2025-05-23 Draft ArchMonitorPlan

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of HRS Chapter 6E-8 review of the subject project by the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), HDOT has prepared this archaeological monitoring plan in accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) § 13-277 for precautionary and identification purposes. Project Area The approximately 6.6-acre project area for the Kawaihae Road Replacement of Waiaka Bridge and Realignment of Approaches Project is located along Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road in the South Kohala District on the Island of Hawaii (Figures 1,2, and 3). Much of the project area is included in the rights-of-way for the Kawaihae and Kohala Mountain Roads (TMKs: [3] 6- 6-004:999 and 6-6-009:999), which have asphaltic concrete paved road surfaces and unpaved shoulders. Undeveloped portions of two privately-owned parcels located on the north side of Kawaihae Road (TMKs: [3] 6 5 001:015 and 033, belonging to Hawaii Preparatory Academy and the Steven Kittel Trust, respectively) where a temporary bypass bridge and road will be built are also included in the project area. Both parcels currently contain grassy vegetation with a thick stand of Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) growing along their shared boundary. Finally, a portion of a State-owned parcel (TMK: [3] 6-6-001:011) located along the southern edge of Kawaihae Road to the east of where the roadwork will occur may be used as a staging area. This parcel is currently covered with low grassy vegetation. Project Activities The proposed project includes replacing the existing Waiaka Bridge, located at mile marker 58.88 along Kawaihae Road(State Route 19), in accordance with the design guidelines of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, as adopted by the HDOT for highway projects. The purpose of the proposed project is to bring Waiaka Bridge up to current standards for roadway width, load capacity, bridge railings, and bicycle and pedestrian access. It involves replacing the existing Waiaka Bridge, realigning the roadway approaches to create a smooth transition to the replacement bridge and reconfiguring the Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road intersection to a roundabout. The replacement bridge will accommodate two travel lanes, a shoulder/bike lane, and a raised sidewalk. The approaches will be realigned to facilitate a smooth transition to the replacement bridge as well as accommodate a roundabout at the Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road (State Route 250) intersection. The overall project will consist of the following activities: • Bridge Replacement: The existing 38-foot-long by 26-foot-wide with a 3-foot-wide pedestrian walkway bridge will be replaced with an approximately 80-foot-long by 53-foot-wide bridge. The replacement bridge will include two 12-foot-wide travel lanes and a raised concrete shared-use path. • Realignment of Approaches: The realignment of approaches will affect sections of Kawaihae Road and Kohala Mountain Road. The realignment will extend beyond the existing right-of-way and will require land acquisition from adjacent landowners. • Intersection Improvements: The intersection improvements will include a one-lane roundabout. • Temporary Bypass Bridge and Road: A temporary bypass bridge and road will be constructed to ensure continuous vehicular use during construction activities.