2016-25 Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity 9.14.16 (2)

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MW COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO CONNECTIVITY LOCATION PROPOSALS Critical, viable, level of service oriented input regarding criteria May 2013 to April 2015 #3, #19, #41 Kaleponi to Punahele This essential Connectivity Location has long been an issue between the subdivisions of Eden Roc and Fern Forest. The two subdivisions share a Volunteer Fire Department and fire truck and the only access between the two subdivisions has been blocked by a concrete barrier. Completion of this one small Connectivity Location will create an emergency route that could be of assistance to all residents from Volcano to Eden Roc. Communications between the two subdivisions have been initiated. A site visit has been requested of Public Works. #7 South Lauko Road to Puhala in Fern Acres Fern Acres subdivision has only one access road. This well populated subdivision would not be able to evacuate in the event of an emergency. Creation of this one Connectivity Location will provide a second ingress/egress road for Fern Acres and will also create a safer route to and from Mountain View School. The Fern Acres Community Association has already begun work with their County Representative and the Department of Public Works to complete the surveys and feasibility studies needed to begin construction on this project. #24, #29 Railroad Connection between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Hawaiian Paradise Park, and its alternate, Old Government Beach Road. The Subcommittee received a letter in May 2014 from Gail Armand expressing concern about the consequences to lower Puna should Highway 130 be blocked by a lava flow. She wondered what planning was underway to deal with the potential hazard and proposed several solutions. Members of the Action Committee and community members have investigated the possibility of constructing the Connection Locations of Railroad and Old Government Beach Road. Both present significant obstacles that include community opposition, crossing Hawaiian homelands, construction in the inundation zone (Old Government Beach Zone) to mention a few. These Connectivity Locations must remain as options in the event that Madame Pele makes them necessary. #26 Pulelehua to Pohaku Sherri Carden provided comment on this Connectivity Location stating that the roads are in a flood zone and that they would be subject to serious flooding in heavy rains. Should this CL be constructed, it would require significant infrastructure to deal with the potential for flooding. Ms. Carden expressed support for the Connectivity Location. Is an alternate possible? #46 & #47 Kaohe Homesteads: North Road to Cemetary Road & Alaneo Road to Hwy 130 When the lava flowed over Apa'a Road it left Kaohe Homesteads with only their back way in and out. This route was also circuitous The County has reported that re -opening Apa'a Road is a high priority. Needs monitoring.