HomeMy WebLinkAboutCom_.No. 2021-02 Waikoloa Inter_2ndAccRd Ltr to DirectorMitchell D. Roth
Afavor
Lee E. Lord
Managing Pir ector
West Hawaii Office
74-5044 Ane Kcohok5lole Hwy
Kailua-Kona. Hawaii 96740
Phone(808)323-4770
Fax(908)327-3563
May 26, 2021
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
SOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
ACTION COM1%11TTEE
Zendo Kern
Planning Department
County of Hawaii
Dear Director Kern:
SUBJECT: Waikoloa Intersection and Second Access Road
Investigatory Subcommittee Reports
tendo Kern
Director
Jeffrey W. Darrow
Deputy Direc for
East Hawaii Qttice
10I Paualti Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phonc (808) 961-9299
Fax (909)961-8742
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Communication No. 2021-02
At its March 11, 2021, meeting, the South Kohala CDP Action Committee voted to approve the
Waikoloa Intersection and Second Access Road Investigatory Subcommittee's reports. This
subcommittee was formed in 2018 to address persistent and growing community concerns for
pedestrian, cycling, and vehicular safety at the Waikoloa RoadlPaniolo Avenue/Pua Melia Street
intersection. Expected developments surrounding the intersection, a growing population, and the
presence of a single access road into and out of Waikoloa village compound the risks to safety and to
effective response to emergency situations.
After consultation with community organizations, village members, and County and State
representatives, and after consideration of commercial and residential factors that will contribute to
increased vehicular tragic in the area, the subcommittee concluded that intersection improvements
and a second access road to the village are essential to securing public safety and to abating traffic
congestion.
The South Kohaia CDP AC endorses the recommendations contained in the subcommittee reports,
which ask for County action to study and conclude on appropriate roadway solutions to the urgent
conditions of the intersection and the traffic demands for a second access road. Please refer to the
attached reports for a fuller description.
We respectively request for these reports to be communicated to County of Hawaii Departments that
have a direct impact on the decision making regarding the scoping, planning, and implementation of
related projects.
In addition, we respectively request that a CIP item be included in an upcoming budget submission to
perform traffic studies in the Waikoloa Village area in order to determine the best solution for
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Mr. Zendo Kern, Director
Planning Department
May 26, 2021
Page 2
intersection improvements at Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Ave./Pua Melia St. and to establish the
location and timing for construction of a second access road. Per our knowledge, Ordinance 20-27
authorized issuance of general bonds in support of projects appropriated in capital budget Ordinance
19-74, which specified project number 2019067 to include $500,000 for the planning and
design/survey phases of the project and $4,000,000 for construction. We are unaware of this project's
status within the current list of approved CIP items. Furthennore, we respectively request that action
on this funding provide community engagement opportunities for Waikoloa Village residents to
contribute to the possible design solutions.
The South Kohala CDP Action Committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with you on the
importance of this project to alleviate traffic congestion in the Waikoloa Village area and to secure
the involvement of the community to ensure that all essential elements are considered in defining the
safety and traffic flow elements of the roadway solutions. We look forward to working with you on
this issue with coordination through Keiko Mercado, Long Range Division Planner.
Sincerely,
�
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Ruth r. Snith (Ma'y' 7, 2021 13:39 HST)
RUTH ANNETTE SMITH, Chair
South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee
cc: Herbert M. "Tian" Richards 11I, Councilmember, District 9
Communication 2019-10
Waikoloa Subcommittee Report
to the
South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee
June 18, 2019
11111 31 lklw I *UA
At the April 2018 meeting of the South Kohala Community Development Action Committee
(SCKCP-AC), issues with traffic at the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue Intersection were raised
both in public testimony and as an AC agenda item.
In the public testimony, David Tarnas updated the Action Committee with information from the
March 13, 2018 South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee meeting. Hawaii State DOT officials
had announced that new weight limits were pending on the Waiaka Bridge. In response to the
restriction, the Kawaihae trucking community reported they would have to drive through
Waikoloa as a bypass route to and from the Harbor, significantly increasing traffic congestion in
Waikoloa and slowing down traffic flow. Councilman Richards was present and had a new
update that DOT would be modifying those limits, avoid immediate increases in trick traffic
through Waikoloa.
Although the imminent problem was averted, the AC's further discussion made it clear that the
traffic flow in Waikoloa remained an issue that needed further investigation.
AC members agreed to establish a Waikoloa Subcommittee. The Subcommittee was tasked to
investigate and report back to the Action Committee on the reported issues with the intersection
at Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Drive as well as the on-going concern with a single access road
into and out of Waikoloa Village with ever-increasing traffic and especially in emergency
situations. AC members Kevin McLaughlin, Julia Alos, and Ruth Smith volunteered to serve on
the Waikoloa Subcommittee. These volunteers have been working regularly on this issue for
over a year_
The report is structured so that information on either issue is a free-standing document. Thus,
information on population, growth, housing, and developments is found in both subsections so
each document is comprehensive and can be read independently.
Thank you for your interest in these issues and for your willingness to become informed. We
welcome your help for the benefit of residents, visitors, and local commerce to remedy the
infrastructure deficits affecting Waikoloa Village and South Kohala.
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South Kohala Community Development Plan (SKCDP) Action Committee
Waikoloa Subcommittee Report:
Paniolo Avenue-Waikoloa Road Intersection
Waikoloa Road - Paniolo Avenue interseclion as it is in 2019. Image from Apple Maps. Labels
added.
Preface: June 2019 Update
As this report was being prepared by the Waikoloa Subcommittee, Council Member Tim
Richards moved ahead with a CIP proposal at a special meeting of the County Council on .lune 5,
2019. The amendment was Communication 118.11 for Bili 31, the 2019-2020 budget bill, and
specified, "... to add the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo AvenuelPua Melia Street Intersection
Improvement project in the amount of 4.5 million to the Department of Public Works." The
amendment was passed unanimously by the Council and Bili 31 was "AMENDED To DRAFT 4
AND PASSED 2ND AND FINAL READING."
As of this report date (June 18), the County budget process is not yet complete and the final
budget has not been approved by the Mayor, but the addition of this CIP is an important and
meaningful step forward towards addressing issues with this intersection.
Jane 18, 2019 Page I of 17
Cornmunication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa Snbcominillee's Waikoloa Road-Paniolo Avenue lulersection Reporl
The subcommittee recommends supporting the CIP with communications to the Department of
Public Works, the Traffic and Engineering Divisions within the Department of Public Works,
and the Mayor. If the SKCDP Action Committee can assist with public input or other activities
with the scope of the Action Committee, the subcommittee recommends providing that
assistance.
1. Executive Summary
Based on community feedback and observations, the intersection of Waikoloa Road, Paniolo
Avenue, and Pua Melia Street at Waikoloa Village in South Kohala has become increasingly
dangerous and is in need of safety improvements. The intersection is also steadily becoming
busier and certain routes, such as left turns from Paniolo Avenue onto Waikoloa Road during
morning commute hours, appear to be below the acceptable level of service for this type of
intersection. Furthermore, the Waikoloa Village area is growing quickly, including new
affordable housing development and new shopping center development, and any problems with
the intersection are likely to become worse in the near future.
Options for developing improvements to the intersection have been considered in the past and
developer obligations were added on some rezoning and subdivision approvals decades ago, but
these have not resulted in producing the needed safety and capacity improvements. In fact, it
appears that this path will not succeed, as there are no signs of progress from ally of the
developers, and it is time for the County to take action regarding the intersection.
The South Kohala Community Development Plan (SKCDP) includes multiple Policies and
Strategies relating to improving safety and circulation of the South Kohala and Waikoloa Village
roadways, and also references the 2005 Hawaii County General Plan which specifically lists
providing tragic signals to the Waikoloa Road-Paniolo Avenne inter•seclion as one of the
"Courses of Action" for South Kohala.
The intersection could be improved in various ways, but this subcommittee suggests having the
intersection studied by traffic professionals to recommend the necessary and best improvements
and then proceeding on those recommendations.
The improvements could be funded by the County through a project initiated with the CEP
process or through a project initiated at the Department of Public Works. In either case, the
subcommittee recommends requesting the Traffic Division at DPW to perform a traffic count
and analysis to begin the process.
June 18, 2019 Page 2 ref I7
Communication No. 2019-10
Waidoloa Subconrrnilke s Wirikoloa Rrxu- Amiolo Avenue Intersection Repor!
2. Introduction
The large majority of Waikoloa Village ("Village") is connected to the rest of Hawaii island by a
single road, Paniolo Avenue. Paniolo Avenue intersects with Waikoloa Road about 5 miles
mauka of the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and about 7 miles makai of the Mamalahoa
Highway. Paniolo Avenue also continues across Waikoloa Road as Pua Melia Street.
Commuters, students, tourists, and others travel in and out of the Village on Paniolo Avenue
every day, passing through the intersection with commuters, tourists, trucks, military convoys,
and other traffic traveling up and down Waikoloa Road.
The Paniolo Avenue-Waikoloa Road intersection has become a busy intersection in the last 15
years. There are stop signs on Paniolo Avenue and Pua Melia Street, and left tum lanes on
Waikoloa Road in both directions. There are crosswalks across all roads. However, there are no
other traffic control devices installed at the intersection.
For several years now, Village residents have raised concerns about vehicle and pedestrian safety
at this intersection and various factors, such as increased trucking, have changed the composition
of the traffic. Multiple landowners near the intersection were obligated by the County to making
capacity and safety improvements to the intersection, but none of these improvements have
started.
The Waikoloa Subcommittee was asked to investigate and report back to the Action Committee
on the reported issues with the intersection, the status of various plans and commitments to
improve the intersection, and recommendations on next steps or other actions that can be taken to
move forward improvements for the intersection.
For brevity, the intersection will be referred to below as the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection, or
just "[the] intersection".
3. Population/Housing/Growth
To understand the change in use of the intersection and the future trends, the
subcommittee is providing the following analysis of Waikoloa Village population growth
and various developments around the Waikoloa Village area.
There has been steady growth in population, housing, and commerce in Waikoloa; as anticipated
in the SKCDP Pages 89. [Appendix CDP 2.1
3.1. Population Growth in Waikoloa & South Kohala
The 2020 US Census is less titan one year away, so accurate data on Waikoloa Village's
population is not available; however, prior Census data shows that the Village's population grew
substantially over the past twenty years, and that the trend continues. July 2017 US Census
estimates indicate an 8% increase in Hawaii County's population to 200,381, tip from 185,079 in
the official 2010 Census. Conservative estimates are that the Village has grown into a town of
over 7,000 people.
June 18, 2019 Page 3 of'17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloo Snba)mmi[tee °s Waikoloa Rmid Amiulo Avenue hilerseelion Reporl
Year
Big Island
Population
Waikoloa
Papulation
% of
Waikoloa Growth
actual or estimated
1994
1.0 1.0
2,248
N/A
2040
148,677
4,806
113%
2010
185,079
6,362
32%
2020 estimated
1 200,381
7,004+
1 8%-10% or more
Source: Juh^ 2017 US Census estimates
Information from the State Data Book (updated November 2018, Appendbc D-1) provides data
on the Resident Population growth by State and Counties (Appendix I3-2, Populations by Vale
Coundes, raw numbers) shows that the Big Island's increases are consistently higher vs. the
State as a whole and any other county.
ANNUAi, GROWTH RATE by STATE & COUNTIES
Date STATE total City/Co. Hawaii Co.
Oahu
Kauai Co. Maui Co.
2005-2010 1.1 0.8 2.0
1.3 1.6
2010-2017 0.7 0.5 1.1
1.0 1.0
Source: Slale Data Book 2018. Resident Population growth by State and Coun ies, Table1.07.
/Appendix D-31
Additional information from the State Data Book (2018) data breaks down the Resident
Population of Hawaii County by District by decades from 1990-20I0 and from to 2012-
2016. (See modified table below.)
CHANGE RATE BY Hawaii Countv DISTRICTS
Source of information in WHIIE columns: State Data Book 2018. on Percentage Charge of
Resident Populations by County: 2000-2017 (Table 1.12)
*Columns in YELLOW were added for this analysis. /Appendix D-4]
June 18, 2019 Page 4 of 17
1990
2000
2010
2012-16
Increase
1990-
2016
Change
2010-
2016
Hawaii Cotut
120,317
148,677
185,079
193,680
61%
5%
Puna
20,781
31,335
45,326
45,517
119%
0%
Souih Hilo
44,639
47,386
50,927
52,487
18%
3%
North Hilo
1,541
1,720
2,041
1,676
9%
-18%
Hamakua
5,545
6,108
6,513
7,463
35%
15%
North Kohala
4,291
6,038
6,322
6,441
50%
2°/.
South Kohala
9,140
13,131
17.627
181,751
105%
6%
North Kona
22,284
28,543
37,875
41,662
87%
10%
South Kona
7,658
8,589
9,997
11,277
47%
13%
Kau
4,438
5,827
8,451
8,406
89%
-1%
Source of information in WHIIE columns: State Data Book 2018. on Percentage Charge of
Resident Populations by County: 2000-2017 (Table 1.12)
*Columns in YELLOW were added for this analysis. /Appendix D-4]
June 18, 2019 Page 4 of 17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikolva Snhcomndllee's Waikoloa Road-Pamoko A erne L7tersection Report
Between 1990-2016, every Hawaii County District grew, especially Puna and South Kohala;
however, between 2010-2016, some Districts leveled off (i -e, Puna), others Districts declined (N.
Hilo, Kau), and the remaining Districts continued to grow, especially in Kona and Hamakua.
South Kohala also grew by 6% during that period.
"Population" in a locale that is popular world-wide with tourists must include the impact of those
visitors on matters related to infrastructure. Valuable data on de facto population comes from
The 2017 State of Hawaii DATA BOOK, A Statistical Abstract, updated in November 2418. De
facto population is defined as the number of persons physically present in an area, of military
status or usual place of residence. It includes visitor present but excludes residents temporarily
absent, both calculated on an Avenuedaily census. Table 1.04 --Resident and De Facto
Population, by Residence Staters: 2000 to 2017 [Appendix D-51.
The significant take -away from this data is that in every year, the de facto population exceeds the
resident population.
The Waikoloa Phr,a developer Meridian Pacific presents related data in their prospectus
regarding visitors/tourists, as follows:
• There are 1,191,470 tourists that visit the west side of Hawaii (Kohala Coast) each year.
• Average stay in Kohala/Kona resorts is 7 days.
• By dividing the number of tourists by the Average stay, the outcome should be the
number of static tourists that are in the Kona/Kohala Coast per week on Avenuerage:
22,912 people/week.
Number of tourists on an Average/week at 100% occupancy:
o Mauna Lani or North: 7,102
o Waikoloa Village or South: 8,248
Conclusion: Population growth has occurred as predicted and continues in Mlaikoloa. All
indications are that growth will continue and exceed that of other parts of the State and Hawaii
Island.
3.2. Housing growth and developments in Waikoloa
The number of Waikoloa housing units also increased, as did population density per square mile
Year
Density/Sq. Mile
Dense /House
Housing Units
2000
251
107
2057
2010
356
170
3042
Source, U.S. Census
June 18, 2019 Page 5 of] 7
Communication No. 2019-10
Wi ikolva Suhcrrttuniltee's Waikoloo Road-Poniolo A venue. h+lersedion Report
A list of housing developments includes:
SUBDIVISION NAME
UNITS
Kaiaulu `0 Waikoloa (affordable)
63
Kamakoa Nui (HI Co. Workforce Housing)
1,200
Kilohana Kei Phase 1
127
Kilohana Kei Phase II
50
Pua Malia (affordable, formerly Waikoloa Highlands land)
60
Sunset Ridge (Makai)
120
Sunset Ridge (Makai Vistas)
31
Waikoloa Mauka (Waikoloa Road/Mamalahoa Hwy.)
96
Wehilani (Castle & Cooke)
756
Subtotal of Active Housing Projects
,3
2,503
Arta Lea See notes *A & *B
2,406
Waikoloa Heights See note *A
2,400
Waikoloa Mauka (RA -1) See note *A
398
Subtotal of PIanned Build -out (from CDP)
.5,204
TOTAL of Planned Build -out See note *1
7,707
Note,*] This cor-relales wilh but is LARGER Man SKC )P projectiolm Uf=-7� [71601
*Note A. These TMK parcels have received the necessary entitlements to develop, but have not
progressed.
*Note B. These TMK parcels are designated by the County LUPAG for Urban Expansion, but
have not progressed.
3.3. Commercial developments in Waikoloa
BioEnergy Hawaii LLC, a Kailua-Kona-based developer of waste -treatment and alternative -
energy systems, plans to start construction on its $50 million resource -recovery and energy -
conversion facility on the Big Island. BioEnergy Hawaii plans to lease about 15 acres of land on
a portion of the property now known as the Waikoloa latest Hawaii Concrete Quarry and operate
an integrated resource -recovery facility to divert municipal solid waste from the Vilest Hawaii
Sanitary Landfill and elsewhere.
It will be processing about 200 tons of incoming municipal solid waste per day, which is
collected by local waste haulers, along with a variety of other waste materials. The facility could
June 18, 2019 Page 6 of _17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloo .5uhcoininittee's Waikoloa Road-Pauialo Arenue lulerseclion Report
expand to allow for a capacity of 400 tons per day of waste. Of this volume, about 70 percent
would be suitable for energy -conversion operations and the remaining 30 percent would consist
of waste material that would be disposed at West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill, which registers at
more than 500 tons per day. In March, 20I 7, Hawaii County Planning Department gAvenue its
stamp of approval to the developer.
Conclusion: This project is likely to increase the amount of traffic on Waikoloa Road, and it will
likely decrease the speed of traffic flowing through Waikoloa from the Mamalahoa Highway to
near the Queen Ka'ahumana Highway.
WAIKOLOA PLAZA is being developed by Meridian Pacific, Ltd. in Waikoloa located in the
southwest comer of the main Village intersection. Its promotional materials state that "Waikoloa
Plaza will have a distinctive blend of tenants to provide [residents and] visitors needed daily
services, speciality shopping, entertainment and eateries in the continuously growing Waikoloa
Village community."
Access by motor vehicles to the Plaza will include two major entrances, one on Waikoloa Road
and another on Pua Melia, about 1,000 feet makai of the post office. A thiRoad entrance would
be across from the lower entrance to Waikoloa Highlands Shopping Center on Waikoloa Road.
The 134,004 -square -foot $40 million shopping center will encompass 19 square acres, with 35
retail stores filling spaces ranging from 800 to 35,000 square feet.
Eighty-five percent of Waikoloa Plaza has been leased with tenants including Aloha Petroleum,
Ace Hardware, Foodland, Fitness Forever, Family Health and Wellness, CrossFit AllStar, and
dining outlets such as Balimo's Pizza, Chef TK, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Strato's New York
June 18, 2019 Page 7 of 17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa Subconrnniflee's Waikoloa Road-Prxnniolo Avenue hilersedionn Report
Pizzeria, SushHi and Bodhi Tree Juicery. The developer is also in talks with Nail Salon, Island
Holistic Healing, Verizon, Longs Drugs, Maui Taco's, Dunkin' Donuts, Denny's, The TIPS Store
and McDonald's, among others.
The RED circle on the map above is at the intersection of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo
Avenuenue. The VPO (Vehicle Per Day) is 16,600, accoRoading to the Plaza's Prospectus.
A proposed 150 -room hotel is another unique aspect that Meridian Pacific Owner Gary Pinkston
hopes to add to the shopping center. The decision for a hotel was also based on the seat count
into the Big Island being up from 500,000 five years ago to 1.3 million in 2018. At the same
time, the Hilton and others have taken 700 guestrooms out of service for condos.
April 30, 2019, Meridian Pacific broke ground at the site. This site, zoned for commercial
development has been a long-awaited improvement to the area, and is welcomed by most. This
heightens the infrastructure needs in Waikoloa. Community members. express concerns that the
shopping center will exacerbate traffic issues on the only road and at the major intersection.
"This shopping center is what we were looking for in our county, and with economic
development will come prosperity for the community," District 9 Councilman Tim RichaRoads
said. RichaRoads is working to address the congestion at the intersection with a traffic signal or a
round -about, depending on the findings of experts in the field.
Conclusion: This project will certainly increase the amount of traffic on Waikoloa Road and
congestion at the intersection at Paniolo Drive. It heightens the urgency to address safety issues
at the intersection via a traffic light or a round -about, and provide another access road to the
Village_
June 18, 2019 Page 8 of 17
Communication No. 2019-10
dVaikoloa Snbcommillee's Waiknloa R(wd Paniolo Avenue Intersection Reporl
3.4. State development in Waikoloa: PUBLIC LIBRARY for WAIKOLOA
REGION.
The 2418 legislature authorized the purchase of land in Waikoloa to build a public library. On
April 25, 2019 Governor David Ige released $1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds
to buy a 1.750 -acre parcel for the new Waikoloa Public Library. The library is to be located on
one of the parcels in the future Waikoloa Plaza shopping center, near the intersection of
Waikoloa Road and Pan iolo Avenuenue. (See above.) The Iibrary site would be just past the
existing Post Office building on Pua Melia Street.
Once the parcel is purchased by the state, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is
required to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the project and the public will have the
opportunity to submit comments. After that, the project will start its design phase during which
the community can provide their advice about what should be included in the facility.
Friends of the Library of Waikoloa Region (FLWR) has worked diligently for over a decade to
procure a Public Library for the Waikoloa Region residents and visitors. They are hopeful that
the library will be completed and accessible in 2022.
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3.5. State development in Waikoloa: Waikoloa School (K-8), Building 3
Waikoloa Elementary School opened in September of 1994 with 325 students (K-5). The
Elementary school's population grew to cr 560. In 2007, the BoaRoad of Education authorized
the expansion of the school to incorporate Middle School students. With that, Waikoloa
School's student population has grown to rr 825 students and @130 staff members. Building J is
a two-story 10 classroom building and is the final phase of the original school plait's build -out. It
is currently under construction in 2019.
4. Traffic, Pedestrians, and Bicycles in the Intersection
June 18, 2019 Page 9 oj'l7
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa Srrbcr)nririittee',i Waikoloa Road-Paniola Avenue Intersection Report
The subcommittee investigated traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle usage of the intersection, as well
as industry best practices for evaluating and addressing safety and capacity concerns with
intersection.
The image above shows the Waikoloa Road - Paniolo Avenue intersection with traffic Plarkings
visible as it is in 2019. 1 he image is from Apple Maps and includes vehicles lined irp in the left -
turn lane on FVaikoloa Road,, turning onto Puniolo Avenue, and a track in the process of making
a left tarn. Labels have been added.
4.1. Traffic Review
Vehicular traffic at the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection has the following traffic patterns, as
indicated by past traffic surveys and observation (Highlands 2005, various traffic counts, casual
observations).
The peak times are morning and afternoon, as is typical. In the morning, traffic leaves Waikoloa
Village via Paniolo Avenue and turns right or left onto Waikoloa Road, e.g. for commuting to
work or school in Waimea, Kona, Hilo, or down to the resorts, or tourists heading out for
activities for the day. There is also traffic up and down Waikoloa Road passing through the
intersection but not turning, e.g. trucking, commuters from Waimea or Hilo down to the resort
areas, tourists coming up from the resort areas heading to other parts of the island.
In the afternoon, the flow is reversed as people return home. The through -traffic on Waikoloa
Road also continues.
June 18, 2019 Page 10 of 17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa Suhcopio Uee's Waikoloa Road-Panicalo Avenue lidersection Reporl
During the day, there is a moderate flow of trucks and other traffic traveling up and down
Waikoloa Road and a lesser flow of traffic in and out of Waikoloa Village. There is an increase
in traffic in and out of Waikoloa Village around lunchtime.
The traffic onto Pua Melia Street is significantly less than onto Paniolo Avenue, primarily driven
by the U.S. Post Office located on Pua Melia Street.
Pedestrians using the intersection are primarily residents from Waikoloa Village walking to and
from the Post Office, but also include people exercising along Waikoloa Road and Pua Melia
Street. Cyclists are often observed riding up and down Waikoloa Road.
These patterns are likely to change significantly in the future, especially vehicular and pedestrian
use of Pua Melia Street, due to the new shopping center and affordable housing that are being
developed. there. Vehicle traffic through the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection is also going to
change due to increased trucking activity, such as for trucking waste from the windward side of
the island to the leeward Iandf.11, but will Iikely be reduced if the DKI extension is constructed
from the Mamalahoa Highway down to the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.
4.2. Intersection Safety
The primary risks at the Waikoloa-Panioto intersection are vehicular accidents, particularly
involving traffic turning into or out of Paniolo Avenue and Pua Melia Street, and vehicles hitting
pedestrians crossing Waikoloa Road. These risks are likely exacerbated due to the lack of any
traffic control at the intersection and the frequency of people misunderstanding the traffic rules at
the intersection, especially non-residents, which results in unexpected behavior, such as stopping
as if there were stop signs on Waikoloa Road.
4.3. Intersection Traffic Load and Capacity
Various U.S. state departments of transportation and highway design experts have developed
guidelines for how to determine if an intersection needs to have sign alization or other traffic
controls added_ This takes out the subjectivity that is common when soliciting feedback on
whether an intersection needs traffic controls, e.g. due to safety concerns or long traffic delays at
peak travel times.
In many states, the state department of transportation will conduct intersection traffic surveys
when appropriate requests are made by individuals or organizations. These surveys will include
traffic flow counts, pedestrian and bicycle counts, analysis of at least three years of accident or
traffic violation data, sight lines and distances at the intersection, and other case-by-case data.
The data is assembled into a traffic analysis report which compares the intersection data vs
industry -standard metrics, to advise if traffic controls, such as traffic signals or stop signs, are
justified. One of the more common metrics that is evaluated is the "Level of Service" of the
intersection, defined in the Highway Capacity Manual, which evaluates the number of seconds a
vehicle is delayed when traveling through or turning at the intersection.
A study of this nature was conducted for the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection back in 2005 as part
of an EIS for a nearby subdivision, the Waikoloa Highlands. This report includes projections for
future traffic at the intersection, but it makes some assumptions about future developments at the
time, such as the Auwaiakeakua Gulch in Waikoloa Village having a bridge and road to
June 18, 2019 Page 11 of] 7
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloo 5irbcurninillee s Waikndoa Rrxid-Poniolo Avenue Intersection Reporl
Waikoloa Road built by 2010, which has not happened as of 2019. Nevertheless, the report
recommended adding a traffic signal to the intersection based on the 2005 analysis and 2010
projections, primarily to address "Level of Service" issues with left turns from Paniolo Avenue
onto Waikoloa Road. (WHTIA, p. 25)
Traffic on Paniolo Avenue and Waikoloa Road were counted in separate activities in 2016 and
2018, although the data was collected in different locations and not incorporated into a formal
traffic analysis report. Traffic at the intersection has also been estimated currently at 16,600
vehicles per day by the Waikoloa Plaza development team, Meridian Pacific (per leasing
brochure, 2018).
4.4. Near-term Pedestrian Usage Increases
Pedestrian and bicycle usage is very likely to increase in the future, within the next two years,
due to the construction of a large shopping center on the south side of Waikoloa Road. This will
drive pedestrian and bicycle traffic from Waikoloa Village (on the north side of Waikoloa Road)
across the intersection to and from the shopping center.
There is also an affordable housing development planned on Pua Melia Street that will have
around 60 units which will also increase pedestrian traffic at the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection,
as people from that development walk across the intersection to the existing shopping center on
the northwest corner of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Road, and possibly children walking or
cycling to school at Waikoloa Elementary & Middle School.
4.5. Near-term Traffic Increases
Waikoloa Road is currently used as the main thoroughfare between the Mamalahoa Highway and
the Queek Ka'ahumanu Highway, This results in many trucks traveling through the Waikoloa-
Paniolo intersection. Military convoys also use this route and occasionally slow down traffic, but
this is not typically a daily occurrence.
Industrial use and construction projects along Waikoloa Road, such as the West Hawaii Concrete
quarry, the BioEnergy Hawaii plant, West Hawaii Concrete's planned asphalt plant, AES
Distributed Energy's planned solar power plant, the planned trucking of waste from East Hawaii
to die West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill in Puuanahulu, and others, add (or will soon add) to the
daily heavy vehicle traffic.
4.6. Intersection Recommendation
After reviewing the available data, it seems to the members of the subcommittee preparing this
report that the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection needs to have traffic controls added, such as a
traffic signal or a roundabout, However, it is difficult to draw a firm conclusion without having
professionals review current traffic data for the intersection.
Fortunately, intersection traffic control is an extrememly well -studied area with established
standards and procedures for deterniining how to address intersection traffic and safety. This
would typically consist of a traffic study (or traffic count) performed by the Hawaii County
Traffic Division for the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection.
June 18, 2019 Page 12 of] 7
Communication No. 2019-10
dtiaikoloo Subcommillee's Waikoloa Road-I'aniolo Ai ome Intersection Report
The subcommittee therefore recommends requesting that the Traffic Division perform a
traffic count at the intersection and then evaluate the results using their tools and expertise
to determine what improvements, if any, are warranted at this time. The subcommittee also
recommends requesting that the traffic count be repeated every three year's to identify further
improvements or changes necessary in the future as the Waikoloa Village area continues to
grow.
In support of this recommendation, it is worth noting that the County of Hawaii has also
recognized the need for improvements to the intersection by adding obligations for developers to
improve the intersection if they proceed with developments on three lots near the intersection,
however, as explained in Section 7 below, this has not resulted in any improvements and does
not appear to be a viable pian for improvements to the intersection in the timeframe they will be
needed.
5. Community Input/Feedback
The members of the subcommittee live in Waikoloa Village and regularly speak with other
residents of the Village. It is hard to produce statistics from these discussions, but it is notable
that in every discussion about the Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection, residents always agree that the
intersection is dangerous and needs improvement. Village residents have varying opinions about
what kind of improvement should be made, generally preferring either a traffic signal or a
roundabout, but none of the subcommittee members have experienced a Village resident arguing
that safety improvements are not needed.
One informal survey was conducted on the website "Nextdoor" on their Waikoloa Village
community page. This survey received 76 replies from about 25 Waikoloa Village residents.
There were various opinions about how to improve the safety of the intersection, ranging from
more informative signage and adding stop signs to traffic signals and roundabouts, but everyone
agreed that the intersection needs safety improvements.
Safety of the intersection is also a frequent topic raised at Waikoloa Village Association (WVA)
meetings. The WVA membership consists of over 3040 homes in Waikoloa Village, which the
subcommittee estimates to include at least 213 of the Village population. The WVA is asked
regularly, many times each year, if the WVA can improve the safety of the intersection. The
WVA has provided feedback to the County in the past regarding safety improvements being
needed at the intersection.
6. CDP support for Intersection Improvements
In the South Kohala Community Development Plan (SKCDP), a Second Access Road for
ingress and egress for Waikoloa was the top priority, along with overall infrastructure
improvements. In 2008 when the SKCDP was submitted, the Waikoioa-Paniolo
intersection itself was not a "hot topic". Since then, the population of Waikoloa Village
has grown from 4,800 to 7,000 people, a 46% increase.
June 18, 2019 Page 13 of'l7
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa Subcommittee's Waikoloa road-Paniohr Avenue Intersection Report
Below are the relevant sections of the SKCDP that relate to the intersection.
General Policy 2 of the SKCDP relates to transportation, with sub -policy 2.3 specifically
being "Build safe roads." Kawaihae Road and Waikoloa Road are identified as being
considered dangerous, with the example of not having truck runaway ramps.
In the Waikoloa Policies and Strategies in the SKCDP,
• Policy 3 addresses Transportation & Circulation (Appendix CDP -5)
• Strategy 3.5 recommends the Development of a Master Circulation Plan for
Waikoloa Village. (Appendi<r CAP -S)
Had a Master 0rculalion Plait been developed, if would undouhtahly have
addressed the Inlerseclion issues with traffic congestion.
• Strategy 3.6 recommends implementing traffic safety improvements along
Waikoloa Road. (Appendix CDP --S)
Improvements to the Waikoloa Road' Paniolo Avenue intersection are riot
specifically mentioned but this Strategy was inicnded to address ally safety issues
related to travel on Waikoloa Road
The SKCDP also established a Monitoring Plan for South Kohala:
• The Monitoring Plan is a way to track and assess the progress of Policies.
(Appendix CDP -l0)
• The specific Monitoring Plan for Waikoloa regarding infrastructure is 9.3.3
"Provide Transportation and Circulation Improvements in a Timely Manner" by
looking at County and State C1P allocations for infrastructure and the number of
public/private partnerships formed to provide for roadways. (Appendix C1)P-11)
No Master Circulation Plan has been developed
The SKCDP also referenced the 2005 Hawaii County General Pian and County Codes:
• SKCDP Appendix D is from the County's General Plan (2045) "Courses of
Action" for the District of South Kohala. (Appendix CDP -12).
Under the Transportation: Roadways section, item 'J" is: (Appendix CDP -13):
• Provide traffic signals at the Waikoloa Road-Paniolo Drive
intersection.
• In SKCDP Appendix E, Referenced County Codes were listed.
• Concurrency Requirements: This section creates standards for road and
water supply in change of zoning actions. Definitions are provided,
including:
• Acceptable levels of service
• Approved development
■ Critical road area
• Immediate vicinity of a project
• Level of Service (LOS)
• LocaI mitigation
• Area mitigation
(Appendix CDP -14)
7. Developer Obligations
June 18, 2019 Page 1.4 of] 7
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa .Siebconnnillee'.s Waikoloa RrNW-Pa►riulr► itti nue Interseclion Repor!
The County recognized decades ago that the Wai kol oa-Pani ol o intersection would need safety
and capacity improvements. To support this, the County and the LUC added requirements to
three Iots near the intersection when the respective owners of those lots, Waikoloa Highlands,
Waikoloa Mauka, and Hawaiian Riverbend, applied for rezoning or subdivision, as early as 1990
tin Ordinance 1990-160, requiring signalization of the intersection, based on a Traffic Impact
Analysis Report (TZAR) from 1989).
Unfortunately, none of the owners have engaged in any substantial development of those
properties and their various requirements to build intersection improvements remain unfulfilled.
In fact, one of the owners, Waikoloa Highlands, has recently had their rezoning revoked due to
inactivity. The owners of the other lots do not show any signs of engaging in development of
their respective properties, resulting in the intersection being unimproved for far longer than the
County envisioned when the requirements were added. For example, Ordinance 1995-051
amended the earlier 1990-160 to require the signalization of the intersection by rune 30, 1996.
This deadline was among many missed by the respective developers.
In 2005, the County passed Ordinance 2005-157 which amended the requirement further to
specify a roundabout, and the developer did contract with an engineering firm to create plans for
this improvement, which was noted in a 2016 annual report from Waikoloa Highlands as
"construction plans for the roundabout at the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue intersection have
been completed." However, the plans were apparently not paid for by the developer and were
never approved or acted upon.
As Waikoloa Highlands was the only developer that had even taken any steps, and they are the
developer that has lost their rezoning due to inactivity, it appears that the reliance on developers
to make the needed safety and capacity improvements to the intersection has failed, and the
improvements are now overdue. It is time for the County to create a new plan that does not rely
on developers, or to find a way to get contributions from developers regardless of their
development progress so that the community involved is not harmed simply because developers
decided not to develop their properties.
8. Improvement/solution Options
As part of researching the Waikoloa Road. - Paniolo Avenue intersection, the subcommittee
received some feedback from the community and reviewed some documentation that suggested
adding a traffic signal or a roundabout to the intersection as a solution to the apparent safety and
capacity problems. The subcommittee spent some time to evaluate if one or the other solution, or
even a different solution, would be better for the intersection.
Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of professionals in traffic design to determine the
correct type(s) of improvement(s) for the intersection, so the subcommittee is providing this very
brief synopsis for information only.
Research into the topic of traffic signals vs. roundabouts revealed that roundabouts are generally
considered safer than traffic signals, as any accidents that occur in a roundabout are typically at a
lower speed than at a traffic signal (or unsignalized intersection), resulting in fewer and less
Julie 18, 2019 Page 15 (?f 17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa 5uhcommillee's Waikoloa R(md-Paniolo Avenue Inlerseclion Re1wrf
severe injuries to any people involved. Roundabouts sometimes result in fewer total accidents of
all types, but occasionally result in a slight increase in total accidents, though with fewer and less
serious personal injuries. The main drawback of roundabouts is that it is more difficult for
pedestrians with vision disabilities to cross the road at a roundabout.
Other options, such as adding stop signs on Waikoloa Road or adding a pedestrian crossing
signal, could be considered, but the subcommittee advises again that the determination of what
improvements should be made should be the responsibility of professionals in the field..
9. Funding/Development Options
There are various funding options for making the needed Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection
improvements. The main options are, in no particular order:
I. County CIP process
2. Department of Public Works, Traffic Division
3. Developer obligations related to rezoning, subdivision, or building plan approvals
The option with the least cost to the County is the developer obligation option, but this has not
worked in this case. The property owners that were given a requirement to make improvements
have not developed their properties, and do not appear that they will do so any time soon, so this
option cannot be pursued unless a new developer enters the picture. See section 7 above for more
details on the current (unsuccessful) developer obligations.
The option that appears to have the shortest path to development is to work with the Department
of Public Works (DPW), specifically starting with the Traffic Division. The Traffic Division
could perform a traffic count at the intersection and then evaluate the data collected using their
expertise and tools. This would result in specific recommendations for improvements that would
address the issues revealed by the Traffic Division's evaluation. The recommendations would
then be passed to the Engineering Division at DPW for further analysis and planning. The
Engineering Division would be able to create a specific plan and request funding via CIP or via a
direct request to the County Council to appropriate funds for the needed improvements. The
improvement project could then proceed as planned by the Engineering Division.
The County CIP process is well-known and follows an annual review and approval process as
part of the County budget. This method of proposing a Waikoloa-Paniolo intersection
improvement project is suggested if the DPW is unable to move forward on the project directly,
or if an opportunity arises to submit a CTP with support from Council Members in the current
budget approval cycle.
10. ConclusionlRecQmmendations
June 18, 2019 Page 16 of 17
Communication No. 2019-10
Waikoloa Subcoininillee's Waik-ohm Rood Pauiolo Avenue lnlersection Reporl
After considering all of the information in this report and numerous source materials (see
References), the members of the Waikoloa Subcommittee believe the Waikoloa-Paniolo
intersection needs to have traffic controls added, such as a traffic signal or a roundabout.
Reiterating the recommendation from Section 4, the subcommittee recommends requesting that
the Traffic Division perform a traffic count at the intersection and then evaluate the results using
their tools and expertise to determine what improvements, if any, are warranted for the
intersection at this time. The subcommittee also recommends requesting that the traffic count be
repeated every three years to identify further improvements or changes necessary in the future as
the Waikoloa Village area continues to grow.
After the Traffic Division completes the traffic count and analysis, and based on the
recommendations the Traffic Division produces, the subcommittee recommends following up
with the Engineering Division, the Department of Public Works, and the County Council to
support the intersection improvements. if needed, the subcommittee also then recommends
submitting a CIP for the intersection improvements.
11. References
Apple Maps copyright information: https_//g_spe2I-ssl,ls,apple.com/httnl/attribution-136_htrnl
Other sources, citations, and references to he i pdated in additional document,
June 18, 2019 Page 17 of] 7
Communication 2019-14
Waikoloa Subcommittee Report
to the
South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee
June 18, 2019
REPORT OVERVIEW
At the April 2018 meeting of the South Kohala Community Development Action Committee
(SCKCP-AC), issues with traffic at the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue Intersection were raised
both in public testimony and as an AC agenda item.
In the public testimony, David Tarnas updated the Action Committee with information from the
March 13, 2018 South Kohala Traffic Safety Committee meeting. Hawaii State DDT officials
had announced that new weight limits were pending on the Waiaka Bridge. In response to the
restriction, the Kawaihae trucking community reported they would have to drive through
Waikoloa as a bypass route to and from the Harbor, significantly increasing traffic congestion in
Waikoloa and slowing down traffic flow. Councilman Richards was present and had a new
update that DOT would be modifying those limits, avoid immediate increases in truck traffic
through Waikoloa.
Although the imminent problem was averted, the AC's further discussion made it clear that the
traffic flow in Waikoloa remained an issue that needed further investigation.
AC members agreed to establish a Waikoloa Subcommittee. The Subcommittee was tasked to
investigate and report hack to the Action Committee on the reported issues with the intersection
at Waikoloa Road and Paniolo Drive as well as the on-going concern with a single access road
into and out of Waikoloa Village with ever-increasing traffic and especially in emergency
situations. AC members Kevin McLaughlin, Julia Alos, and Ruth Snaith volunteered to serve on
the Waikoloa Subcommittee. These volunteers have been working regularly on this issue for
over a year_
The report is structured so that information on either issue is a free-standing document. Thus,
information on population, growth, housing, and developments is found in both subsections so
each document is comprehensive and can be read independently.
Thank you for your interest in these issues and for your willingness to become informed. We
welcome your help for the benefit of residents, visitors, and local commerce to remedy the
infrastructure deficits affecting Waikoloa Village and South Kohala: op"
Ii nllrolncr .''iI &omnIitleC .N Seco141: #cress Rrwd Repwf
SKCD13-AC
Waikoloa Subcommittee Report:
Waikoioa's Second Access Road
1. Executive Summary
Waikoloa Village is a rapidly growing community. The population increases, numerous housing
developments (current and potential), substantial commercial developments, and construction of
two State buildings in the Village are well-documented in this report. This growth cycle has and
will continue to strain the current infrastructure limitations into and out of Waikoloa Village.
Waikoloa Village is connected to the rest of Hawaii island by a single east -west road from the
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway to the Mamalahoa Highway known as Waikoloa Road. Most of the
Village is further only accessible via Paniolo Avenue, through the Waikoloa Road - Paniolo
Avenuenue - Pua Melia Road intersection, the subject of the Subcommittee's other report.
A Second Access Road for Waikoloa Village has been clearly identified as the top priority for
the community since information was first gathered, compiled, and included in the final SKCDP
document submitted. The current problems at the Waikoloa Intersection in part stem from
inaction on a Second Access Road. Reasons for inaction on a Second Access Road base
primarily in the County's reliance on a developer taking the lead on construction, with the
County's support, specifically with Aina Lea or Puako 1410. Aina Lea has not moved forward
substantially in any area of development for a variety of reasons. And Puako 1010 was sold to
another developer, with no action either.
This single -road access becomes a serious safety concern when considering emergencies, such as
wildfires or tsunamis, that would require evacuation from Waikoloa Village, or to Waikoloa
Village from the nearby coast. Special planning to evacuate our children from Waikoloa School
needs to be addressed- Logistically, how would we safely evacuate Waikoloa School's 825
students (Pre -School --- 8"' grade) and 130 staff members in an emergency? Vehicles to transport
and personnel to supervised the student population out of the Village are the major issues.
There been multiple instances of evacuations from Waikoloa Village due to wildfires, which
resulted in the creation of an emergency evacuation road. This road appears to be adequate for a
partial evacuation, but does not appear to have the capacity for a large-scale evacuation in a short
time such as could be required for a wildfire in strong winds.
There have also been evacuations from coastal resorts lo 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 the hotels used buses to transport visitors.
In the Subcommittee's view, there is clearly a need for additional road access into and out of
Waikoloa Village, with emergency evacuations being just one of many factors. As Waikoloa
Village grows in population, including affordable housing, traffic will increase and quality of life
will be impacted. Planning for Waikoloa Village's future should therefore include concrete plans
for a second access road in the next 10 years.
June 18, 2019 Page Y a17
I Faikoloa ,Suhconinuttee 's ,Second ,access Road Report
2. Introduction
The large majority of Waikoloa Village is connected to the rest of Hawaii island by a single road
(except for Paniolo Greens, Weilani, and Jack Hall housing.) Paniolo Avenuenue intersects with
Waikoloa Road, about 6 miles mauka of the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway intersection and about
7 miles makai of the Mamalahoa Highway. Commuters and students from Waikoloa Village
travel in and out of the Village on Paniolo Avenue every day, joining with tourists, trucks,
military convoys, and other traffic traveling up and down Waikoloa Road.
The single -channel access to Waikoloa Village has long been identified as an issue that needs to
be addressed sooner or later. A Second Access Road was the Number I priority in the SKCDP
for Waikoloa Village in 2008. This was reiterated at the Waikoloa Community meeting in May,
2015 when asked by the County to give feedback on the General Plan revisions. (See Appendix
A on May, 2015 Community Meeting.) The process used at this meeting replicated the strategy
used to gather community input for the original SKCDP. Data on the the community's feedback
was consolidated and submitted to the County Planning Department by resident John Mueller,
then Chairman of the South Kohala Community Development Plan's Action Committee.
A 2005 study by consultant Sam Q. Hirota, Inc, investigated possible routes for additional roads
into and out of Waikoloa Village, which was submitted to the County in 2006. (,See Appendix B
for map.) This was not definitive, merely a starting point; however, land owners, developers'
commitments, and stakeholders have changed considerably over the past dozen years. As of
2019, no real progress has been made.
An understanding of community concerns about adequate infrastructure now and in the future
must start with data identified by state demographers that West Hawaii, South Kohala, and
Waikoloa are as most like to experience consistent, substantial growth for the foreseeable future.
In late 2008, the State planned to pilot an impact fee to address the problem of development
properties being built without concurrency, specifically for public school capacity. (See
Appendi-v E fifr a DOE explanalion of the proposed pilot, their rationale, and map ofpilot area.)
Such impact fees are standard in many areas of the United States. As West Hawaii was identified
as the highest potential growth area in the state, a proposal was made to have a pilot project in
North Kona and South Kohala. Public hearings were held, and many developers attended,
speaking out in opposition, with one testimony given in favor of the fee from a public -school
administrator. Mayor Kenoi agreed with the developers, stating that Hawaii Island would be
'`unfairly penalized" is such a fee were imposed, and the pilot project was tabled. None -the -less,
the analysis by the state demographers remains valid about the probability of significant growth
in West Hawaii.
June 18, 2019
�3
Page 2 o17
I Yaikaloo ,SuhconsonWee 's .Seeond : lccess• Road Report
3. Growth in Waikoloa Village (Population, Housing, Commercial)
There has been steady growth in population, housing, and commerce in Waikoloa, as anticipated
in the SKCDP Pages 89. [Appendix CDP2.1
Population Growth in Waikoloa & South Kohala
The 2020 US Census is less than one year away, so accurate data on Waikoloa Village's
population is not available; however, prior Census data shows that the Village's population grew
substantially over the past twenty years, and that the trend continues. July 2017 US Census
estimates indicate an 8% increase in Hawaii County's population to 200,381, up from 185,079 in
the official 2010 Census. Conservative estimates are that the Village has grown into a town of
over 7,000 people.
Year Big Island
Population
Waikoloa
Population
% of
Waikoloa Growth
actual or estimated
1990
2,248
NIA
2000 148,677
4,806
113%
2010 185,079
6,362
32%
2020 estimated 1200,381
7,000+
8%-10%0 more
Source: July 2017 US Census estimates
Information from the State Data Book (updated November 2018, Appendix D-1) provides data
on the Resident Population growth by State and Counties (Appendix D-2, Populations by State
& Counties, raw numbers) shows that the Big Island's increases are consistently higher vs. the
State as a whole and any other county.
ANNUAL GROWTH RATE by STATE & COUNTIES
Date
STATE total
City/Co. Dahu
Hawaii Co.
Kauai Co.
Maui Co.
2005-2010
1.1
0.8
2.0
1.3
1.5
2010.2017
0.7
0.5
1.1
1.0
1.0
Source: Slate Data Book 2018. Resident Populalion growth b)� State and C'ounfies, T'ahlel.07.
[Appendix D-31
June 18, 2019 Page 3 o17
11 aih oloa ,5uhconrnrittee 's .ties nd _ 1cc",v Road Report
Additional information from the State Data Book (2018) data breaks down the Resident
Population of Hawaii County by District by decades from 1990-2010 and from to 2012-
2016. (See modified table below.)
CHANGE RATE BY Hawaii County DISTRICTS
Source of information in WHITE columns: State Data Book 2018. on Percentage Change o f
1?e-videtn Populations by County,: 2000-2017 (1'7ble 1.12)*Columns in YELLOW were added for
this analysis. fAppendbc D-4]
Between 1990-2016, every Hawaii County District grew, especially Puna and South Kohala;
however, between 2010-2016, some Districts leveled off (i.e, Puna), others Districts declined (N.
Hilo, Kau), and the remaining Districts continued to grow, especially in Kona and Hamakua.
South Kohala also grew by 6% during that period.
"Population" in a locale that is popular world-wide with tourists must include the impact of those
visitors on matters related to infrastructure. Valuable data on de facto population comes from
The 2017 Stale rfHawali DATA BOOK, A Stalislical Absiracl, updated in November 2018. De
facto population is defined as the number of persons physically present in an area, of military
status or usual place of residence. It includes visitor present but excludes residents temporarily
absent, both calculated on an Avenuedaily census. Table 1.04-Revident acrd De Facto
Population, by Residence Slants: 2000 to 2017 [Appendix D-51.
The significant take -away from this data is that in eveq year, the de facto population exceeds the
resident population,
The Waikoloa Plaza developer Meridian Pacifier presents related data in their prospectus
regarding visitors/tourists, as follows:
Mune 18, 2019 Page 4 ol7
1990
2000
2011)
2012-16
Increase
1990-
2016
Change
2010-
2016
Hawaii County
120,317
1 148,677
185,079
193,680
61%
5%
Puna
20,781
31,335
45,326
45,5t7_
119%
0%
South Hilo
44,639
47,386
50,927
52,487
18%
3%
North Hilo
1.541
1,720
2,041
1,676
9%
-18%
Haviakw
5,545
6.108
6,513
7,463
35%
15%
North Kohala
4,291
6.038
6,322
6,441
50%
2%
South Kohala
9,140
13,131
17,627
18,751
105%
6%
North Kona
22,284
28.543
37,875
41,662
87%
10%
South Kona
7,658
8,589
9.997
11,277
47%
13%
Kau
4,438
5,827
8,451
8,406
89%
4%
Source of information in WHITE columns: State Data Book 2018. on Percentage Change o f
1?e-videtn Populations by County,: 2000-2017 (1'7ble 1.12)*Columns in YELLOW were added for
this analysis. fAppendbc D-4]
Between 1990-2016, every Hawaii County District grew, especially Puna and South Kohala;
however, between 2010-2016, some Districts leveled off (i.e, Puna), others Districts declined (N.
Hilo, Kau), and the remaining Districts continued to grow, especially in Kona and Hamakua.
South Kohala also grew by 6% during that period.
"Population" in a locale that is popular world-wide with tourists must include the impact of those
visitors on matters related to infrastructure. Valuable data on de facto population comes from
The 2017 Stale rfHawali DATA BOOK, A Stalislical Absiracl, updated in November 2018. De
facto population is defined as the number of persons physically present in an area, of military
status or usual place of residence. It includes visitor present but excludes residents temporarily
absent, both calculated on an Avenuedaily census. Table 1.04-Revident acrd De Facto
Population, by Residence Slants: 2000 to 2017 [Appendix D-51.
The significant take -away from this data is that in eveq year, the de facto population exceeds the
resident population,
The Waikoloa Plaza developer Meridian Pacifier presents related data in their prospectus
regarding visitors/tourists, as follows:
Mune 18, 2019 Page 4 ol7
I Fryikoloo ,Snhconirninee's Second Accesc Road Rep vt
• There are 1,191,470 tourists that visit the west side of Hawaii (Kohala Coast) each year.
■ Average stay in Kohala/Kona resorts is 7 days.
• By dividing the number of tourists by the Average stay, the outcome should be the
number of static tourists that are in the Kona/Kohala Coast per week on Avenuerage:
22,912 people/week.
■ Number of tourists on an Average/week at 100% occupancy:
o Mauna Lani or North: 7,102
o Waikoloa Village or South: 8,248
Conclusion: Population growth has occurred as predicted and continues in Waikoloa. All
indications are that growth will continue and exceed that of other parts of the State and Hawaii
Island.
Housing growth and developments in Waikoloa
The number of Waikoloa housing units also increased, as did population density per square mile.
Year
Density/Sq. Mile
Density/House
Housing Units
2044
251
107
2057
2010
356
170
3042
Source, U.S. Census
A list of housing developments includes:
June 18, 2019 Page 5 o17
I! 7aikolfm Subcoffui Wee '.s Seco) if1A ccesy Rotid Report
SUBDIVISION NAME
UNITS
Kaiaulu `O Waikoloa (affordable)
63
Kamakoa Nui (HI Co. Workforce Housing }
1,200
Kilohana Kei Phase 1
127
Kilohana Kei Phase lI
50
Pua Malia (affordable, formerly Waikoloa Highlands land)
50
Sunset Ridge (Makai)
120
Sunset Ridge (Makai Vistas)
31
Waikoloa Mauka (Waikoloa Road/Mamalahoa Hwy.)
96
Wehilani (Castle & Cooke)
756
Subtotal of Active Housing Projects
2,503
Aina Lea See notes *A & *B
2,406
Waikoloa Heights See note *A
2,400
Waikoloa Manka (RA -1) See note *A
398
Subtotal of Planned Build -out (from CDP)
TOTAL of Planned Build -out See note *1
5,244
a
7,707
Note*] This correlates with but is LARGER than SK(I)P projections of- � [ 71601
*Note A. These TMK parcels have received the necessary entitlements to develop, but have not
progressed.
*Note B. These TMK parcels are designated by the County LUPAG for Urban Expansion, but have not
progressed.
Commercial developments in Waikoloa
BioEnergy Hawaii LLC, a Kailua-Kona-based developer of waste -treatment and
alternative -energy systems, plans to start construction on its S50 million resource -recovery and
energy -conversion facility on the Big island. BioEnergy Hawaii plans to lease about 15 acres of
land on a portion of the property now known as the Waikoloa West Hawaii Concrete Quarry and
operate an integrated resource -recovery facility to divert municipal solid waste from the West
Hawaii Sanitary Landfill and elsewhere.
June M, 2019 Page 6 ol7
f f'oikoloa S'!lhconrnliuee's Sece�iorl: tccer.. Rr ad Report
It will be processing about 200 tons of incoming municipal solid waste per day, which is
collected by local waste haulers, along with a variety of other waste materials. The facility could
expand to allow for a capacity of 400 tons per day of waste. Of this volume, about 70 percent
would be suitable for energy -conversion operations and the remaining 30 percent would consist
of waste material that would be disposed at West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill, which registers at
more than 500 tons per day. In March, 2017, Hawaii County Planning Department gAvenue its
stamp of approval to the developer.
Conclusion: This project is likely to increase the amount of traffic on Waikoloa Road, and it will
likely decrease the speed of traffic flowing through Waikoloa from the Mamalahoa Highway to
near the Queen Ka'ahumana Highway.
WAIKOLQA PLAZA is being developed by Meridian Pacific, Ltd. in Waikoloa located in
the southwest corner of the main Village intersection. Its promotional materials state that
"Waikoloa Plaza will have a distinctive blend of tenants to provide [residents and] visitors
needed daily services, speciality shopping, entertainment and eateries in the continuously
growing Waikoloa Village community."
Access by motor vehicles to the Plaza will include two major entrances, one on Waikoloa Road
and another on Pua Melia, about 1,000 feet makai of the post office. A thiRoad entrance would
be across from the lower entrance to Waikoloa Highlands Shopping Center on Waikoloa Road.
Ane 18, 2019 Page 7 017
i!'aikoloa ,S'uhcoi?iurittee's ,Second Access Road Report
The 130,000 -square -foot $40 million shopping center will encompass 19 square acres, with 35
retail stores filling spaces ranging from 800 to 35,000 square feet.
Eighty-five percent of Waikoloa Plaza has been leased with tenants including Aloha Petroleum,
Ace Hardware, Foodland, Fitness Forever, Family Health and Wellness, CrossFit AllStar, and
dining outlets such as Ball mo's Pizza, Chef TK, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Strato's New York
Pizzeria, SushHi and Bodhi Tree 7uicery. The developer is also in talks with Nail Salon, Island
Holistic Healing, Verizon, Longs Drugs, Maui Taco's, Dunkin' Donuts, Denny's, The UPS Store
and McDonald's, among others.
The RED circle on the map above is at the intersection of Waikoloa Road and Paniolo
Avenuenue. The VPO (Vehicle Per Day) is 16,600, accoRoading to the Plaza's Prospectus.
A proposed 150 -room hotel is another unique aspect that Meridian Pacific Owner Gary Pinkston
hopes to add to the shopping center. The decision for a hotel was also based on the seat count
into the Big Island being up from 600,000 five years ago to 1.3 million in 2018. At the same
time, the Hilton and others have taken 700 guestrooms out of service for condos.
April 30, 2019, Meridian Pacific broke ground at the site. This site, zoned for commercial
development has been a long-awaited improvement to the area, and is welcomed by most. This
heightens the infrastructure needs in Waikoloa. Community members express concerns that the
shopping center wilt exacerbate traffic issues on the only road and at the major intersection.
June 18, 2019 Page 8 of 7
f i iholoa Suncon mijuee's ,Seconel.-access Road Repor!
"This shopping center is what we were looking for in our county, and with economic
development will come prosperity for the community," District 9 Councilman Tim RichaRoads
said. RichaRoads is working to address the congestion at the intersection with a traffic signal or a
round -about, depending on the findings of experts in the held.
Conclusion: This project will certainly increase the amount of traffic on Waikoloa Road and
congestion at the intersection at Paniolo Drive. It heightens the urgency to address safety issues
at the intersection via a traffic light or a round -about, and provide another access road to the
Village.
State development in Waikoloa: PUBLIC LIBRARY for WAIKOLOA REGION.
The 2018 legislature authorized the purchase of land in Waikoloa to build a public library. On
April 25, 2019 Governor David Ige released S1.9 million in Capital Improvement Project funds
to buy a I.750 -acre parcel for the new Waikoloa Public Library. The library is to be located on
one of the parcels in the future Waikoloa Plaza shopping center, near the intersection of
Waikoloa Road and Pani olo Avenuenue- (See above.) The library site would be just past the
existing Post Office building on Pua Melia Street.
Once the parcel is purchased by the state, the Department of Land and Natural Resources is
required to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the project and the public will have the
opportunity to submit comments. After that, the project will start its design phase during which
the community can provide their advice about what should be included in the facility.
Friends of the Library of Waikoloa Region (1~LWR) has worked diligently for over a decade to
procure a Public Library for the Waikoloa Region residents and visitors. They are hopeful that
the Iibrary will be completed and accessible in 2022.
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Afne 18, 2019 Page 9 ol7
Waikoloa ,S'uhrommitlee's• ,Second Access Rncrd Report
State development in Waikoloa: Waikoloa School (K -S), Building J
Waikoloa Elementary School opened in September of 1994 with 325 students (K-5). The
Elementary school's population grew to @560. In 2007, the BoaRoad of Education authorized
the expansion of the school to incorporate Middle School students. With that, Waikoloa
School's student population has grown to @825 students and @130 staff members. Building J is
a two-story 14 classroom building and is the final phase of the original school plan's build -out. It
is currently under construction in 2419.
4. Emergency Evacuation out of Waikoloa Village
In emergencies prior to 2005, all traffic passed through the Paniolo Avenue-Waikoloa Road
intersection. During the August 2005 wildfire in South Kohala that threatened the eastern and
southern areas of the Village, this intersection was significantly impacted and at times was
completely impassable due to lack of visibility from the stroke. Waikoloa Road was closed and
Waikoloa School was not evacuated; rather, it was designated as the evacuation center for the
community and students. No decision makers were on location in Waikoloa Village.
Communications were poor and it was a frightening experience. The debrief on that fire with the
community and County officials afterwards was contentious with the community demanding
acti on.
The County responded in 2005 by designating an extension of Hulu Street to the Queen
Ka'ahumanu Highway as an emergency evacuation road. This one-way, single -lane emergency
road is for west -bound traffic only by those exiting the Village. It could fulfill its role as an
alternate evacuation route out of the Village, albeit slowly, if the Paniolo Avenue/Waikoloa
Road intersection is closed due to an emergency. (Hawaii County Police estimated evacuation
time: 5 hours.) The distance from Hulu to the Queen Kaahumanu is 2.5 miles. Bumper to
bumper, that distance would accommodate @880 vehicles. In case of fire, that timeframe could
be too long for a safe evacuation, given the speed with which fires spread in the strong winds.
One critical issue about the evacuation of children needs to be addressed: Logistically, how
would we safely evacuate Waikoloa School's 825 students (Pre -School — 8th grade) and 130 staff
members in an emergency? This is a special population and has unique evacuation challenges.
Special consideration should be given to Waikoloa School should afire occur again during the
school day, as it did on August 5, 2005. Evacuation for this largest employer and most dense
population in Mlaikoloa should be carefully planned.
From numbers mentioned earlier, the combined number of students and staff needing to be
evacuated from Waikoloa School is [,7a 955, 85% of those being students from ages 3-14.
Vehicles to transport and personnel to supervise the student population out of the Village are the
major issues. Only one bus (with a capacity of @60) services Waikoloa School on a daily basis
in the morning and afternoon, and it does not park on the campus during the day. That bus drops
students off who do not live in Waikoloa Village (coming from Anaehumaiu Bay to Puako.)
Village students either walk, bike, or are dropped off and picked up by car. Significantly, the
June 18, 2019 Page 10 o17
ll'aikoloo ,Siiheoruiiiiiiee :s ,Sewed: t cces.v Rrmd Report
Emergency Exit Route off Hula cannot accommodate a bus as the road is not wide enough or
suited for bus travel.
While employees usually park their vehicles on campus and theoretically could leave campus
during an evacuation, the 825 students need supervision and assistance. Staff would be relied on
to assure student safety. Also, even if staff's vehicles were used for an evacuation, it would be
insufficient to accommodate the student body. If buses were used to evacuate the school on the
Waikoloa Road, as many as 11-14 buses would be needed to accommodate students alone, and
some would need to be handicapped -accessible.
Parents could help with an evacuation if they can get to the school. Many could not in 2005. The
number of parents available to assist on any given day is an unknown quantity. The school would
need a tracking system to make certain that all students present on the day of the evacuation were
accounted for, much as they do now with a fire drill.
It is not only the emergency exit road that needs consideration. 1n the most recent fire (August,
2018), Waikoloa Road itself was closed at the Queen Kaahumana Highway, and all north bound
traffic continued to the Kawaihae Road and was backed up for miles.
There was another community debrief on this 2018 fire, which revealed that the fire had been
handled much better than in 2045. Reports from all the officials demonstrated improve
com in unicati ons. and implementation of damage control. The major concern raised by villagers
who were not privy to these official, inter -agency communications is that they were confused
and unclear about what they should or shouldn't do. Absent official notice, individuals relied on
social media and the coconut wireless, neither of which is necessarily reliable.
In the past 13 years, the emergency road has never been used for an evacuation, nor has it been
tested during non -emergency times for its viability. The Village's population is estimated to have
increased by 60+% since 2006. The only designated escape route is unproven yet needs to
accommodate a larger population than when it was constructed.
Recommendation: Out of prudence, 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 predictable and orderly
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 coordination with Hawaii County Police,
CERT, and Civil Defense could also be identified and improvements could be made before an
actual emergency.
With this data, the evacuation plans should be published, noting responsible agencies and points
of contact. Communication protocols for getting accurate information and clear directions for
safely evacuating to regular folks are a high priority for Waikoloa villagers.
June 18, 201] Page 11 o17
Maikaloa ,Suhco milree'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 K.a'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 AvenueiWaikoloa 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
ll"ailoIoa Ste hconwmit[ee's ,Second : lccess R(md Rep?rt
6. Second Access Road Route Studies/Options
As mentioned in the introduction, schematic plans have been generated with potential horizontal
and vertical roadway alignments. The county had a study done in 2005 by Sam D. Hirota, Inc.
According to the consultant, the intent was to provide schematic plans of potential horizontal and
vertical roadway alignments with available existing data. The schematic shows four possible
egresses from Waikoloa Village and three possible intersections with the Queen Ka'ahumanu
Highway. The study did not consider approvals from the various landowners. The study did not
consider drainage culvert or bridge crossings. The study does not indicate a preferred route for
the second road. (See Appendix B, map of road options.)
The SKCDP states that the preferred route of Waikoloa residents is from the Paniolo Avenue
extension, through land owned by Waikoloa Heights (TMK 368002016), the Waikoloa Village
Association (TMK 368002015) and Puako 1010 (TMK 368001060) iritersecting the Queen
Ka'ahumanu Highway near the entrance of the Mauna Lani Resort. The preferred route does not
go through any existing residential developments in Waikoloa. (See Appendix CDP -6A, map
indicating location of 2"a access road.)
Conclusion: Regardless of these previous efforts and indications, 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.
Recommendation: 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.
7. Benefits of Second Access Road
Guided by the General Plan's goals and purposes regarding Transportation in Hawaii County, these are
some of the benefits for the people and local commerce of Waikoloa Village specifically and to the South
Kohala District generally.
A Second Road into and out of Waikoloa Village during the regular course of the day, would:
• Augment the current primary artery (Paniol❑ Avenue & Waikoloa Road)
■ Save Time
■ Be Safer
■ Be More Economical
• Be More Efficient
■ Be better for the environment
■ Provide more options for travel to the airport and harbors
• Provide better access to recreational areas and beaches
■ Eliminate overcrowding and access road hazards
■ Provide more options for bicyclists
June 18, 2019 Page 13 017
!d'nikolnrr ,5'inc�onrrier!!ee :s ,S'econd. access Road Report
■ Make for more pleasant travel
■ Make possible future school development, e.g., a S. Kohala area high school
A Second Road into and out of Waikoloa Village during an Emergency Evacuation would:
■ Decrease the amount of time needed to evacuate residents, workers, and visitors
■ Be SIGNIFICANTLY Safer, possibly saving lives
■ Reassure Villagers in times of crisis, avoiding dangerous driving, and chaos
• Give Villagers faith in the County's commitment to their safety and well-being.
■ Give evacuees better access to other possible infrastructure improvement (Kawaihae Bypass,
Lalamilo Connector) and thus more ways to get to safe zones
Conclusion: 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.
S. CDP & General Plan Support for Second Access Road,
Improved Infrastructure in Waikoloa
In the South Kohala Community Development Plan (SKCDP), a Second Access Road for ingress
and egress for Waikoloa was the top priority, even exceeding the desire for a public high school
in the region.
At the early stages of development, the County Research and Development Department assisted
South Kohala volunteers in holding over 60 small & large group meetings in 2046-2007. (See
Appendix (:DP --2A & 2B)
Referenced earlier in this report, the SKCDP documents:
• Growth in population (Appendix CDP -3)
• Housing development projections (Appen(a CDP -3A & 38)
• Waikoloa Zoning Map, indicating much potential for development such as the Waikoloa
Plaza (Appendix CDP -4)
In the specific Waikoloa Policies for the CDP,
• Policy 3 addresses Transportation & Circulation (Appendix CDP -5)
■ Strategy 3.1 recommends planning, funding, and constructing a Second Access Road to
Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway, highlighting the evacuation needs of the Village, most
likely needed in the case of wildfires and documenting the recent history of those. The
area's dry climate, combined with the highly flammable introduced vegetation
consisting primarily of fountain grass and kiawe trees, and the frequency of high winds
make the Waikoloa area especially prone to large-scale wildfires. (Appendix CDP -6)
• Strategy 3.3 recommends an Upgrade of the Emergency Exit Road from Hulu St. to the
Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. that was created after the major wildfire in 2005. (Appendix
CDP -7)
• Strategy 3.5 recommends the Development of a Master Circulation Plan for Waikoloa
Village. (Appendix CDP -8)
June 18, 2019 Page 14 o17
ii aik(tloa SuhrominWee '.v .5ecoini access Road Report
■ Each for the four areas of the SKCDP had an ACTION PROGRAM included.
Waikoloa's first and foremost action recommended was Construction of a Second
Access Road. (Appendix CDP -9)
■ The SKCDP established a Monitoring Plan for the South Kohala Region, a way to track
and assess the progress of policies. (Appendix CDP --10)
■ The specific Monitoring Plan for Waikoloa regarding infrastructure was 9.3.3 "Provide
Transportation and Circulation Improvements in a Timely Manner" by looks at County
and State CIP allocations for infrastructure and the number of public/private
partnerships formed to provide for roadways. (Appendix CDP -II)
• The SKCDP cross referenced other existing County documents. Appendix D came from
the County's GENERAL PLAN (2005) "Courses of Action" for the District of South
Kohala. (Appendxv CDP -12) There were three recommendations for Waikoloa
(Appendix CDP -13):
o Construction of another pAvenued road out of the Ke Kumu Housing are onto
Paniolo Drive.
a Extend Paniolo Drive to the intersect with Kawaihae Road and the proposed
Waimea-Kawaihae Road, and build a road connecting the northern end of Paniolo
Dr. to the Queen Ka'ahumanu Hwy. to provide alternative access to Waikoloa
Village.
o Provide traffic signals at the Waikoloa Road-Paniolo Drive intersection.
Finally, in the SKCDP Appendix E, Referenced County Codes were listed.
o Concurrency Requirements: This section creates standards for road and water
supply in change of zoning actions. Definitions are provided, including:
■ Acceptable levels of service
■ Approved development
■ Critical road area
■ Immediate vicinity of a project
■ Level of Service (LOS)
Local mitigation
Area mitigation
(Appendix CDP -14)
Conclusions:
Community desire for and County's understanding of the need for a Second Access Road
is exceptionally well documented in the South Kohala Community Development Plan ill
Data Tables, the Waikoloa Policies, Strategies, Action Program, and Monitoring Plan.
Documentation of recommendations for infrastructure improvements and specifically a
traffic signal at the intersection were included in the 2405 County General Plan.
The only progress in the past 14 years on the County's GENERAL PLAN (2005)
"Courses of Action" for the District of South Kohala items listed above has been the
extension of Paniolo Avenuenue at the stoplight by the school to provide access to the
Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing subdivision and related recreational park, and thus to
Ke Kumu Housing as well.
June IS, 2019 Page 15017
Waikoloa Suhconunitlee's Second . Access• RoafI Report
9. Cone lusion/Recommend ations
To consolidate the Conclusions & Recommendations made in this report by category:
Overall
• Community desire for and County's understanding of the need for a Second Access Road
is exceptionally well documented in the South Kohala Community Development Plan in
Data Tables, the Waikoloa Policies, Strategies, Action Program, and Monitoring Plan.
Documentation of recommendations for infrastructure improvements and specifically a
traffic signal at the intersection were included in the 2405 County General Plan.
The only progress in the past 14 years on the County's GENERAL PLAN (2005)
"Courses of Action" for the District of South Kohala items listed above has been the
extension of Paniolo Avenuenue at the stoplight by the school to provide access to the
Kamakoa Nui Workforce Housing subdivision and related recreational park, and thus to
Ke Kumu Housing as well.
• In the Subcommittee's view, there is clearly a need for additional road access into all out
of Waikoloa Village, with emergency evacuations being just one of many factors. As
Waikoloa Village grows in population, including affordable housing, traffic will increase
and quality of life will be impacted. Planning for Waikoloa Village's future should
therefore include concrete plans for a second access road within the next 10 years.
Population Growth
Population growth has occurred as predicted and continues in Waikoloa. All indications
are that growth will continue and exceed that of other parts of the State and Hawaii
Island.
Commercial Growth
The BioEnergy project is likely to increase the amount of traffic on Waikoloa Road, and
it will likely decrease the speed of traffic flowing through Waikoloa from the Mamalahoa
Highway to near the Queen Ka' ahumana Highway.
The opening of Waikoloa Plaza will certainly increase the amount of traffic on Waikoloa
Road and congestion at the intersection at Paniolo Drive. It heightens the urgency of
addressing safety issues at the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Drive intersection via a traffic
light or a round -about, and provide another access road to the Village.
June 18, 2019 Page 16 ol7
I f `aikoloa ,Suhcon inWee's .Second Access Roae/ 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 die process
and provide very valuable data on the time it takes to evacuation and die 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 DQE 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
constriction 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 dining 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 17 o1 7