2024-02-27 PL -SMA-2023-000036 Simmy McMichael Opposition Testimony

Home

Kuakini Highway Improvements Project, Phase 2 Draft Environmental Assessment 1 .1 .2 Organization of This Document Chapter 1 discusses the purpose and need for the proposed project. It introduces the alternatives that were considered and the project's anticipated schedule and cost. It also lists permits and approvals that may be required. Chapter 2 describes existing environmental conditions, potential environmental impacts, and the mitigation measures that are proposed to reduce the level of adverse impact. Chapter 3 documents agency and public coordination conducted to date with respect to the project. Chapter 4 provides the Anticipated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) statement, pursuant to HRS Chapter 343. Chapter 5 consists of a list of references used in the preparation of this EA. Appendix A contains records of comments and coordination conducted for the proposed project. Appendix A through Appendix H are various technical reports prepared for this project. 1 .1 .3 Naming Conventions in This Document This document generally uses the directional terms north, south, east, and west. However, the terms "mauka" and "makai" (towards the mountains and towards the ocean, respectively) are also used, especially where these terms may be the most convenient to describe a direction or location. For this project area, mauka generally corresponds to an easterly direction, and makai is a westerly direction. 1.2 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED Based on an analysis of current and proposed conditions, the following project purposes and needs have been established for the proposed project: • Improve Kailua-Kona's roadway network by increasing vehicular roadway capacity; • Improve roadway drainage; • Implement common design standards that were incorporated into Phase 1 of Kuakini Highway widening, such as enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and improvements to the visual character of the corridor; and • Enhance emergency access / evacuation capacity. 1 .2.1 Improve Kailua-Kona's Roadway Network A key purpose of the proposed project is to help relieve existing and forecasted traffic congestion. Growth in Kailua-Kona has generated traffic and the County is proposing improvements to address future transportation constraints proactively. During the traffic study to support this EA (Section 2.3.1), traffic was somewhat constricted during peak times in the morning, noon, and afternoon. Congestion was concentrated at the northern limit of the proposed project; the intersection of Hualalai Road and Kuakini Highway. This intersection was found to be operating at a level-of-service (LOS) of C, which corresponds to "average traffic delays." By 2020, traffic is expected to increase significantly as future development along Kuakini Highway and in the surrounding area occurs. Additional roadway capacity is needed to handle the projected increase in traffic volume that will accompany development. If Kuakini Highway is not improved, by 2020 vehicles at all intersections within the project limits are projected to experience the long delays and severe congestion associated with LOS ratings of D, E and F. March 2013 Page 1-3