2018-04-02 South Kohala Community Development Plan Action Committee Minutes - FINAL

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Staff Childs called for a vote to appoint Diane Kaneali‘i as Chair. The appointment passed unanimously. Staff Childs then opened the discussion for nominations for the new Vice-Chair for the Action Committee. Committee Member Gordon nominated Julia Alos to be the Vice-Chair. Committee Member Sanborn nominated Ruth Smith to be Vice-Chair. Acting Chair Kaneali‘i moved to close nominations for Vice-Chair. Second by Committee Member Robertson. No objections were heard. Staff Childs asked the Action Committee to vote by a show of hands for both nominees. The nominees tied with 4 votes each [one Committee Member was undecided]. Staff Childs asked the two nominees to give a short description of themselves, and what positive values they hope to bring to their potential role as Vice-Chair of the Action Committee. After each nominee had a chance to speak he called for a second vote by a show of hands. Julia Alos received 4 votes, and Ruth Smith received 5. In conclusion, Ruth Smith was elected Vice-Chair of the Action Committee. 1. Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue Intersection Traffic Safety Improvements. Staff Childs introduced the agenda item and passed out handouts of an aerial-view image of the Waikoloa Road/Paniolo Avenue intersection. He explained that he had asked County Traffic Engineer Ron Thiel to present but that Mr. Thiel was unfortunately not granted approval to attend. According to Staff Childs, Mr. Thiel stated that the Department of Public Works has no current plans for improving that intersection although they are aware of the issue. Staff Childs quoted two segments from the South Kohala CDP which show general support for the issue. General Policy 2: “provide for the transportation and circulation needs of the South Kohala community and for commuters to/from South Kohala.” And CDP Waikoloa Policy 3: “Provide transportation and circulation improvements in a timely manner, including roadways, bikeways, and pedestrian paths, and with very high priority given to the construction of a second access road connecting Waikoloa Village to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.” Committee Member Smith referenced Strategy 3.5 from the SKCDP “Develop a Master Circulation Plan for Waikoloa Village”. She shared some previous community concerns about having a traffic light stop heavy trucks going down the hill which in part has led to a general preference for a roundabout. She explained that the developer of the upcoming shopping center [Meridian Pacific] has no obligation to improve the intersection. Committee Member Alos stated that the developer Waikoloa Highlands did have an obligation to do improvements, however, this obligation was not mentioned when they subdivided their property to provide land for County workforce housing. She suggested contacting the Planning Director for clarity on this issue. Committee Member Gordon shared with the Committee future plans for the military to ramp up their operations in the Pōhakuloa Training Area in a project called Pacific Rim. This would further amplify traffic concerns if military vehicles are to use Waikoloa Road, which is to be expected unless construction of the Saddle Road extension is completed.