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design at the Waikoloa intersection. Chair Smith recalled concerns noted in the Waikoloa <br /> Intersection subcommittee report regarding safety for those with visual impairments. <br /> Committee Member Sanborn emphasized the importance of the increase in pedestrian traffic <br /> across the highway suggesting that centering the discussion around safety may help solve for <br /> the intersection problem. Committee Member McLaughlin stated he had concern about the <br /> intersection's design review and pedestrian evaluation underestimating the amount of <br /> pedestrian traffic that would cross the highway. Chair Smith brought attention to the activity <br /> and development along Waikoloa Road, including the construction of the Waikoloa Plaza, as <br /> well as a renewable energy project on land leased from the Waikoloa Village Association. The <br /> progression of these projects highlights the urgency for improving the Waikoloa Village <br /> intersection. Chair Smith stated that one of the most important aspects of the CDP was to have <br /> concurrent infrastructure and development. <br /> Council Member Richards recalled a listening session a year and a half ago, where the room <br /> was split nearly 50/50 (120-130 people) between installing a roundabout or a traffic light at the <br /> intersection. At that point, Council Member Richards said the decision should be left up to <br /> traffic engineers and those with relevant credentials. Council Member Richards said a <br /> pedestrian overpass is a possibility, but it would cost approximately one million dollars to be <br /> ADA compliant. He advocated for more conversation regarding the intersection decision that <br /> was made (decision was made after this past election, but prior to the current administration <br /> taking office). Council Member Richards concluded by saying funding is there to improve the <br /> intersection, but it is unknown exactly what will occur. <br /> Committee Member McLaughlin shared that his research found some places in the U.S. opting <br /> for traffic lights over roundabouts due to the added cost of pedestrian safety mechanisms for <br /> roundabouts. <br /> g. Other: Committee Member Tristie Licoan stated she is employed by Mauna Kea Beach Hotel <br /> and represents the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU), which oversees issues <br /> on impacts to infrastructure and the community (e.g., traffic in Waimea for workers). Ms. <br /> Licoan shared that approximately two thirds of Kohala's resort workers commute from other <br /> places besides the Kohala coast. She also sits on the Hawai'i Democratic Party and the Waimea <br /> Community Association but has no active projects to report on related to these groups. <br /> Committee Member McLaughlin has continued to work on updating the declaration of <br /> protective covenants for the Waikoloa Village Association. He stated that he has been focused <br /> on finishing this activity and will have more time in the future, in which he would be happy to <br /> apply his time to a CDP implementation project. <br /> To summarize and wrap-up the group activity, Mr. Leasure reflected that AC members have <br /> several activities forming; they also have persisting priorities with no immediate resolution, and <br /> broader intentions in need of more exploration. He urged AC members to consider how they <br /> would like to proceed with this information, such as setting initiatives they may want to <br /> collaborate and/or focus on achieving over the coming year. Chair Smith responded that three <br /> things stand out: the ongoing work on the Waikoloa intersection, the work on trails and access <br /> in Waimea, and the focus on wastewater in Puako. Chair Smith stated they are lacking activity <br /> around the water issue in Kawaihae and may want to think about generating activity there. <br /> www.ylanniUL.hawaiieountugov southkohalanhawaiieounPage 4 <br />