2022-09-16 Traffic Emergency Zone Declaration and Waipio Valley Road - Amended Emergency Rule 1 and 2

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Mitchell D. Roth Mayor Lee E. Lord Managing Director Robert H. Command Deputy Managing Director CounkIm of Pafual"i ffil a of f4:vnVor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 AMENDED TRAFFIC EMERGENCY ZONE DECLARATION AND FIRST WAIPI'O VALLEY ROAD DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY WHEREAS, Waipi`o Valley Road is a four wheel drive County road located on the northern Hdmakua Coast of Hawaii Island. The road is narrow and winds down the steep hillside of the south valley wall. WHEREAS, Waipi'o Valley Road is the only vehicular ingress and egress for Waipi`o Valley. WHEREAS, Waipi`o Valley Road is used by residents of Waipi`o Valley, farmers who transport agricultural products grown and harvested in Waipi`o Valley, Hawaii County residents, visitors, and tour operators. WHEREAS, Waipi`o Valley Road presents significant safety risks. For example, it lacks shoulders or adequate troughs to catch falling rocks and debris. The road is slippery, particularly after heavy rains, and adequate stormwater infrastructure is lacking. Some portions of the road are unpassable for two vehicles. Limited sight distance along the road hampers driver ability to safely navigate oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the roadway. WHEREAS, Waipi`o Valley Road descends about 800 feet in elevation over approximately 4100 feet. Rock outcropping and vegetation overhang the road. WHEREAS, Waipi`o Valley Road can experience significant amounts of runoff, particularly after heavy rains. Historically, the County closes the road following periods of heavy rain and to clear rock, soil and vegetation which has fallen on and across the road. WHEREAS, a slope failure occurred in March 2019 following heavy rainfall and high streamflow associated with Hurricane Lane. The primary slide was approximately 500 feet tall and 70 feet wide. Additional upslope landslide events occurred in April 2018 and February 2019. WHEREAS, on or about April 2, 2020, the County hired a consultant, Hart Crowser, to conduct a Preliminary Geotechnical Engineering Evaluation. WHEREAS, the County's receipt of the completed Hart Crowser's Preliminary Geotechnical Report dated January 2022 ("Report") occurred in January 2022. County of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.