HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-25 Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity 9.14.16 (2)Communication 2016-25
Hawaii County Council
T''jA VA 10;
OF'
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee
on Puna Connectivity
2016
INDEX
I. Executive Summary.......................................................................3
II. Background and review of past activities..........................................4
III. Discussion and recommendations...................................................6
o Improve and extend county roads to connect with Highway 11
■ South Lauko Road Extension..........................................7
■ South Oshiro Road Extension.........................................8
o Private road connections
■ CL -1 (Connecting Fern Forest and Eden Roc Estates).............9
■ CL -2 (Connecting Eden Roc with Kopua Farm Lots).............10
■ CL -4 (Connecting Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres)...............11
■ CL -5 (Connecting Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland)..............12
■ Alternates to CL -5 ......................................................1 2
■ CL -14 (Connecting Kopua Farm Lots and Fern Acres ............ 14
■ Alternates to CL -14 ....................................................1 5
IV. Acknowledgments....................................................................16
V. APPENDIX
Criteria for Points of Connectivity..............................................................A
Communication No. 363.1 — CERS Annual Report..........................................B
Communication No. 363 — Requesting formation of an Ad Hoc Committee.............0
Report on the Upper Puna Driving Field Study...............................................D
Funding.............................................................................................E
SouthLauko Road.................................................................................F
Early Consultation Letter from Geometrician Associates ........................F-1
Map of South Lauko Road...........................................................F-2
Statement of Glenn Toyama, in opposition.........................................F-3
Statement of Roddy Nagata, in opposition.........................................F-4
Statements of Anita Owen and John Owen, in support ...........................F-5
Statement of Neena Roumell, in support...........................................F-6
Commentson CL-5................................................................................G
Orchidland Community Association (President Steve Lyon)....................G-1
Orchid Land Community Association (President Barbara Arthurs).............G-2
Letter from Hawaiian Acres Road Corporation................................................H
Letters from Hawaiian Acres Community Association.....................................................I
Letter from Fern Acres Community Association..............................................................J
C
L EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity recommends the creation of an alternate route
connecting the subdivisions from Volcano to Highway 130. This will be accomplished by the
acquisition of land or easements and the construction of connections to improve movement
between subdivisions and will provide alternate routes in the event of a road closure or other
emergency. All connections listed here should be open 24 hours a day and paved. Memoranda of
Understandings will need to be executed between the subdivisions to ensure that these
connections remain open. These routes will only connect the subdivisions through staggered
connectivity locations. This does not propose creating a single public roadway through the
private subdivisions. The Committee also recommends adding two additional connections
between the subdivisions and Highway 11. These additional connections to the highway are on
County roads that will need to be improved.
The Committee last met on July 13, 2016, at which time additional amendments were made and
the members voted 5-0 to approve the draft report as amended. Committee members Patti Pinto,
Marlene Hapai, Danny Paleka, Greggor Ilagan, and Maile David voted in favor of the motion.
Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi was absent.
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j f r Mrr 'F y *:.0'�'HawaiianAcres-
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-CL 44
,Fern Acres -Hawaiian Acres
.CL#3
. Kopua Farm Lots -Fern Acres
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CL#2
* ti Eden Roc-
CL#1 k Kopua Farm Lots C k
Fern Forest -
,Eden Roc
Fig. 1. Overview of connectivity locations. (Note: Acquisition of property for CL
93 has since been determined to be unfeasible; this report considers other
alternatives).
4
II. BACKGROUND AND REVIEW OF PAST ACTIVITIES
The purpose of this committee was established in Chapter 4 of the Puna Community
Development Plan (CDP), which states:
"Most roads in Puna's nonconforming subdivisions are privately owned, often in
poor physical condition and not designed for through traffic. There are many missing
connections between the road networks of adjacent subdivisions. The present circulation
network, combined with the district's sprawl development pattern, results in a number of
problems:
• There is a lack of alternative routes for emergency access, especially when
highways are blocked by a traffic crash or downed utility pole, or when there is an
natural disasters such as a hurricane, tsunami, lava flow or earthquake that
requires evacuation;
• Highways become more congested during peak periods due to the lack of
alternative roadways
• Highway intersections with substandard private streets are dangerous due to
inadequate lighting or intersection controls, combined with high traffic speed
along the highway;
• It is difficult for the County's Mass Transit Agency (MTA) to operate an efficient
Hele-On Bus service that offers a viable travel option for a large number of Puna
residents, especially those in more remote areas;
• There are few facilities for walking or bicycling, even in more built-up areas; and
• It can be threatening to cross Highways 130 and I I on foot. This is particularly
true for youth, the elderly and the disabled.
The Puna Community Development Plan seeks to promote more efficient and
environmentally responsible travel by limiting demand for commuting and other trips,
promoting mass transit and alternative travel modes; and providing alternate routes to
reduce trip lengths and travel time."
The Puna CDP establishes the goal of "adequate emergency and evacuation routes and
connectivity throughout Puna's roadway network (4.3.1.a) and recommends the creation of
"connectivity alignments between the following subdivisions: Hawaiian Acres and Fern Acres,
Fern Acres and Kopua Farm Lots, Eden Roc and Fern Forest, Orchidland and Hawaiian Acres,
Nanawale and Hawaiian Shores, Hawaiian Beaches and HPP, Kea`au Agricultural Lots and a
site adjacent to Kea`au Elementary School, `Ohi`a Estates and Royal Hawaiian Estates. These
inter -subdivision roads should be staggered, low -impact, and multi -modal." (Puna CDP,
4.3.3.a.5). The Puna CDP identified areas where such alignments could be made but did not go
into detail.
The Puna CDP Action Committee was established to carry out the recommendations of the plan;
and the committee further delegated some of its work to the Connectivity and Emergency
Response Subcommittee (CERS). Under the guidance of CERS Chair Marlene Hapai, and in
close cooperation with Hawaii County Civil Defense, the Committee planned and executed the
first Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Fair on August 31, 2013. One of the
purposes of this fair was to solicit input from the community to help identify alternative
connectivity points between subdivisions. More than 1,500 people participated in the event at
Kea`au High School. The diligent work of the Subcommittee at the PREP Fair and at its
meetings since then allowed for the gathering of public input and data to assist in resiliency
efforts for the Puna District. The Subcommittee divided Puna into four broad regions — Volcano,
Puna Uka, Puna Waena, and Puna Kai — and made a total of 48 options for road connectivity.
This report was adopted by the Puna Community Development Plan on May 13, 2014.
The connections, as well as the top three priorities for each region, were revealed to the public at
the second PREP Fair, which was planned for August 30, 2014. The timing of this fair coincided
with a disaster declaration as a result of the impact of Tropical Storm Iselle, and the district was
days away from a second disaster declaration due to the approach of a lava flow from the June
27th outbreak.
As a result, the second PREP Fair was well -attended by the public, and the Subcommittee
received additional input to help it fine-tune suggestions and identify connections that were
unfeasible or unwanted by residents.
The County Council's Committee on Public Works and Parks and Recreation discussed, and
approved on August 18, 2015, a request by Council Member Greggor Ilagan regarding the
creation of the Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity. The members of this committee were
identified as the council members who represented Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6, Puna CDP Action
Committee Chair Patti Pinto, and Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee Chair
Marlene Hapai.
The Ad Hoc Committee met on August 26, 2015, January 27, 2016, May 11, 2016, and July 13,
2016. In addition, the Committee made a field trip to selected sites along the Puna mauka
subdivision corridor on October 30, 2015.
III. DISCUSSION AND RECOMNWNDATIONS
In reviewing the potential options for road connectivity in Puna, the Ad Hoc Committee decided
to focus on connectivity among the subdivisions between Highways 11 and 130. Creation of
these routes would improve circulation, ease burdens on the highway system, and achieve the
goals of the Puna CDP. The Ad Hoc Committee further noted that the lava emergency of 2014-
2015 resulted in the creation of an unpaved emergency access route connecting Nanawale
Estates to Hawaiian Shores, and Hawaiian Beaches to Hawaiian Paradise Park. This achieved the
highest priority of the Puna Kai and Puna Mauka regions, and the access road will be available
for use in future emergency situations.
In order to create connections between the Upper Puna subdivisions, creating an alternate route
from Volcano to Highway 130 that parallels Highway 11, we must acquire lots or easements at
the borders of the subdivisions and/or develop road lots that belong to the subdivisions and
establish Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the appropriate Community
Associations. The MOUS are necessary to ensure that the road connections remain open and
viable, regardless of the potential changing desires of the membership on Community
Association boards.
The recommended connections are listed in no particular order of priority.
• Improve and extend county roads to provide new connections from Highway 11
South Lauko Road extension (Connecting Hi way 11 and Fern Acres)
The Committee recommends a consideration of the improvement of South Lauko Road and
connection to Puhala Street in Fern Acres, in conjunction with other options to improve nearby
roads. Currently, S. Lauko Road branches off from Highway 11 and is a narrow, one -lane road
that is gated and severely eroded where it crosses a stream bed.
The Committee notes the objections raised by several owners of land adjacent to South Lauko
Road, as well as support of other landowners. The written comments provided by those in
support of and in opposition to this connection.
The Committee understands that the Department of Public Works is considering a number of
roads for improvement, including South Lauko Road, South Pszyk Road, and the extension of
Puhala Road to South Kopua Road, and defers to the judgment of Department in this matter.
An environmental assessment for these roads has begun and is expected to conclude by the end
of 2016. The scope of this proposed project is described in the early consultation letter (attached
in Appendix F-1) for the environmental assessment.
Figure 2. Connection between Highway 11 and Fern Acres.
South Oshiro Road Extension (Connecting Highway 11 and Eden Roc Estates)
The Committee recommends the improvement of South Oshiro Road and connection to
Kahikopele Street in Eden Roc Estates. South Oshiro Road exists on a County -owned road
alignment. Kahikopele Street, which connects to South Kopua Road, is the only connection into
and out of Eden Roc. Adding a second connection will allow movement for residents of Kopua
Farm Lots and Eden Roc were that single road to be obstructed.
Figure 3. Connection between Highway 11 and Eden Roc.
• Acquire Property or Easements; Facilitate Memoranda of Understandings between
Community Associations; Improve Existing Road Lots
CL -1 (Connecting Fern Forest and Eden Roc Estates)
This Connectivity Location (CL) will require improvement and maintenance of connections
between Fern Forest and Eden Roc Estates utilizing the existing road lots belonging to their
Community Associations. An MOU would be required between these two Associations as well
as improvements to the road beds.
Figure 4. Connection between Fern Forest and Eden Roc
10
CL -2 Connecting Eden Roc with Kopua Farm Lots)
This CL connects Eden Roc with Kopua Farm Lots by extending Punahele Avenue to Apele
Road. It will require improvement and maintenance of connections between Eden Roc and
Kopua Farm Lots on the road lot belonging to Eden Roc, then connecting to an easement to cross
the Kopua Farm Lot parcel. We would need an MOU to secure an easement between Eden Roc
and Kopua Farm Lots. The cost of the road improvements both in Eden Roc and on the easement
across the 20 acre parcel in Kopua is unknown.
The other option is to purchase the 20 -acre parcel in Kopua, which has an assessed value of
$63,000. Comps in Kopua range from $90,000 to $130,000.
Figure 5. Connection between Eden Roc and Kopua Farm Lots
11
CL -4 (Connecting Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres)
This CL creates a connection between a Fern Acres road lot on Orchid Street and Hawaiian
Acres lot TMK No. 1-6-018:080. The assessed value of this 1.86 -acre parcel is $24,700. Comps
in Hawaiian Acres range from $18,000 to $35,000.
This CL requires the improvement of Fern Acres Road Lot of Orchid Street, cost unknown and
the creation of a road bed over the connecting Hawaiian Acres lot, cost unknown. An MOU
between Fern Acres Community Association and Hawaiian Acres Community and Road
Associations is required.
�<-e�
Figure 6. Connection between Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres
M
12
CL -5 (Connecting Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland)
This CL creates a connection between Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland at Orchidland's Pohaku
Drive. It requires the purchase of Hawaiian Acres lot TMK No. 1-6-058:080, assessed value of
$16,000. Comps on three acre lots in Hawaiian Acres range from $20,000 to $40,000.
The Pohaku Drive road lot would require improvement. The costs of these projects is unknown.
An MOU between Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland Estates would be required.
Figure 7. Connection between Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland
Alternates to CL -5
As CL -5 presents some difficulties due to flooding at one end, and a hazardous intersection at
Pohaku and Highway 130, two alternatives have been proposed:
CL -5 Alternate `Ola`a: The County would improve `Ola`a with re -grading and paving,
Hawaiian Acres improving A Road to I I Road and Orchidland improving Puanani to
40th Avenue. This CL would provide connectivity between Hawaiian Acres and
Orchidland and additionally, access to Highway 11. (A field study is required to
determine the condition of 11 Road and A Road in Hawaiian Acres and Puanani and 40th
Avenue in Orchidland).
CL -5 Alternative Laniuma: This CL requires the acquisition of one Orchidland lot at the
end of Laniuma on 40th Avenue, TMK: 1-6-012:042, a 3 -acre parcel with an assessed
value of $26,000. Additionally the CL requires the acquisition of a connecting Hawaiian
Acres 3 -acre parcel on Pulelehua, TMK 1-6-060:084, with an assessed value of $16,000.
13
• Both of these CLs would require an MOU between the community associations of
Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland Estates. The need for an MOU between Hawaiian
Paradise Park and Orchidland Estates should also be investigated.
It is possible that both of these community -recommended CLs should be implemented as they
address somewhat different community needs.
14
CL -14 (Connectiniz Konua Farm Lots and Fern Acres
This is the preferred alternate to CL -3, which was considered unadvisable due to a refusal from
the Kopua Farm Lot property owner. The advantage to CL -14 is that it is closer to Highway 11,
thus making it easier to access and more importantly, it will create an additional exit route from
Fern Acres.
This CL requires an easement on the property lines of two large parcels. It would connect Kopua
Road, a paved County Road with Puhala in Fern Acres. The cost of this project is unknown.
This CL requires an MOU between the County of Hawaii and Fern Acres to open and improve
the road lot of Puhala so it could connect up with the easement along the property lines of the
two parcels fronting on Kopua Road. The cost of this improvement is unknown.
Figure 8. Connection between Kopua Farm Lots and Fern Acres
15
Alternates to CL -14
This CL should be considered only in the event that CL -14 proves unworkable. It requires the
purchase of Fern Acres lot TMK #1-1-038:066, assessed value of $20,000. Comps for this two
acre lot in the area run $22,000 - $35,000.
It will require an easement on the property lines of the Kopua 20 -acre parcels TMK 9 1-1-
100:044 and TMK 91-1-100:045. The cost of this proposal is unknown.
The cost of creating a road bed along the easement of the two Kopua properties and across the
Fern Acres lot is unknown. This connection to Pikake Street in Fern Acres would require an
MOU between Kopua Farm Lots Community Association and Fern Acres Community
Association. The county will need to negotiate easements.
Figure 9. Connection between Kopua Farm Lots and Fern Acres
16
IV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Patti Pinto, former Chair of the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee (and as
designee of Chair Larry Brown), and members
Marlene Hapai, Chair of the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee, and
members
Council Members Greggor Ilagan, Danny Paleka, Maile David, and Dennis "Fresh" Onishi, and
their respective staff
Warren Lee, Neil Azevedo, Ben Ishii - Hawai`i County Department of Public Works
Hans Santiago - Hawai`i County Planning Department
Bill Hanson - Hawai`i County Civil Defense Agency
Robert Taira - State of Hawaii Department of Transportation
Molly Stebbins, Jennifer Ng, and Ron Kim — Hawai`i County Office of the Corporation Counsel
Deanna Sako, Lisa Miura, Hamana Ventura — Hawai`i County Department of Finance
Members of the various community associations
Figure 10. The Ad Hoc Committee encounters slow-moving traffic on South
Lauko Road.
APPENDIX
A. Criteria for Points of Connectivity
B. Communication No. 363.1 — Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee
Annual Report — June 9, 2015
C. Communication No. 363 — Requesting formation of an ad hoc committee — July 6, 2015
D. Report on the Upper Puna Driving Field Study — October 30, 2015
E. Funding
F. South Lauko Road
1. Early Consultation Letter from Geometrician Associates
2. Map of South Lauko Road
3. Statement of Glenn Toyama, in opposition
4. Statement of Roddy Nagata, in opposition
5. Statements of Anita Owen and John Owen, in support
6. Statement of Neena Roumell, in support
G. Comments on CL -5
1. Letter from Orchidland Community Association (President Steve Lyon)
2. Letter from Orchidland Community Association (President Barbara Arthurs)
H. Letter from Hawaiian Acres Road Corporation
I. Letters from Hawaiian Acres Community Association
J. Letter from Fern Acres Community Association
APPENDIX - A
CRITERIA FOR POINTS OF CONNECTIVITY
County of Hawaii, Ben Ishii
1. Prefer to connect to a County Road at least on one end
2. Prefer that the road be open to traffic 24/7 and not just for emergencies
3. We need to construct a road the meets AASHTO (American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials) guidelines.
4. Prefer to do a project where there is no community opposition
5. Prefer to do a road that will improve traffic circulation
6. Prefer to do a road where there are no major drainage issues
Puna Community Development Plan Connectivity Priorities
1. Health, Safety, and Emergency Issues: Emphasize emergency routes and other issues
related to health and safety, including evacuation for all residents, with appropriate
provisions made for those with disabilities (in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act).
2. Education, Technical, and Social Issues: Emphasize connectivity related to local
educational and applied technological issues, as well as to social interactions that enhance
personal safety, consider the appropriateness of creating linear parks connecting
subdivisions and inter -subdivision gathering places (in accordance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act).
3. Transportation, Non -Vehicular: Consider pedestrian, cycling, equestrian, and other
non -vehicular transport.
4. Transportation, Mass Transit: Address essential mass transit services
5. Land Use, Environment: Protect cultural, natural, and other environmental values,
including preserving open spaces for a variety of purposes indentified in the PCDP.
6. Land Use, Low or No Impact Design: Use no impact or minimum impact design and
construction.
7. Safe Routes to Schools: Include safe routes to schools in all considerations related to
connectivity
8. Community Alliances: Provide examples of how communities (e.g. Volcano) are
creating alliances related to connectivity.
From the office of -
Council Member
District 4 — Puna Makai
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 7, 2015
GREGGOR ILAGAN
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
TO: Dru Kanuha, Chair
and Members of the I-Iawai`1 County Council
FROM: Greggor Ilagan, Council Member
APPENDIX - B
Office: (808) 965-2712
Fax: (808) 965-2707
Email.- gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov
SUBJECT: Re: Communication No. 363; Report and recommendations on roadway
connectivity locations in Puna.
Attached for information and discussion purposes is a reportfrom the Connectivity and
Emergency Response Subcommittee of the Puna Community Development Plan Action
Committee.
Please distribute copies cif this report for the discussion on Communication No. 363 at the Public
Works and Parks and Recreation Committee meeting scheduled for August 18, 2015.
Ups
Att.
Hawaii County Is an Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer
Comm. No. 3 X3.1
Ref. To:3W e& -
Ref. DateAUb 1 0 0
+tV OF M4•Y
William P. Kenoi
Mayor �Vni •.
',rF•Os•MF''M►
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
PUNA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center • 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 • Hilo. Hawaii 96720
Phone (808) 961-8288 . Fax (808) 961-8742
June 9, 2015
Duane Kanuha
Planning Director
Planning Department
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, HI 96720
Duane Kanuha
Director
Bobby Command
Deputy Director
SUBJECT: Report and Recommendations on Roadway Connectivity Locations in Puna
Aloha Director Kanuha,
The Action Committee of the Puna Community Development Plan, respectfully requests that the
enclosed report from the Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee (CERS) of the Puna
CDP Action Committee be forwarded to the Department of Public Works Director, Warren Lee for
consideration and appropriate follow-up. We further request that this report be copied to the
appropriate members of the Hawaii County Council for their information.
Mahalo for your time, understanding and support of the Puna community.
Respectfully,
t
Patti Pinto, Chair
Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee
Encl: CERS Annual Report
Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
LM
Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee
A subcommittee of the Puna Community Development Plan
ANNUAL REPORT — MAY 2015
The Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee began working in January of 2013 to
gather data on possible road connectivity locations that would improve public safety, allow for
emergency access and increase community connections throughout the Puna Districts. We
worked over the next two years to collect community input. To this end, working with the
Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency we created the first and second Puna Regional Emergency
Preparedness Fairs (PREP Fairs). At these Fairs we gathered community input from thousands
of Puna Residents establishing where connectivity points were needed, viability, community
support/opposition, alternatives, etc. This data was assembled into a report that was submitted to
the PCDP and adopted on May 13, 2014. Since this report, Tropical Storm Iselle and the June 27,
2014 lava flow have also created multiple emergency response and evacuation, as well as
everyday challenges to movement throughout the Puna District.
Considering input since the last report and acts of nature, our number one priority for
implementation is to create an alternate route in Upper Puna from Volcano to Highway 130.
With population increasing at the highest rates in the State along the Upper Puna Highway 1 l
corridor, we see it as crucial that we address the reality that there is no way to travel parallel to
Highway 11 without running into existing obstructions in that there are no connections between
the subdivisions. The decision to connect these subdivisions is documented in the Puna
Community. Development Plan, 2008, with the intention of the County of Hawaii receiving
community input to determine specifically where and how to connect them. With the Volcanoes
National Park being the second most visited site in the State with approximately 3.4 million
visitors last year, this additional traffic load challenges both residents and visitors that need to
use Highway 11. An alternate, parallel, inter -subdivision corridor will relieve the daily use of
this 2 -lane highway that services so many.
The Upper Puna connectivity priorities are grouped as one as we see it as essential that an entire
through route be completed as well as two additional roads to connect our parallel route with
Highway 11.
Puna Uka Priorities
• Kaleponi to Punahele (Fern Forest — Eden Roc)
• Punahele to Apele (Eden Roc — Kopua Farm Lots)
• Waimako O Pele to Orchid (Kopua Farm Lots — Fem-Acres)
• Orchid to Uhiniana (Fern Acres — Hawaiian Acres)
• Pulelehua to Pohaku (Hawaiian Acres — Orchidland)
• Alula to 40"' (Hawaiian Acres — Orchidland)
• Complete South Lauko Road into Fern Acres
• Complete South Oshiro Road into Eden Roc Estates
• (Recommendation County improve intersection of 40`h and Orchidland)
MW
These Connectivity Locations are recommendations. If one is found not to be viable, another alternative
connection will be suggested.
Puna Waena Priorities
The lava activity has provided the impetus for the State and County to open connecting roads
between Nanawale, Hawaiian Beaches and Shores and Hawaiian Paradise Park. Additionally,
the Chain of Craters road has been readied for emergency use. The Subcommittee recommends
that the Railroad emergency road be open on a 24/7 basis. We recognize that this puts a strain on
the Hawaiian Paradise Park roadways and recommend that the County negotiate with HPPOA to
come to an agreement on financial assistance for road maintenance or to assume ownership of a
roadway that is used by the general public as an alternate to Highway 130. We also recommend
that a study be initiated to open a connection between Hawaiian Paradise Park and the Kea'au
Bypass junction area.
• Permanently open Railroad between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Hawaiian Paradise
Park
• Initiate a viability study to create a road between HPP (Railroad) and Milo Road
Puna Kai Priorities
In tandem with our recommendation that Railroad between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Hawaiian
Paradise Park we recommend that the new emergency access route connecting Nanawale Estates to
Hawaiian Beaches/Shores be open on a 24/7 basis. We recognize that few people who are not residents
of these subdivisions will choose to use this route as an alternate for Highway 130, that it would be used
primarily by local residents to travel between the subdivisions and also to provide emergency
ingress/egress.
We also recommend that an alternate route into and out of Nanawale Estates be created to Highway 130
on the Forest Road right of way.
When the lava covered Apa'a Road at the Cemetery in Pahoa.it blocked the main access for residents of
Kaohe Homesteads. We understand that the County intends to re -open this road and recommend that this
project be implemented as soon as possible as the Kaohe residents are left with only one ingress/egress
route and that one is circuitous.
Permanently open Railroad between Hawaiian Beaches/Shores and Nanawale Estates
Connect Nanawale Estates to Highway 130 on Forest Road
Re -open Apa'a Road where it is covered with lava
Summary
The Puna Community Development Plan Subcommittee on Connectivity and Emergency
Response (CERS) remains dedicated to continuing our work to implement these points of
connectivity that are so urgently needed in Puna. Both the public and emergency service
providers need to have better access, safer routes to schools, social and community connectivity
and alternate routes in and out of subdivisions. These projects must not be deferred. We need to
create partnerships with the County and the Puna communities to bring these connections into
reality.
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.
I Doi I U11
#28 Orchidland Blvd. to Koloa Maoli (9 Road)
It has been reported that the lot required to make this Connectivity Location possible has a
house on it and therefore it is not a viable Connectivity Location. Is there an alternative
Connectivity Location.
#31 Kamoamoa to One Ele
A petition has been received from residents in Sea View Estates stating that this Connectivity
Location would not be welcomed by Sea View Estates Residents as it would bring much
unwanted traffic into their subdivision. Considering the community opposition to this
Connectivity Location, its status will likely be downgraded and removed from current
consideration.
#36 Wright Road to Stainback.
The Subcommittee on Connectivity and Emergency Response received a letter (dated May 22,
2014) from William Aila of DLNR to the PCDP outlining the undesirable impacts on forest
preserves should a road be constructed. A response letter was sent out in June acknowledging
the expressed concerns and stating that the subcommittee agrees that this proposed
connection presents many environmental concerns. It was explained that the Subcommittee's
mandate is to present ALL suggested connections and to investigate and respond to comments
from the community.
..........
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Greggor Ilagan
Council Member
District 4 — Puna Makai
APPENDIX - C
Office: (808) 965-2712
Fax: (808) 965-2707
Email: gilagan@hawaiicounty.gov
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
o c-1
in � C7
MEMORANDUM `.= CD
DATE: July 6, 2015 -4
TO: Dru Mamo Kanuha, Council Chair i71
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
w
FROM: O� Greggor Ilagan, Council Member y
SUBJECT: Discussion regarding the creation of an ad hoc committee relating to road
connectivity in Puna.
I am requesting at least 30 minutes for a discussion regarding the creation of an ad hoc
committee to discuss road connectivity in Puna.
This committee will discuss data collected from the Connectivity and Emergency Response
(CER) Subcommittee from the Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness Fairs, and also data
collected from meetings with Puna community groups. The ad hoc committee on Puna
connectivity will study the prioritized connectivity locations for viability and work to implement
the connections.
This committee should consist of the Council Members from Districts 3, 4, 5, and 6, plus the
chair of the Puna Community Development Plan (CDP) Action Committee and the chair of the
CER Subcommittee.
The committee is anticipated to meet regularly with stakeholders, including but not limited to the
Department of Public Works, the Department of Finance, the various subdivision associations,
and members of the public.
Please refer this item to the appropriate Committee agenda on August 18, 2015.
GI:ps
Comm. No. (p
Ref. To: r-4-,
Hawaii County Is an Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer Ref. Dpte JUL 0 7 2015
APPENDIX - D
Report on the Upper Puna Connectivity Driving Field Study
October 30, 2015
8:00 — 10:40 am
Present:
Ad-hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity Members present: Greggor Ilagan, Danny Paleka, Marlene
Hapai, Patti Pinto
Warren Lee, Department of Public Works; Ben Ishii, Department of Public Works; Hans Santiago,
Planning Department; Robert Taira, State Department of Transportation; Peter Sur, County District 4
staff, Nadia Malloe, County District 5 staff.
The purpose of the driving tour was to familiarize Ad-hoc Committee members and County personnel
with the real terrain involved in the proposed prioritized Upper Puna connectivity locations (CLs). Two
exploratory field trips were done before today's drive and it was determined that to visit all of the
proposed CLs would be too time consuming, some of the roads are not in good condition, and some of the
CLs are difficult to see from the ground. An abbreviated tour was designed so that we could get a grasp
of the distances and conditions involved.
Using two County Vans, we traveled up Highway 11 to South Kopua Road where we drove down to
Kahikopele, turned right and drove along the top of Kopua Farmlots and Eden Roc Estates and turned left
and proceeded down Ohia Avenue to Punahele. From this intersection we could see the Eden Roc side of
CL that would connect Kaleponi Drive in Fern Forest to Punahele in Eden Roc. We could see that the
section had been cleared at one time, but was returning to forest. We left Eden Roc, passing on our way
the second CL that would create a connection between Eden Roc and Kopua Farmlots between Punahele
and Apele. We paused briefly at the intersection of Kahikopele and Kopua Road to point out the possible
CL between Kahikopele and Puhala in Fern Acres.
Our second "loop" was a trip down South Lauko Road as far as it was possible to drive towards Fern
Acres. We stopped the vans at the point where the road crosses the first stream bed. We observed a great
deal of erosion damage to the road bed and discussed possible solutions to the stream crossing.
Our third and final "loop" for this trip was to travel down South Kulani to Puhala in Fern Acres. We
paused on Puhala to look across the survey clearing towards South Lauko Road. We took a brief pause at
the corner of Puhala and Pikake to point out the possible CL that would connect Fern Acres and Kopua
Road, then proceeded down Pikake to the intersection with Orchid. Fern Acres Community Association
has ownership of the road lots at the end of Orchid, the CL would then require a right of way across
private property in Kopua Farmlots of about 1000 feet. We spoke with Robert, a Fern Acres resident at
the corner of Orchid and Pikake. He said he would favor greater connectivity between Fern Acres and the
neighboring subdivisions because it would provide more options in the event of an emergency. Traveling
down the length of Orchid brought us to our final CL of today, the intersection of Orchid and Plumeria in
Fern Acres. Again, Fern Acres Community Association owns the road lot, the purchase of a privately
owned lot in Hawaiian Acres would be necessary to complete the CL which would connect with 1 Road
in Hawaiian Acres.
The CLs between Hawaiian Acres and its neighbors on both sides were not visited today due to difficult
road conditions and time constraints, but they will be included in our ongoing work towards greater
D-2
connectivity in Puna. There are photos of the CLs and satellite map images that will be included in our
summary report on Upper Puna Connectivity.
CONNECTIVITY MAP 10-30-15
(Connectivity Locations under consideration circled)
APPENDIX - E
Funding
Funding for these road projects can come from a number of sources, including state grants, fair share
contributions, and general obligation bonds. The Council approved an amendment to the 2016-2017 Capital
Improvement Budget, as shown in the following two pages, for $11 million. Of that amount, $5.5 million is
for construction and $5.5 million is for planning, design, and land acquisition.
The County Council approved this proposed amendment to the CIP budget at its special meeting on May 18,
2016, and it will be effective as an ordinance on July 1, 2016.
However, this CIP amendment is being approved without funding; if general obligation bonds are to be used
to pay for this, the County will need to enact an ordinance to authorize the issuance of such bonds. This
appropriation will lapse in two years, meaning that the Council will continually need to reaproppriate the
funds for this project to remain in the CIP budget.
DANIEL K PALEKA' JR.
Council Member
District 5 — Puna Mauka
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
HAWAVI COUNTY COUNCIL
Public Safety & Mass Transit
Committee Chair
Phone: (808) 961-8263
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Email: dpalekaghawaiicounty.gov
E-2
rJ i J
Cry 'D
Memorandum No. 08
c�
TO: Dru Mamo Kanuha, Council Chair
and Members of the Hawaii County Council W -
v�
FROM: 4J Daniel K. Paleka, Jr., Council Member
DATE: May 10, 2016
SUBJECT: Proposed Amendment to Bill No. 156, Draft 2; Proposed Capital Budget for
Fiscal Year 2016-2017
Attached for your consideration is a proposed amendment to Bill No. 156, Draft 2, relating to the
Capital Budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 by adding the following project and appropriation;
FY No.
if on CIP
PROJECT
APPROPRIATION
in $000
Department of Public Works
Puna Connectivity Emergency Access Routes
$11,000
DP/nm
Att.
Serving= the Interests of the People of f Dur Island —70 -7
Hawaii County' Is an Equal Opportunity Provider And Employer Comm. No, +
Ref. To: C'fy _
Ref. L)a is --MAY 1 0 21710+
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APPENDIX F - 1
geometrician
ASSOC I A T E S, LLC
integrating geographic science and planning
phone: (808) 969-7090 fax: (866) 316-6988 PO Box 396 Hilo Hawaii 96721
rterry@hawaii.rr.com
June 30, 2016
Dear Neighbor or Agency/Organization Official:
Subject: Early Consultation for Environmental Assessment for Puna Subdivision
Connector Roads to Volcano Highway in Vicinity of Mountain View, County Job No. E-
4377, Puna District, Island of Hawai i
Our firm is in the process of preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed County of
Hawaii activity, in compliance with Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statues (HAR), and Title 11,
Chapter 200, Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR).
The County of Hawaii, Department of Public Works (DPW) is proposing a project to improve the
connectivity of Puna subdivisions with Volcano Highway (State Highway 11), particularly in the area
centered on Fern Acres. The purpose is to improve road accessibility during events such as floods,
fires, automobile accidents, or other emergencies that block subdivision roads, connector roads, or
Volcano Highway. The project addresses certain needs identified by the Connectivity and Emergency
Response Subcommittee of the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee. The three
component sub -projects under study include 1) the improvement and extension from Volcano Highway
to Puhala Road of South Lauko Road; 2), the improvement and extension from Volcano Highway to
Puhala Road of South Psyzk Road; and 3) the extension of Puhala Road south to South Kopua Road
(see map attached at end of letter). Depending on the outcome of the EA, funding availability, and
other factors, the County may choose to construct one, two, all three, or none of the component
projects under study.
Because County funds and lands are involved, the EA will be required to comply with Chapter 343,
HRS and Title 11, Chapter 200, HAR. The Hawaii County DPW is acting as the proposing/approving
agency for the EA. The areas of investigation in the Environmental Assessment will include but not be
limited to the following: drainage, flooding and water quality assurance; flora, fauna, and ecosystems;
traffic impacts; geology, soils, and hazards; social and community impacts; cultural practices and
historic properties; and economic conditions. Please note that surveyors, biologists, and
hydrologists will be conducting field studies on the above-named routes over the next several
months.
I would appreciate your comments on any special environmental conditions or impacts related to the
development. Please contact me at 969-7090 if you have any questions or require clarification. Kindly
indicate whether you wish to receive a copy of the EA or notice of EA availability when it has been
completed.
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F-3
TO: GREGGOR ILAGAN
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Bate: July 18, 2016
1 got permission from the following land owners to use their names for:
We oppose the road improvement from South Lauko Road to Fern Acres.
For me, there is couple places that the water is over flowing during raining times. Need bridges beyond
river.
Traffcc: at both: South & North l auko Load to get out, Got the Mtn View village.
The post office is a problem with traff e. It be worse,
These are the names that oppose:
Glenn Toyama, Cell 4NWHave two lots: TMK I-S-ool-043 & TMIE 1-8-004-098
Stanley Lai, Cell TMK1-8-085-005
Roddy.nagata phor�
Sharon Ann Freitas in Maui phone
Stanley Sato in LA,CA phon
Sincerely,
Glenn Tvyama�
F-4
August 2, 2018
To: Ron Terry
Peter Sur ✓
From: Roddy Nagatakj�e7, "t
Re: Connectivity Road
I own property on South Lauko Road and raise cattle on the land. This road makes a jog into my property where the drainage crosses the
road. During periods of more than three inches rainfall this dainage becomes impassable to vehicular traffic. During September year 2000,
1 witness this drainage overflowing its banks and floodwaters extending back to fine Owen's property. Over 2,000 feet of my fencing was
destroyed, but luckily, I suffered no cattle losses. I am against having the S. Lauko connectivity road built because of the flooding issues
and the cost of having a road built out to Highway 11 info Mountain View. A bridge would have to be built, culverts put in and the roadway
elevated to make the roadway passable during high rainfall. With an elevated roadway, this would create a damming affect chat would flood
my pastures. If the culverts are not periodically cleared of debris, the flooding of my pasture becomes more severe and the loss of grazing
land affects me financially. I also lease the Stan Sato property that borders Puhala street in Fern Acres and also use it for ranching. There
is another drainage that flows across S Lauko Road_ Again, during periods of high rainfall, this portion of the road floods. Culverts may
work In this area, but must be maintained to prevent flooding. However, this increases the cost of S. Lauko connectivity. The fill for
roadway would have to be trucked in, as much of S.Lauko Rd. is low roadway elevation. This increases the cost,
Dated September 1, 2015, the Department of Public works issued a letter to me stating the S. Lauko Road drainage as a floodplain area.
Why would they even consider the S. Lauko connectivity in a designated flood zone? Cattle ranching is the best land use for this area.
The issue that all those in attendance at the connectivity hearings is that of having emergency access out of the back subdivision,
Personal emergencies require quick responses out of the subdivisions to Highway 11. Connectivity roads may get you out to Highway 11
quicker, but the real gridlock is the traffic on Hwy. 11, Panaewa, up Kawa!lani to Komohana, then to Waianuenue to get to Hilo Medical
Center. The near future will increase traffic congestion and response Sime. Connectivity roads to Hwy 11 is only a bandaid solution at best.
My proposal is to bring a full trauma facility to the Keaau arealMountain View Area. Puna is growing and will be generating the most tax
revenue and the people of Puna deserve such a facility. Puna is the only County that has no regional hospital with full trauma capabilities
on Hawaii Island. Hilo Medical Center cannot expand anymore because Wailuku River is to the north. Keaau is the hub of Puna and land
to develope a regional hospital is availablelaffordable. It will create new jobs for residence and the "rest" would follow.
Our elected officials should be seeking legislation support to fund a facility.
At the public Works meeting dated, July 25, 2016, a planner stated that the meeting was not of facilities, but of the connectivity issues. I
disagree because if we plan for a facility to be built in the Keaau area, the connectivity roads should be bulk to this facility. No use
spending a lot of money on S. Lauko when in the future, it may not be needed_ I favor the extension of Puhala Street to South Kopua Road
as this would be the cheapest of the three connectivity roads to Hwy. 11 in Mountain View. The S. Lauko Road would be the most
expensive due to road construction costs, property, owners buyout and infrastructures expenses such as streetlights, signal lights, road
stripping, etc.
At present, the access into and out Fern Acres Subdivision is South Kulani Road. To have S. Lauko as another access route only 112 mile
away does not make much sense as both roads crosses the same drainage system. The Puhala Street Extension would serve the greater
Fern Acre Subdivision as an emergency access. No sense we spend 2 million or more for S. Lauko Road connectivity. We should use this
expense of tax payers money for "start up' costs for a Puna Regional Hospital. All the people of Puna will benefit, and not individual
benefits I am hearing. This would be a win-win solution for all!
We need to plan now and I hope I have planted some seeds for thought. Support Ag!
F-5
From: anita owen <email redacted>
Date: Wed, Jul 27, 2016 at 10:03 AM
Subject: South Lauko Road
To: Patti Pinto <email redacted>
Aloha County Council,
I am definitely in favor of opening South Lauko Road with a 2 -lane paved road with possible
path.
This road can safely accommodate school buses, The Hele-On Buses and emergency vehicles to
the Fern Acres/Hawaiian Acres subdivisions to and from Highway 911.
Also, in our deed we have a 20ft setback just for road widening easements. We are the south side
of Lauko Road.
Mahalo
Anita Owen
TMK:3 18 004 101
From: john owen <email redacted>
Date: Tue, Jul 26, 2016 at 4:35 PM
Subject: S.lauko
To: Patti Pinto <email redacted>
Aloha Patti, this letter is to whomever it concerns. We are in support of opening up S.
Lauko to Puhala. This will greatly help the community with connectivity, along with the
Mountain View school. And emergency response vehicles, such as police, fire, and
rescue.
Aloha, John Owen
Tmk 3 1 8 004 101
F-6
From: neena roumell <email redacted>
Date: Thu, Jul 28, 2016 at 8:27 AM
Subj ect:
To: Patti Pinto <email redacted>
Hi Patti,
I strongly favor the construction/revision of S. Lauko road, paved to Puhala Rd with safe
waterways at the low end and at the Puhala end.
S. Lauko Rd is crucially needed as an access road for the health and safety of the Fern Acres
families. S. Lauko Rd will reduce the risk factors associated with the present traffic at Mountain
View school.
I support a paved two-lane highway with a bicycle path. The Fern Acres community is the fastest
growing population in the entire State of Hawaii. S. Lauko Rd. is needed for these families.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. I look forward to the opening of S. Lauko Rd, a
crucial access road.
Neena Roumell
TMK 3 1 8 086 004
18 3840 S. Lauko Rd..
APPENDIX G - I
To: The Members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity
From: The Orchidland Community Association, Inc. Secretary Frederic Wirick
On behalf of the current 2016-17 OLCA Board of Directors: President Steve Lyon, Vice President Donald
Stoner, Treasurer Tegen Greene, Secretary Frederic (Ric) Wirick and Directors, Gerald Akana and Sky
Platt. We appreciate the acknowledgement that OLCA is the only Association in the upper Puna District
that has moved forward with "connectivity" to both Hawaiian Acres and Hawaiian Paradise Park.
In addition to serving residents of Orchidland Estates, this emergency by-pass route has been utilized by
the County. The "connectivity route" runs from Hwy 130 up Pohaku Drive to the intersection with 40th
Ave and out to County access road Ola'a to Hwy 11. OLCA only has 650' on Pohaku Drive to asphalt pave
before this entire section is within Orchidland Estates is completed.
Recent improvements on these roadways include chip seal re -coating, engineer approved build-up and
asphalt paving and extensive signage to slow the traffic flow. OLCA has spent over three -hundred
thousand dollars in private funding to improve these roadways -- once again, for the residents of
Orchidland Estates, and also to serve the greater Puna community in times of an emergency.
OLCA and Hawaiian Acres have formally asked the County to step up and improve County access road
Ola'a that connects with Hwy 11. Ola'a remains the most dangerous section of this "connectivity" and
emergency by- pass route. And Ola'a also serves both OLCA and Hawaiian Acres as their primary
"connectivity" roadway.
The OLCA Board of Directors have determined upon further review that County access roadway Ola'a
serves as the primary "connectivity route" for Orchidland Estates and Hawaiian Acres along the Hwy 11
corridor. And that neither CL -5 on Pohaku Drive, or Alternates to CL -5 on Laniuma, Orchidland or Aulii
Drives are needed for "connectivity" in respect to the Hwy 11 corridor.
Pohaku Drive and 40th Ave. already provides the County and the adjoining community associations of
Hawaiian Acres and Hawaiian Paradise Park with "connectivity" through Orchidland Estates. Plus once
again, we have already spent over three hundred thousand dollars of our private funding to improve this
County utilized emergency by-pass route and "connectivity route". We strongly suggest that the County
move immediately forward with substantial improvements on Ola'a before another serious accident
occurs and an emergency by-pass is required. And please strongly suggest on our behalf that these two
critical OLCA "connectivity" roadways, 40th Ave and Pohaku Drive, be "dedicated" to the County for
future and ongoing improvements and maintenance.
Mahalo nui loa,
OLCA Board of Directors
* This letter was approved by unanimous vote, 6 in favor, at the Orchidland Community Association,
Board of Directors meeting on July 19, 2016.
July 29, 2016
G-2
To: Hawaii County Council Puna Connectivity Committee:
"reggor Ilagan
Daniel Paleka
Marlene Hapai
Patti Pinto
Fr: Orchidland Community Association, Inc
Barbara Arthurs, President
Ariel Murphy, Vice President
Sally Waitt, Secretary
Sharon Landry, Treasurer
Sherri Carden, standing in for Mark Willman (on duty astronomer on Mauna
Kea)
Re: Connectivity through Orchidland Estates
On July 29, 2016 in response to the Puna Connectivity Committee, the newly elected
Orchidland Community Association (OLCA) Board of Directors (BOD) held a special
meeting to discuss the three options for connectivity proposed by the Connectivity
Committee. This BOD meeting was open and attended by general members of our
community as required by our OLCA Bylaws. There was no proxy voting.
Results of Voting:
A. All BOD and general members unanimously voted in favor of connectivity between
Orchidland Estates and Hawaiian Acres.
B. Of the general members in attendance, the votes were as follows:
Option 1: Plan No, CL -5 Pohaku Dr. option 0
Option 2: Plan No. CL -5 Laniuma Option 7
Option 3: Plan No. CL -5 Orchidland Dr. Option 4
C. Of the OLCA BOD quorum in attendance, the votes were as follows:
Option 1: Plan No, CL -5 Pohaku Dr. Option 0
Option 2: Plan No. CL -5 Laniuma Option 5 for,1 abstain
Option 3: Plan No. CL -5 Orchidland Dr. Option 0
Summary of Voters' Rationale for Each Option:
A. Option 1: Plan No. CL -5 Pohaku Dr. Option
This option was not seen as a viable option for the following reasons.
1
G-3
I. Exiting Pohaku Dr. where it intersects Hwy. 130 is dangerous, because of
a blind spot due to the curvature of Hwy. 130 and the frequent high rate
of traffic flow in that area. Several accidents have occurred here. We
believe a traffic light would be necessary for Pohaku Dr. to be a more
viable connectivity option.
2. The high volume and velocity of the water, which flows through the
waterway that crosses Pohaku Dr. and 39th during heavy rains, are life
threatening, making this section of Pohaku Dr. impassable.
3. The recent paving on the slope of Pohaku Dr. approaching 40t" Ave. as
orchestrated by Mr. Wirick is already rippling and cracking due to the
incorrect laying of asphalt on this slope.
B. Option 2: Plan No. CL -5 Laniuma Option
This option was selected as the first choice option for the following reasons:
1. Lots at the top of Laniuma, which would need to be acquired by the
County do not have existing structures.
2. A few years ago concrete was laid by OLCA on the 35th Ave. connection
between Pohaku Circle and Laniuma where it ponds during rains, making
this section passable.
C. Option 3: Plan No. CL -5 Orchidland Dr. Option
This option was not a first choice option, because structures already exist on the lots,
where connectivity between Orchidland Estates and Hawaiian Acres would be.
Other Considerations:
Although not one of the three options currently proposed by the Connectivity
Committee, those in attendance at this meeting on July 29 also considered the connectivity
between Hwy. 11 and Hwy. 130, which would include Ola'a Rd. (a County road), Puanani,
40th Ave,, and Pohaku Dr. Here are pertinent facts regarding this emergency route:
1. Ola'a is a County of Hawaii road in need of straightening, widening,
grading, some leveling, and paving. In its current condition, this one -lane
road, which leads into Orchidland Estates and Hawaiian Acres is
hazardous. Cars and trucks have fallen of the edges. This road is
dangerous for drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians who all share
this narrow, sinuous, undulating, single -lane road. It is a liability issue for
the County. On behalf of those from Orchidland Estates and Hawaiian
Acres who use this as a main access road to get to and from their
subdivision and on behalf of others who use this road as a detour during
emergencies, we humbly request the County address this issue soon.
2
G-4
2. The recent chip seal resurfacing from Puanani to 40th Ave. up to Oliana,
coordinated by Mr. Wirick and done by an unlicensed contractor, is
substandard.
3. The recent attempt to mitigate the flood area on 40th Ave. as it
approaches Pohaku Dr., which was coordinated by Mr. Wirick, did not
follow the engineer's plan. Among other things, instead of six inches of
concrete, asphalt was laid. The engineer would not indicate concrete if
asphalt was adequate. Further more, the engineer noted that the plan be
supported by the appropriate permits for paving over a USGS
documented streambed. There is no indication that these permits were
obtained.
In Closing:
The recently elected Orchidland Community Association Board thanks the County
Connectivity Committee for its efforts and for allowing Orchidlanders to have input on the
connectivity being proposed between Orchidland Estates and Hawaiian Acres.
3
APPENDIX - H
From: Linnette Sawyer [<redacted>]
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 10:44 PM
To: Sur, Peter; Malloe, Nadia
Cc: Gary Cruden; Darrin Mcdonald; tim beaver
Subject: road connectivity
The Hawaiian Acres Road Corporation would like to add its support to The Report of the Ad
Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity.
Specifically, we support:
1. The South Lauko Road Extension (Highway 11 to Fern Acres). This would provide
another route for the south end of Hawaiian Acres should South Kulani Road flood again.
2. CL -4 Connecting Fern Acres and Hawaiian Acres, via the purchase of a lot on Uhini Ana
Road.
3. CL -5 Connecting Hawaiian Acres and Orchidland via Pohaku Drive which is also the
option supported by Orchidland.
Thank you for the work of the Committee and the help to Hawaiian Acres
Linnette (Lucy) Sawyer
Secretary of Hawaiian Acres Road Corporation
cc: Gary Cruden President HARC
Darrin MacDonald Vice President HARC
Tim Beaver Treasurer HARC
APPENDIX - I
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APPENDIX - J
Fem Acres Community Association
P.O. Box 582
Kurtistown, HI 96760
Phone: 808-968-6006
EmaiHernacres @yahoo.com
August 25, 2016
To: Ad Hoc Committee on Puna Connectivity
The Fern Acres Community Association is in full support of the Upper Puna Connectivity
project. It is essential for the common good of all of the residents of upper Puna that we begin to
build points of connectivity between our subdivisions and thereby improve our access to schools,
services, emergency response providers, and our friends and neighbors. Fern Acres supports
creating points of connectivity between our neighboring subdivisions.
Of great importance to the residents of Fern Acres is the creation of an additional ingress/egress
route to and from our subdivision and Highway 11. To that end we support the re -opening of
South Lauko Road as our highest priority. We understand that the County may recommend
additional or alternate roads, Psyzk from Puhala to Highway 1 l and the extension of Puhala to
South Kopua Road. We are supportive of both of these options.
We believe that it is time to seek practical and affordable solutions to the connectivity issues that
face our subdivisions and commend this effort that has brought the voices of Puna residents,
through the Puna Community Development Plan Action Committee to our County Council
representatives and the County Council as a whole.
Mahalo for this work.
Sincerely,
Frank Commendador
President, Fern Acres Community Association