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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0137.000 1996-1998Stephen K. Yamashiro Mayor February 3,1 997 Memorandum TO: FROM: SUBJECT Tonn#v of Pnf aii DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 25 Aupuni Street, Roorn 202 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808)961-8321. Fax (808)961-8630 Dominic Yagong, Chair Committee on Public Works and Parks Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki, Chief Engineer Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki Chief Engineer :',-Jiro A. Sumada f/�>Depdq Chief Engineer Concerns of Francis L. Benevides, Sr., Volunteer Traffic Coordinator Attached is a copy of our response to Mr. Francis Benevides, Sr., whose correspondence were referred to our department for comments and recommendations by the Committee on Human Services and Public Works. The comments correlate with Comm. No. 1307 and list dated 7/30/96 to former Councilman Elroy Osorio. Attach. cc: Mayor kzer, I t�LEB 0 ' 1997 Stephen K. Yamashiro Mayor January 24, 1997 DLTItt J 0{ CM DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 25 Aupuni Street, Room 202 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808) 961-8321 . Fax (808) 961-8630 MR FRANCIS L BENEVIDES SR VOLUNTEER TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR PO BOX 1877 HILO HI 96721 SUBJECT: VARIOUS TRAFFIC AND ROADWAY CONCERNS Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki Chief Engineer Thank you for bringing all your concerns and suggestions to our attention. I apologize for the delay in responding formally to your letters. 1. KALANIKOA OUTLET TO KAWILI Jiro A. Sumada Deputy Chief Engineer This proposed extension has been rigorously explored in the past. By extending Kalanikoa, we would create an intersection halfway between Wiwoole and Holomua with only 140 feet (approximately) between each intersection. This would create a situation with potentially many traffic conflicts. At one time, the State DOT was �^ considering relocating the traffic signal from Kawili to Lanikaula and Kanoelehua (also taking off the median and creating a cross intersection) and converting Kawili to a right -in, right -out intersection. Under this scenario, we would pursue the connection of Kalanikoa, as Lanikaula would become the major thoroughfare. However, because of business opposition, the State is not moving forward with this proposal. We will continue to monitor the ., situation to see if vehicular patterns require this connection in the future. 2. GREEN ARROW AT KILAUEA AND LANIKAULA Due to the traffic volumes at this intersection, we feel that it would be necessary to provide an exclusive left turn lane to implement this, in addition to the two through lanes. To try and cut down the existing 4 lanes to 3 at the intersection would result in a major back-up of traffic during busy periods. We agree that opposing left turn lanes is the most desirable situation at any intersection and are reviewing all new road construction plans accordingly. In the case of Kilauea/Lanikaula, we need to either plan a major intersection improvement and realignment project to upgrade the situation or look at a proposal to make Kilauea and Kinoole into one-way streets. We will be further exploring these options and the utilization of future Federal highways monies to match with local County funds in financing this project. Letter to Francis Benevides, Sr. Page 2 January 24, 1997 3. BICYCLES ON STREETS WITHOUT PROPER REGISTRATION We will send a copy of this letter to the Police Department for their follow-up regarding this concern. 4. MANDATE INSTALLATION OF REFLECTORS ON COUNTY ROADS Our Traffic Division is currently working on the installation of raised pavement markers (reflectors) on all County collector roadways (these are the more heavily traveled roads). There are many County roads which are too narrow to accommodate a centerline and are therefore not able to utilize the raised pavement markers. While we agree that night visibility, especially during heavy rains, is greatly enhanced by these raised pavement markers, a mandate would not be viable unless more resources are available. Besides the cost for the initial installation, these raised markers require monitoring and replacement on a continuous basis. We will make every attempt to continue to utilize and install these raised markers depending on the road situation and the availability of resources. 5. PLANNING OF BAYFRONT BEACH FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES The County Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for planning and implementing any recreational improvements and amenities at the Bayfront Beach area. We will send Mr. George Yoshida, Director a copy of this letter and recommend that you contact him with your specific ideas. 6-. OVERHEAD STREET LIGHTING RECOMMENDATION I have sent your sketches to our Traffic Division for their review and comments. Their initial feedback is that the angling of the streetlight lamp will not markedly affect the coverage. Please feel free to discuss your ideas with them. 7. TWO ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC EMPLOYEES We are in the process of hiring a two-man signing and striping crew and a traffic electrician position for West Hawaii. Approvals for these positions have been secured and we are going through the civil service hiring process. These positions will greatly aid in cutting down travel time for the East Hawaii crews and they will also be able to address the growing traffic demands in West Hawaii. 8. ELIMINATION OF PARKING STALLS ON HUALALAI STREET Our Traffic Division has processed to Council Bill #23 which would eliminate the 4 parking stalls on the Hamakua side of Hualalai adjacent to Hawaii Hardware. This bill passed Council Committee on January 21, 1997. We will be taking action on changing the parking stalls as soon as the bill passes the full Council. Letter to Francis Benevides, Sr. Page 3 January 24, 1997 9. TRIMMING OF TREES ON BANYAN DRIVE The County has been working closely with the hotels along Banyan Drive and the Outdoor Circle in attempting to strike a balance between trimming of the trees and the desire to keep the canopy effect along this major tourist corridor. Since your letter expressing your concern, the County has done some trimming of the trees to "brighten" the area. We have recently received another concern regarding additional tree trimming and will be exploring this shortly. Again, thank you for your continued concern for traffic safety in our community. Please feel free to contact our Traffic Division or my office should ou have any other suggestions. DONNA FAY KIYOSAKI,P. Chief Engineer cc: TRF ENG Police - Traffic Services (see item N3) Parks & Recreation (see item N5) BRIAN 1. DE LIMA COUNTY COUNCfL County of Hawaii Hawaii Cowity Building 25 Aupwit Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 August 13, 1996 TO: Donna Fay K. Kiyosaki, Chief Engineer Department of Public Works FR: Brian De Lima, Chairmani Committee on Public Works Phone: (808) 961-8261 Fax: (808) 969-3291 RE: Correspondence from Francis L. Benevides, Sr., Volunteer Traffic Coordinator Regarding "Items for Persual The Committee on Human Services and Public Works at its meeting of August 8, 1996, considered the above-mentioned communication and referred this matter to you for your comments and recommendation. If you have any questions, please call my Legislative Auditor Assistant, Alapaki Nahale'a at 961-8492. Thank you for your assistance. Attach: Communication No. 1307 cc: Mayor ELROY L L.OSOR10 Jl� vV- �� I.I� 11 �V COOL' [ Y COU)\�CiL County of Hawaii Hawaii County Building 25 Aupuni Sheet Hila, Hawaii 96720 July 19, 1996 TO: Keiko Bonk -Abramson, Chair Hawai'i County Council FROM: Elroy Osorio, Councilmember Hawaii County Council Phone: (808) 961 3263 Fax (808)969-3291 RE: Correspondence date-stamped July 17, 1996 from Francis L Benevides Sr Volunteer Traffic Safety Coordinator Please refer the attached correspondence from Francis L. Benevides, Sr., date-stamped July 17, 1996, regarding "Items for Perusal", to the proper committee for its review and discussion. Thank you. EO:ls cemat. No. i3o� b,z No. 1ZD5 W. Tot H5&PWG aut Dow, -JUL, 9 19%_ CC REC- Jb JUL 17 Fn 2 34 ITEMS FOR PERUSAL ,FFICE -' CLE R,; 1. KALANIKOA OUTLET TO KAWILI. 100 FeeOUH?Y C F Ht:iAll from end of pavement to KAWILI STREET thereby leaving direct flow of traffic from KALANIKOA TO KAWILI and not impeding Traffic flow on LANIKAULA. 2. COURTEOUS GREEN ARROW at intersection of KILAUEA and LANIKAULA because of the very hazardous condition of traffic making a LEFT TURN from KILAUEA into LANIKAULA facing KANOELEHUA. Consideration also on other traffic Lights intersections with a FOUR -LANE HIGHWAY. There have been a few FATALITIES at the corner intersection of KILAUEA andLANIKAULA. 3. Bicycles on streets with apparent non - registration licenswes. Recommend notify the TRAFFIC DIVISION of the POLICE DEPT. to monitor such bicycles on the streets. 4. Have County Council mandate installing of REFLECTORS on streets and highways under COUNTY jurisdiction whenever resurfing is completed.. This will present a better vision especially on night driving especially when it rains as the orange Street Lighting casts a MIRROR on the highway. 5. Complete Planning at the newly -designated BAYFRONT BEACH for recreational activities. Since we are endeavoring to incite more visitors to this COunty and preferably HILO planning should be on a HAWAIIANA Architecture and TROPICAL Exposure to add to the Beauty of HILO and its CHARM. iS i CERELY,_ DONNA KYOSAKI Francis L. Benevides, Sr.' CHIEF ENGINEER VOLUNTEER, TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR TO COUNCILMAN ELROY OSORIO: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PRESENTED FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION, PERUSAL AND POSSIBLE ACTION. 1. ATTACHED HEREWITH ARE TWO SKETCHES OF (1) EXISTING OVERHEAD STREET LIGHTING,AND (2) RECOMMENDED OVERHEAD LIGHTING ON STREETS, ETC. 2. TRAFFIC DIVISION, COUNTY OF HAWAII --- POSSIBLE HIRING OF TWO OR MORE EMPLOYEES TO ASSIST RICHARD NISHIMURA ON TRAFFIC STRIPING, COUNTY OF HAWAII. 3. RECOMMEND ELIMINATE STALLS AT HUALALAI STREET ON THE HAMAKUA SIDE ADJACENT TO HAWAII HARDWARE BUILDING FOR A MORE DIRECT TRAFFIC CONTROL. (SEE ATTACHED SKETCH). 4. REDESIGN KILAUEA/LANIKAULA STREETS TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM. LEFT ENTRANCE FROM KILAUEA INTO LANIKAULA PRESENT A VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITION SINCE MOTORISTS MUST WAIT FOR THE "CURB LANE" TRAFFIC TO CLEAR BEFORE MAKING OR NEGOTIATING A TURN. COURTEOUS GREEN ERRORS ARE RECOMMENDED, OR COMPLETE RE_ DESIGNING. 5. BANYAN DRIVE FROM NANILOA TO HILO HAWAIIAN HOTELS AREA BECOMES VERY DARK ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT DRIVING THROUGH SUBJECT AREA SINCE THE BANYAN TREES ARE CREATING AN OVERHEAD COVER FOR THE STREET. RECOMMEND TRIMMING OF CENTER OF TREES THUS ALLOWING THE SUNLIGHT AT DAY TO MAKE A CLEAR VIEW OF THE STREET, AND ALLOW A BETTER CLEARING AT NIGHT. IN MY OBSERVATION, THIS IS A VERY HAZARDOUS STREET. THE ORANGE - COLORED LIGHTING CREATES A MIRROR ON THE STREET ESPECIALLY ON RAING NIGHTS. CC: MAYOR STEVEN YAMASHIRO DONNA KIYOSAKI, C0[IN- YT ENGINEER 'FRANCIS L. BENEVID , SR. VOLUNTEER, TRAFFIC SAFETY COORDINATOR 7/30/96 I X07// "LEGEND" PROPOSED BETTER 1D()('AFF I,IGHTI ]C S i I Due to the Orange -Colored Lights creating a ^MIRROR -LIKE -VISION^ on the Street especially when i rains. "LEGEND" EXISTING LIGHTING SYSTEM LAMP i r y i r 1 �r 1/2 of Street only{ Lights Up only 1/2 of Street ADDENDUM REFERENCE ITEM 3... UPON CLOSE OBSERVATION, THE WRITEINOTICED, THAT, BECAUSE OF THE PECULIAR TRAFFIC PATTERN EXISTING AT THE "TRAFFIC CORNER" KNOWN AS HUALALAI AND KILAUEA AND THE ORIGINAL AND STILL EXISTING DRIVEWAY ENTERING "BURGER KING" RESTAURANT FROM KILAUEA FACING HAMAKUA, PRIMARY CONCERN IS RECOMMENDED IN NOT ALLOWING THIS HAZARDOUS ENTRANCE. THERE ALSO EXIST FOUR (4) PARKING STALLS ACROSS THE "BURGER KIBG" AND ADJACENT TO THE HAWAII HARDWARE BUILDING FACING HAMAKUA. BY ELIMINATING THE FOUR STALLS WOULD ALLOW CONTINUED TRAFFIC FLOW FROM KILAUEA FACING PUNA INTO HUALALA) AND TRAFFIC FLOW FROM KILAUEA ENTERING HUALALAI FACING HAMAKUA MINIMIZING THE IMPEDING OF TRAFFIC INTO BURGER KING FROM KILAUEA. PRESENTLY THERE EXIST A "BOTTLE -NECK" OF TRAFFIC FLOW FROM KILAUEA INTO HUALALAI FROM BOTH THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF KILAUEA. FURTHER ONSERVATION OF THIS HAZARDOUS TRAFFIC CONDITION, IT IS ALSO NOTED THAT THERE ARE (18) TRAFFIC PARKING STALLS ON THE HAMAKUA SIDE OF HUALALAI FROM THE END OF THE HAWAII HARDWARE BUILDING TO APPROXIMATELY (400) FEET THAT EVEN ON A BUSY TIME ONLY 30% OF THE TRAFFIC USE THESE STALLS. IT IS ALSO APPARENT THAT THE SUGGESTED ELIMINATED FOUR (4) STALLS AS RECOMMENDED ARE BEING USED BY THE EMPLOYEES OF THE HAWAII HARDWARE COMPANY. IT IS NOT NECESSARY THAT THEY USE THESE STALLS SINCE THIS COMPANY DO HAVE THEIR OWN OFF STREET PARKING IN THEIR PREMISES. YOUR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER IS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED. aye KILAUEA AVE. 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