2012-10-18 Leeward Exh B - DPW Laaloa

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Personally, I believe it’s wise and very pragmatic for the administration to bid and evaluate the largest component, which will be the most expensive, and evaluate this with respect to the project. However, this SMA requires, I believe, a simple amendment that states that all improvements to makai La‘aloa must be prosecuted concurrently and completed prior to converting La‘aloa from a cul-de-sac into a major collector and opening the extension to through-traffic. This was exactly the same concern that brought the CSS process in the first place, and essentially resulted in the various improvements that had been described but are not yet committed to. Second, under the premise for this project to provide an alternative evacuation route for a tsunami or emergencies on Ali‘i Drive, the CSS process resulted in agreed upon CSS report, included in the appendix of the environmental assessment itself, that clearly stipulated “Street lighting will be provided along the corridor, all other utilities will be constructed underground.” Well, common sense alone would indicate that it’s a logical choice to provide a hardened facility along a disaster evacuation route. This SMA requires a second amendment that states simply it is critical for access to eliminate, there is only six spans left of overhead electric, CATV and phone lines and poles as part of this project. And Exhibit 5 I highlighted the specification where this was presented again as part of the environmental assessment. Other issues related to drainage, traffic calming, and Act 54 of 2009 have not yet been fully resolved, or incorporated into this project. My final point here: Does this proposed corridor provide adequate access for everyone? I will contend that for cars and trucks the answer is in the affirmative. However, simply adding a sidewalk, a sidewalk that exceeds 16 percent gradient, or even the bike lane that at one point that exceeds 21 percent, I suspect that for all but a few of the most fit pedestrians and all but a few elite bicyclists - it does not accommodate all users. Two and a half years ago, the Kona CDP Action Committee revised the Official Transportation Network Map, Figure 4-2b, to include the innovative Switchback Shared-Use Path, or SUP, a maximum five percent within this particular corridor so that the pedestrians of all abilities and bicyclists of all skill levels can actually have mobility and access between Ali‘i Drive and Walua Road, which are the two major pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the area. Therefore, this SMA should have a third amendment: Planning and design of the SUP must be included and construction at least scheduled if access is essential. And Exhibit 6 is the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes for the complete streets, and Exhibit 7 is just a blown-up portion of that revised Official Transportation Network Map for the area. Thank you. GIFFIN: You’re welcome. Commissioners, any questions of the testifier, Mr. Ward? Hearing none, thank you. Sir, your name? SMITH: My name is Bob Smith. I live at 77-262 Malika Street, which -. GIFFIN: Okay. And could you please show us on the map where that is? SMITH: Yes – if I can figure this out. All right. Right there. GIFFIN: Okay. SMITH: So I do support the SMA with the amendments that Mr. Ward has proposed. I think we need the access not only down to Ali‘i but up to Kuakini, and particularly for those of us who live in Ali‘i Heights. As you can see, La‘aloa is the only way in or out. And even when you look at 7 EXHIBIT B