. The most probably emergencies that would require evacuations from the coast would be tsunamis and hurricanes. In 2011, the earthquake in Japan generated destructive waves on the Kohala/Kona coast, resulting in flooding sufficient to close Kona Village permanently, and flood Kona Inn and the King Kamehameha Hotel. South Kohala hotels and condos were evacuated to Waikoloa and other shelters. Waikoloa School housed over 450 evacuees/visitors from the US and other countries took refuge until the "all clear" was given the following morning. There have also been evacuations from coastal resorts to shelters in Waikoloa Village due to tsunamis. The experience of these evacuations leads to the recommendation that coastal evacuation plans, particularly for all resorts, be reviewed by the County to ensure they are coordinated and effective. The emergency evacuation road is also currently designed only for a makai evacuation of personal vehicles out of Waikoloa Village and appears that it would not be suited for a mauka evacuation from the coast, especially if the hotels used buses to transport visitors. The Subcommittee thought it prudent to find out what the oceanside hotels have in place for evacuation in case of emergencies. Requests were made, but we received no responses. Recommendation: That the County make an official request (e.g., from Civil Defense) to coastal hotels for a copy of their individual evacuation plans, with a due date for submission. These would be reviewed in totality to ensure that the combined evacuation plans are feasible when all are executed at the same time. This feasibility review should include road traffic on the Queen Ka'ahumana Highway and further inland, including Waikoloa Road and the Kawaihae Grade. Shelter space should also be considerations for both Waikoloa and Waimea. 5. Paniolo Avenue/Waikoloa Road Capacity The Subcommittee Report on the Intersection does not address capacity specifics because a true Traffic Study has not been conducted. However, a reasonable person would assume that this intersection would be woefully insufficient for a timely evacuation of the entire Village in case of emergency, regardless of any traffic controls. The ability to evacuate 7000 people safely in time to save lives should be known, not assumed or hoped for. June 18, 2019 Page 12 o17