Communication Number 2019-14 Waikoloa 2nd Access Rd Report

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Waikoloa Subcommittee's Second Access Road Report Emergency Evacuation Exit Route Hawaii County should check the capacity and effectiveness of Waikoloa Village evacuation plans and routes. The Hawaii County Fire Department could have a "drill" for an evacuation of Wailoloa Village prior to an actual emergency, much like drills are practiced in public schools regularly. While this would be more predicable and oRoaderly than an actual emergency evacuation, it would give villagers experience in the process and provide very valuable data on the time it takes to evacuation and the suitability of the road for such purposes with a variety of vehicles. Issues with cooRoadination with Hawaii County Police, CERT, and Civil Defense could also be identified and improvements could be made before an actual emergency. • 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 There have also been evacuations from coastal resorts to shelters in Waikoloa Village due to tsunamis. The emergency evacuation road is 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 buses were used. 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, and assess their feasibility. These would be reviewed in totality to ensure that the combined evacuation plans are feasible when all are executed at the same time. Second Access Road Route It has been clear all along that Villagers and community volunteers do NOT have the technical design or engineering expertise to determine the most plausible, cost-efficient route(s) for a Second Access Road. Recommend that Hawaii County take primary responsibility for the research and development groundwork necessary to determine the best route for a Second Access Road for Waikoloa, including how that road can complement existing and anticipated roads and access routes in South Kohala. Benefits of a Second Access Road • There are multiple benefits for people and commerce in the South Kohala District from construction of a Second Access Road in and out of Waikoloa Village, including economic, efficiency, environment, and quality of life benefits. Most importantly, the being significantly safer during an evacuation, possibly saving lives, and reassuring Villagers in times of crisis, avoiding dangerous driving, and chaos, benefit the Village's peace of mind. June 18, 2019 Page 17o17