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Concerns <br /> Tsunami Evacuation <br /> The County of HawaiTs Civil Defense tsunami evacuation map publicly lists this <br /> connection between Stardust Lane and Kahakai Access Road as the <br /> neighborhood's tsunami evacuation route; it is the only street leading mauka <br /> away from the ocean. The state of Hawai'i Department of Defense interactive <br /> map also lists this as the official evacuation route. (Please see attached images 1 <br /> and 2). This gate blocks evacuation along the publicly posted route, and <br /> therefore it is illegally endangering the public. <br /> Emergency Access <br /> Residents depend on this being a safe route to drive out of the neighborhood in <br /> case of fires and medical emergencies, as well as fast access to fire trucks, <br /> ambulances, and police personnel. As seen in the catastrophic and tragic fire <br /> in Lahaina on Maui, street blockages can fatally trap residents attempting to flee <br /> via the road. All major maps give directions going through this intersection, <br /> and crucially, this is the route given to any vehicle coming from Kona Community <br /> Hospital. Even civil agencies that know the area, such as USPS delivery <br /> personnel, get stuck on the wrong side of the gate because maps direct them to <br /> drive through it (please see image 3). Lifesaving minutes could be lost as <br /> emergency responders are blocked, and have to reroute and go around via <br /> Ali'i drive. <br /> Ali'i Drive Closures <br /> With access to Kahakai Access Road blocked, the only exit from Stardust Lane is <br /> Ali'i drive, which closes several times a year. At those times, residents will be <br /> trapped with no escape. This is not a question of if, but when- Ali'i closes each <br /> year for the Ironman race, the Jingle Bell Beach Run, and more events. Ali'i has <br /> also closed many times in the past for floods, storms, traffic accidents, utility <br /> work, and road work. Residents must be able to exit the neighborhood when <br /> Ali'i closes, which it will. <br /> Nuisance <br /> Long term closure of this through-way has created a "dead end" that <br /> encourages illegal dumping on Stardust Lane, not to mention parking there for <br /> other unwelcome activities such as smoking (major fire hazard), drinking, and <br /> dumping the trash from these activities. Needles, unsanitary broken furniture, <br /> feces, broken glass, and cigar butts are just some of the concerning items that <br /> have been dumped on the street corner since the closure this year (please see <br /> image 4). <br />